Montana Mule Deer Hunting
Plan your Montana mule deer hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by hunting district. 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 Montana, organized by hunting district, and book directly with landowners.
HD 121
Hunt District 121 encompasses a vast region in western Montana, with the Clark Fork River running through its center and the Idaho state line marking its western boundary. In this area, hunters have the option to either backpack into secluded spots or utilize existing logging roads for access.
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HD 215
The East Deer Lodge district encompasses parts of Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, and Powell Counties. It is situated east of Interstate 90, stretching from the community of Garrison in the north to Butte in the south. The eastern third of the district is covered by Helena National Forest, extending from U.S. Highway 12 to Interstate 90. Mule deer are prevalent throughout the area. The western third is largely privately owned, although thousands of acres of public access are available through Wildlife and Block Management Areas.
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HD 291
Located just north of Highway 90, between Drummond and Garrison Junction, this hunting district is celebrated for its trophy mule deer. The area has been effectively managed, providing excellent chances for hunters to pursue truly trophy-sized bucks.
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HD 301
Nestled in the stunning Gallatin Valley, this unit is bordered by the Gallatin River to the west. It offers fantastic hunting opportunities, with breathtaking views. Hunters with this general deer license have an excellent chance to to find bucks during both the archery and the rifle season.
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HD 304
Deer hunting can be done with a general tag in Unit 304. This district encompasses parts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The district is home to a good number of mule deer, with about two-thirds of the population residing on private land. This allows bucks to reach maturity and a few trophy-worthy bucks are harvested in this unit every year.
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HD 312
This district is divided into two distinct hunting areas: the Bridger Mountains, which require a draw tag for hunting district 312-50, and the rest of the unit, which is a general tag. Located just North of Bozeman, this unit is extremely convenient for folks flying in to Bozeman or even driving along I-90. However with that convenience, comes increased pressure at the limited access points of the Bridger Range. Private land or accessing public land through rivate land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley.
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HD 315
This general mule deer unit covers the west slope of the Crazy Mountains and many hunters find success in the area every year. Access to the national forests can be difficult in certain areas, but this unit offers a good opportunity for hunters to pursue trophy-sized mule deer due to the high amount of private land in the area.
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HD 317
This hunting district lies just north of Yellowstone National Park and runs alongside the Yellowstone River. Hunters can pursue both deer and elk in the same season using general licenses for each species.
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HD 320
This district is located in the southwest part of Montana, covering the eastern Tobacco Root Mountain range. The Tobacco Roots lie south of the Jefferson River and north west of Ennis, Montana, and are comprised of steep and rugged terrain. This is a general unit for mule deer hunters. Big game is numerous, with most deer spending the winter on private lands.
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HD 323
This expansive district is located in southwest Montana and encompasses a significant portion of the region. It features several prominent mountain ranges, including the Greenhorn and Gravelly ranges. Mule deer are present int his unit, but in lower numbers than adjacent areas.
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HD 335
Located south of Helena, Unit 335 encompasses the Boulder Mountains and the surrounding foothills west of I-15. This district offers mule deer hunting on an unlimited draw tag. The trophy quality of the deer is generally better on private land, as public land bucks often struggle to reach maturity. Some good mule deer bucks generally come out of the southeast portion of the district.
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HD 380
Unit 380 is a prime location for hunting mature mule deer bucks. It is a permit-only unit, but it boasts impressive harvest numbers and good success rates each year, most of which are harvested later in the year during the rut. Mule deer are widely distributed throughout the district and can be found in good numbers.
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HD 390
Mule deer hunting can be done in Unit 390 with a general tag. Located in west central Montana just northwest of Bozeman, this district is made up of 90% private lands and can be a challenging place to hunt without prearranged access. The remaining 10% of public opportunities are subject to extreme pressure.
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HD 391
Located in central Montana by Canyon Ferry Reservoir, this district provides a diverse hunting experience for all types of hunters. With abundant wildlife populations, excellent access, and a significant amount of public land, it promises a rewarding outing for anyone seeking to hunt in the area.
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HD 393
Mule deer hunting can be done in Unit 393 with a general tag. This district, located in southwest Montana on the east slope of the Bridger Mountains, is renowned for its high population of game animals, both deer and elk. In addition to providing excellent hunting opportunities, it is also renowned for its stunning natural scenery.
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HD 400
This general hunt unit is located in northcentral Montana, with nearly all land being farmed. The best thing about this district is the minimal pressure on wildlife. The land has very little topography; however, some breaks can be found along rivers and creeks.
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HD 404
This general hunt unit is situated in northcentral Montana, where the majority of the land is used for dryland farming. The terrain is relatively flat, with only slight variations in the form of breaks in the landscape along major rivers and creeks. Despite the relatively unvaried topography, this area is known to be home to a number of good bucks.
