Although not as popular with the masses as the whitetail deer, mule deer are widely considered the top North American trophy.
With an average weight between 130 and 280 pounds, a tendency to inhabit some of the most inhospitable areas, and the ability to hide in plain sight, taking a mule deer is a challenge and reward rolled in one.
To help you determine where to plan what may be a once-in-a-lifetime hunt, we have compiled a list of the 7 best states for mule deer hunting.
7 Best States for Mule Deer Hunting
1. Colorado
Colorado is, without a doubt, the state for mule deer. It is home to a population between 400,000 and 450,000 and has the habitat needed to maintain this number of deer.
The state also has a solid management plan and plenty of public land for hunting. Unfortunately, Colorado operates on a limited permit draw system.
To harvest a trophy muley here, you must start applying and accumulating preference points.
2. Idaho
Idaho may not be as good as Colorado, but it is a close second. Idaho only has a population of approximately ½ that of Colorado but the genetics are outstanding.
This means that although not every deer will be a record breaker, every deer will be respectable. While Idaho does operate a permit draw, no preference points are needed. Plus, there are very liberal numbers of permits available, including 15,000 for non-residents.
3. Arizona
Some may be surprised to see Arizona on this list, especially so high. The population, at only 100,000 deer, is a fraction of other states. The habitat is limited to only a few management areas.
However, true mule deer fanatics know the truth. Trophy deer are taken every season, and the length of seasons allows plenty of opportunities to fill your tag.
Although the state operates on a bonus point system, tags can be difficult to obtain. Some of the Native Tribes offer licenses to hunt reservation property that can be easier to purchase.
4. Wyoming
Although Wyoming operates a complicated license system (some areas require preference points). In contrast, others are straight draws, but it still deserves a spot on any list of the best mule deer states. Why?
First, it is home to some big deer. Not only are 4 of the top 20 of all-time mule deer Wyoming animals. Second, there is plenty of public lands open to hunting. Be prepared to do some hiking, and make sure to apply early.
5. Utah
Utah offers some of the best mule deer hunting in the nation. The herd is more than 300,000 animals and is carefully managed by state authorities. The results are consistently large deer, including several top 10 bucks in the last 20 years.
The only reason it does not rank higher is the bonus point system. It can make it difficult for a non-resident to draw a limited tag unit. The good news is that the odds of success are above average throughout the state, but you may need to settle for a smaller-than-trophy animal.
6. Nevada
In Nevada, everything comes down to the odds. A herd of under 100,000 deer and a point system puts the hunter at a disadvantage.
However, an exceptional management program coupled with a growing number of record mule deer makes it worth the gamble.
A Nevada muley took the world record bow title in 2016 and the 4th largest Boone and Crocket non-typical in 2019.
Although Nevada will never have the number of deer as some surrounding states, it is undoubtedly making its mark on the mule deer hunting world.
7. Texas
The Lone Star state may be best known for whitetail hunting but should not be overlooked when it comes to their cousin, the mule deer. With a herd numbering approximately 250,000 animals, one might think finding a trophy in a state the size of Texas would be the biggest challenge.
The good news is most of the herd is confined to two areas – the deserts of the Trans-Pecos and Panhandle ranges in Western Texas. Many consider the Texas mule deer game to be better than that found in Mexico.
Although a non-resident license only costs $315, many of the best lands are under private lease, meaning you may need to hire a guide or outfitter.
What’s The Cheapest State to Hunt Mule Deer
Nebraska – all you need is a deer permit, suitable for either mule deer or whitetail deer, which costs only $285 (non-resident). Plus, tags are available over the counter. No drawings, no application, and no wondering if your trip is a go. This combination makes it great for last-minute trips as well.
Where are the Biggest Mule Deer in the U.S.
Colorado – with plenty of habitat and sound management practices, it would be expected Colorado would produce giant mule deer. The truth is this state has more big mule deer than any other state, year after year. Boone and Crockett report that 6 of the 30 largest typical and 7 of the 20 largest non-typical were taken in Colorado. It is also home to the current world record.
Bottom Line
After reviewing our list of the 7 best states to hunt mule deer, you may notice your favorite state is missing. In truth, mule deer are found throughout the western and northwestern U.S. Most conditions offer opportunities to fill tags or even harvest trophies.
However, lower populations, limited public land, or expensive, complicated non-resident tag processes can make hunting these states difficult.
While we recommend taking advantage of any mule deer hunting opportunity, the states above offer the best options for big success.
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