Kansas Mule Deer Hunting
Plan your Kansas mule deer hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land mule deer hunts across Kansas, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Unit 1
Located in the northwest region of the state bordering Nebraska and Colorado, Unit 1 is known for its excellent mule deer hunting. The area is diverse, with a mix of rough draws, hilly rangeland, dry rolling farms, irrigated farms, and brushy creeks with tree-lined banks.
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Unit 2
Located in the high plains region and bordering Colorado and Interstate 70 to the north, Unit 2 offers excellent hunting opportunities for mule deer. The landscape is a blend of prairies, dry farms, creek bottoms, and farmland - great habitat for a muley!
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Unit 5
This unit stretches along both sides of the Arkansas River from Ness to Great Bend and almost to Hutchinson. Mule deer are less common in this region with small populations scattered throughout.
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Unit 17
Unit 17 encompasses Hamilton, Kearny, and Finney counties, as well as parts of 14 other counties. Located on the high plains, this unit borders Colorado and is mostly made up of wide-open grasslands, dry farms, and irrigated crop fields. The area supports lower numbers of mule deer, who make their home primarily on private lands.
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Unit 18
This arid prairie unit in the southwestern corner of the state is home to whitetail and mule deer. The land in this region is generally flat to slightly rolling, though there are some hilly areas that are not suitable for farming. There are also a few cliffs that overlook the Cimarron River, which is the main drainage for the area.
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Kansas Mule Deer Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
17 Or Younger
–
Youth and disabled hunters; 17 or younger
Muzzleloader
–
Archery
–
Regular Firearm
–
Kansas Mule Deer Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery Either-Species | — | — | $42.50 |
| Landowner/Tenant Archery Either-Species | — | Landowner; Tenant | $22.50 |
| Youth Archery Either-Species | — | Ages 0–15; Youth hunters; 15 and younger | $12.50 |
| Firearm Either-Species | — | — | $52.50 |
June application. | |||
| Landowner/Tenant Firearm Either-Species | — | Landowner; Tenant | $32.50 |
June application. | |||
| Youth Firearm Either-Species | — | Ages 0–15; Youth hunters; 15 and younger | $22.50 |
June application. | |||
| Hunt-Own-Land Any-Season Either-Species | — | — | $22.50 |
| Muzzleloader Either-Species | — | — | $42.50 |
| Landowner/Tenant Muzzleloader Either-Species | — | Landowner; Tenant | $22.50 |
| Youth Muzzleloader Either-Species | — | Ages 0–15; Youth hunters; 15 and younger | $12.50 |
| Special Hunt-Own-Land Any-Season Either-Species | — | — | $42.50 |
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nonresident Tenant Either-Species Firearm | — | Tenant | $97.50 |
June application. | |||
| Hunt-Own-Land Either-Species | — | — | $87.50 |
| Nonresident Tenant Hunt-Own-Land Either-Species | — | Tenant | $87.50 |
| Mule Deer Stamp | — | — | $150.00 |
April application. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Kansas mule deer seasons generally run from September 6 through December 31, 2025. Approximate dates are September 6–14 for youth hunters 17 or younger, September 15–28 for muzzleloader, September 15–December 31 for archery, and December 3–14 for the regular firearm season.
Yes. Nonresidents can apply online for an archery or muzzleloader White-tailed Deer Combo Permit by April 24, 2026. Hunters who draw a permit for DMU 1, 2, 17, or 18 may also apply for a limited Mule Deer Stamp; if drawn, it converts the permit to an either-species/either-sex permit for the applicable method.
Yes, for residents. Kansas residents can buy Archery or Muzzleloader Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permits over the counter through December 31, 2025. The archery permit is valid statewide during archery season. Nonresident mule deer access uses the draw process.
Kansas mule deer deadlines depend on residency and method. Nonresident archery and muzzleloader combo permit applications are due April 24, 2026. Resident Firearm Either-species/Either-sex Deer Permit applications are due June 12, 2026. Applications are submitted online.
No. Kansas has both draw and over-the-counter mule deer opportunities. Residents can buy archery and muzzleloader either-species/either-sex permits over the counter through December 31, while resident firearm permits use a draw. Nonresidents use the draw for archery or muzzleloader combo permits and may need a limited Mule Deer Stamp to convert the permit for mule deer.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering mule deer hunts in Kansas.