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HD 410
This hunt district, which is a general unit for mule deer, is located in the picturesque Missouri River Breaks region. It offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, with a large population of mule deer dispersed throughout the area. The greatest concentration of mule deer can be found on private land.
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HD 411
Located in the Snowy and Little Snowy Mountains of central Montana, south of Lewistown, this hunt district is renowned for its stunning natural scenery as well as its exceptional hunting opportunities. This district is also considered an opportunity area for mule deer, with general populations evenly dispersed throughout the region, with the majority of does and young bucks found on private land at lower elevations.
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HD 412
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Mule deer can be hunted in this district using a general tag, and the population of these animals has remained strong in recent years.
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HD 413
This district is found in central Montana just south of Great Falls. Excellent opportunities can be found in this district, especially since the unit is a general tag for mule deer. In general, hunters can expect a fun hunt in this district with good chances for a great experience and harvest.
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HD 417
This hunting district is located on the western edge of the Missouri River Breaks, on the south side of the Missouri River. The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend significant time glassing the landscape. Mule deer can be hunted with a general deer license in this district.
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HD 419
This hunt district is situated in the central part of the state, west of Lewistown. It is characterized by long grass plains, with no mountainous terrain. Mule deer can be found throughout the district, with the majority found on private land. This is a general unit for mule deer.
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HD 426
This district is situated in central Montana, just south of the Missouri River and west of the renowned “Missouri River Breaks.” While it isn’t officially part of the “Breaks,” it shares similar habitat characteristics, albeit with more agricultural land compared to the neighboring districts to the east. The landscape features extensive agricultural fields and cattle pastures, interspersed with long, rugged drainages that descend into expansive river bottoms. This area is well-regarded for its trophy mule deer.
View HD 426 detailsHD 445
This district is positioned just south of Great Falls in west-central Montana, forming the northern part of the Big Belt Mountain Range. Although the hunting habitat largely consists of private lands, access is notably good thanks to the Block Management Program and willing landowners. However, this area is not specifically managed for trophy-quality animals.
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HD 502
This hunt district, located in south central Montana, is almost entirely composed of private land and is a general unit for deer hunting. There are also good numbers of mule deer in this district.
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HD 515
Unit 515 is situated in south central Montana, northwest of Billings and north of Columbus. This general unit is bordered by the Musselshell River to the north and the Yellowstone River to the south. This district is home to a significant population of mule deer, with a high number of these animals being harvested each year during both the archery and rifle seasons, which are both general seasons. While mule deer numbers are lower than their historical averages, there is still ample opportunity to hunt these animals in any part of the district.
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HD 535
Unit 535 is located in central Montana, north of Roundup and south of Winnett. It is bounded by the Musselshell River on the south and east, and is mostly private land. The Big Snowy Mountains are located just to the north, while the Little Snowy Mountains are in the northwest corner of the unit. This unit is a draw unit for mule deer with good opportunities for a buck throughout the unit.
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HD 575
This expansive district is located between the Beartooth Mountains and I-90 in south-central Montana. Most of the area consists of riparian cattle lands and farmland, with limited public hunting options. Deer hunting is accessible with a general tag.
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HD 590
Unit 590 is located east of Billings and south of Roundup, and includes the Bull Mountains to the north of the Yellowstone River and Pine Ridge to the south of the river. The mule deer population in this unit is strong, although the numbers are lower than their historical highs. Mule deer can be found throughout the district and can be hunted with a general tag.
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HD 600
This district is found in north-central Montana, occupying a vast and remote area between Montana Highway 2 to the south and the Canada-US border to the north. Mule deer are present throughout the district, with higher concentrations near private agricultural fields and brushy creek beds. While most of the prime hunting habitat is on private land, access can be quite good for those friendly hunters.
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HD 621
Situated on the north side of the Missouri River, this rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend considerable time observing the landscape through their optics.
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HD 630
Unit 630 is a general tag for mule deer hunters. If you are seeking a classic prairie mule deer hunt with good chances of finding a good buck, this district in northeastern Montana may be the perfect place for you. Located just north of the Missouri River Breaks, this district offers an enjoyable hunt with good deer numbers and decent trophy potential.
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HD 640
Located in northeastern Montana, this hunting district provides good hunting opportunities for mule deer and whitetail, with a number of mature bucks taken annually. The region is predominantly agricultural land with some scattered coulees. Unit 640 is a general tag area for deer hunters.
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HD 650
Unit 650 is a general tag area for deer hunters in northeastern Montana. If you are hoping to hunt mule deer in this district, you can expect good chances of success and a decent opportunity to find a trophy buck.
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HD 670
Unit 670 is located in Montana's Hi-Line region and is predominantly made up of prairie and river bottom habitat, which supports a large deer population. This unit can be hunted with a general tag. In past years, some good deer have been taken in this district towards the end of the rifle season. While giant bucks are not common in this region, they can occasionally be found, particularly when the weather is bad in Canada. The district as a whole has good mule deer numbers and overall quality.
