North Dakota Mule Deer Hunting
Plan your North Dakota 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 North Dakota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
North Dakota Mule Deer Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Bow
–
Archery
Statewide. Opens Sept. 4 (12 noon). Orange clothing required of all bow hunters and those accompanying apprentice license holders during Deer Gun season.
Special -bow Herd Reduction
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Archery
Concurrent Deer-Bow Herd Reduction Seasons for any antlerless deer. Opens at 12:00 (noon) Central Time in conjunction with deer bow season, closes 30 minutes after sunset January 3. Areas include public and privately owned land. Access permits may be required in specified management zones.
Youth Deer
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Youth hunters
Statewide. 11-, 12-, and 13-year-olds - any antlerless deer legal. 14- and 15-year-olds - any deer legal. Special license required for mule deer except in units 4A-4F. Orange clothing required for youth hunter, their mentors and those accompanying apprentice license holders.
Gun
–
All Units. Opens Nov. 6 (12 noon). 16 1/2 Day Season. Restricted to type of deer and unit on license. Orange clothing required for gun hunters and those accompanying apprentice and youth license holders.
North Dakota Mule Deer Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Bow License | — | Ages 0–15; 15 and younger | $10.00 |
| Deer Bow License | — | 16 or older | $35.00 |
| Deer Gun License | Draw | — | $35.00 |
1st lottery. Deer gun licenses are issued by lottery. | |||
| Deer Gun License | Draw | Ages 0–15; 15 and younger | $10.00 |
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Gun | Draw | Ages 0–15; Ages 15 and younger | $350.00 |
| Deer Gun | Draw | Ages 16+; Ages 16 and older | $355.00Includes $5.00 application fee |
Includes a $5 nonrefundable application fee. After second lottery is held, a nonresident deer gun license is $55, if available. Application fee is nonrefundable. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
North Dakota's approximate 2026 mule deer calendar runs from September 4, 2026, through January 3, 2027. Bow season runs September 4–January 3, youth deer season runs September 18–27, and gun season runs November 6–22. License type, unit restrictions, and orange-clothing requirements vary by season.
Yes. Nonresidents can apply online through a draw for a North Dakota Deer Bow License that includes mule deer. State law allocates 15 percent of the current year's total mule deer licenses to nonresident any-deer bow licenses.
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