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HD 690
This hunting district is located in the northcentral part of the state and includes the Bears Paw Mountain Range, which is located north of the Missouri River and south of the town of Havre. The Rocky Boy Indian Reservation is situated within the district, which presents challenges for both hunters and game managers. There are some good mule deer bucks to be found in the unit, which can be hunted with a general tag.
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HD 700
Hunt District 700 is located in eastern Montana, in the region known as the Missouri River Breaks. This district offers not only excellent hunting opportunities, but also stunning scenery. This general district is known as an opportunity area for mule deer, with a few larger bucks potentially taken each year, due to the high level of hunting pressure on public lands.
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HD 701
Located in east central Montana on the northern side of Miles City, this general hunting district offers good opportunities for mule deer hunting, with high numbers of deer and some nice bucks taken each year. This district has one of the highest mule deer harvests in the state, with over 500 animals taken annually. Bucks with four points or more on each side are common, and the trophy potential is good.
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HD 702
This hunting district is situated between the Bighorn River and the Tongue River in southeastern Montana. While the area is predominantly private land, it does support some quality game. Hunters can easily access this unit for day trips from either Billings or Miles City with just a short drive.
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HD 703
This southeastern Montana hunting district offers not only excellent hunting opportunities, but also breathtaking scenery. Both deer and elk can be hunted in both the archery and rifle seasons with a general tag in this region.
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HD 704
Located between the Tongue and Powder rivers, this hunt district is a beautiful place to hunt with a mix of rolling prairies, large sagebrush flats, forested timber buttes, and steep river breaks. Mule deer can be found all throughout this general unit
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HD 705
Located in the southeast corner of Montana, Hunt District 705 is bordered by the Powder River to the west. This is a general unit for deer hunting. Whitetail and mule deer are scattered throughout the district.
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Montana Mule Deer Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Backcountry Archery
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backcountry – HDs 150, 280, 316; HD 316 does not have an Archery Only Season
Archery
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Backcountry General
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Statewide Two-day Hunt
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Youth hunters
The F&W Commission is allowing two additional days to provide a hunting opportunity to encourage youth participation in deer hunting.
Two-day Hunt Only
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Youth hunters
General
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Heritage Muzzleloader
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Montana Mule Deer Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer B License | OTCOpens June 15, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $10.00 |
Over-the-counter. Antlerless only. Valid in specific district(s). Purchase beginning June 15. | |||
| Deer B License | DrawDeadline June 1, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $15.00 |
Drawing only. Antlerless only. | |||
| Deer Permit | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $5.00Includes $5.00 application fee |
Drawing only. Application fee only. Permit must be used in conjunction with General deer license. Residents must have current year General deer license to apply. | |||
| General Deer License | OTC | Ages 18–61 | $16.00 |
| General Deer License | OTC | Disabled hunters | $8.00 |
| General Deer License | OTC | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | $8.00 |
| Sportsman's with bear | — | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $79.50 |
Sportsman's Combination Includes Deer, Elk, State Lands, Upland Bird (excluding turkey) & Season Fishing Licenses. $8.00 or $4.00 Conservation License, $10.00 fee for the Base Hunting License and $2.00 AISPP fee are also required. | |||
| Sportsman's without bear | — | Ages 18–61; Disabled hunters | $64.50 |
Sportsman's Combination Includes Deer, Elk, State Lands, Upland Bird (excluding turkey) & Season Fishing Licenses. $8.00 or $4.00 Conservation License, $10.00 fee for the Base Hunting License and $2.00 AISPP fee are also required. | |||
| Sportsman's without bear | — | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | $32.25 |
Sportsman's Combination Includes Deer, Elk, State Lands, Upland Bird (excluding turkey) & Season Fishing Licenses. $8.00 or $4.00 Conservation License, $10.00 fee for the Base Hunting License and $2.00 AISPP fee are also required. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Game Combination - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $1,312.00 |
Big Game Combination: Includes General Deer, General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses. For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Big Game Combination - College Student | — | College student | $656.00 |
Certification required for nonresident students attending a Montana college full-time. For information call 406-444-2950. License available at any FWP office beginning Sep. 9. | |||
| Big Game Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | — | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | $656.00 |
For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| NR Big Game Combination License | — | Native | $656.00 |
The NR Big Game Combination includes General Deer, General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing Licenses. For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Deer B - Drawing | DrawDeadline June 1, 2026 | — | $80.00 |
Antlerless deer | |||
| Deer B - OTC | OTCOpens June 15, 2026 | — | $75.00 |
Purchase beginning June 15. | |||
| Deer B (OTC) | OTCOpens June 15, 2026 | Native | $37.50 |
Antlerless deer. Must first be certified as a Nonresident Native to receive discounted price. | |||
| Deer Combination - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $760.00 |
Deer Combination: Includes General Deer, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses. For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Deer Combination - College Student | — | College student | $380.00 |
Certification required for nonresident students attending a Montana college full-time. For information, call 406-444-2950. License available at any FWP office beginning Sep. 9. | |||
| Deer Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | — | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | $380.00 |
For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| NR Deer Combination License | — | Native | $380.00 |
The NR Deer Combo has everything except Elk (includes General Deer, Upland Bird excluding turkey, and Season Fishing Licenses). For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Deer Permit - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $5.00Includes $5.00 application fee |
Nonresidents must also apply for a Deer License when applying for a Deer Permit. A permit must be used in conjunction with a General Deer License. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer and Elk Combination License (without bear) | — | Ages 0–17; Youth hunters; Under 18; Terminally ill | $0.00 |
Free one-time license under MCA 87-2-805. Minimum age and hunter education requirements may be waived for this license. | |||
| SuperTag | DrawDeadline June 30, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Resident and nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of $5 chances to win a Montana hunting license for antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, and mountain lion. Deadline to purchase SuperTag chances is June 30. Each SuperTag license allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species, even if the quota for that district has been met. | |||
| SuperTag License | DrawDeadline June 30, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Each SuperTag License allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species. Chances are sold electronically at all FWP License Ambassadors or via fwp.mt.gov. Unlimited number of $5 chances per species may be purchased by June 30. | |||
| SuperTag License | Draw | — | $5.00 |
Resident and nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of $5 chances to win a Montana hunting license for antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, and/or mountain lion. An individual may be successful in winning one or a combination of these SuperTags per year. Each SuperTag license allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species. Chances are sold electronically at all FWP license ambassadors or via the internet. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Deer B License (resident and nonresident over-the-counter) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Sales begin June 15, 2026. General Deer License (resident over-the-counter) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Availability depends on the hunt, so check the current regulations before purchasing.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt mule deer in Montana. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Applications are due April 1, 2026. Deer B License (nonresidents; draw or over-the-counter, depending on the hunt) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Applications are due June 1, 2026. Sales begin June 15, 2026. Deer Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Applications are due April 1, 2026. Deer Permit (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License, Conservation License, and General Deer License. Applications are due April 1, 2026. Check the current regulations for the license and hunt you plan to pursue.
Deer Permit applications are due April 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents. Deer B License applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
Montana’s 2026 mule deer season dates are approximate and vary by season. The season includes Backcountry Archery from September 5 through September 14, 2026, Archery from September 5 through October 18, 2026, Backcountry General from September 15 through November 29, 2026, Statewide Two-day Hunt from October 15 through October 16, 2026, Two-day Hunt Only from October 15 through October 16, 2026, General from October 24 through November 29, 2026, and Heritage Muzzleloader from December 12 through December 20, 2026. Check the regulations for your unit for exact dates and requirements.
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- Montana Mule Deer HD 121
- Montana Mule Deer HD 215
- Montana Mule Deer HD 291
- Montana Mule Deer HD 301
- Montana Mule Deer HD 304
- Montana Mule Deer HD 312
- Montana Mule Deer HD 315
- Montana Mule Deer HD 317
- Montana Mule Deer HD 323
- Montana Mule Deer HD 335
- Montana Mule Deer HD 380
- Montana Mule Deer HD 390
- Montana Mule Deer HD 391
- Montana Mule Deer HD 393
- Montana Mule Deer HD 400
- Montana Mule Deer HD 404
- Montana Mule Deer HD 410
- Montana Mule Deer HD 411
- Montana Mule Deer HD 412
- Montana Mule Deer HD 413
- Montana Mule Deer HD 417
- Montana Mule Deer HD 419
- Montana Mule Deer HD 426
- Montana Mule Deer HD 445
- Montana Mule Deer HD 447
- Montana Mule Deer HD 502
- Montana Mule Deer HD 506
- Montana Mule Deer HD 515
- Montana Mule Deer HD 535
- Montana Mule Deer HD 575
- Montana Mule Deer HD 590
- Montana Mule Deer HD 600
- Montana Mule Deer HD 621
- Montana Mule Deer HD 630
- Montana Mule Deer HD 640
- Montana Mule Deer HD 650
- Montana Mule Deer HD 670
- Montana Mule Deer HD 690
- Montana Mule Deer HD 700
- Montana Mule Deer HD 701
- Montana Mule Deer HD 702
- Montana Mule Deer HD 703
- Montana Mule Deer HD 704
- Montana Mule Deer HD 705
- Montana Mule Deer HD 320
- Montana Mule Deer HD 413 Deer
- Montana Mule Deer HD 400 Bear