South Dakota Mule Deer Hunting
Plan your South 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 South Dakota, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
South 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.
Archery
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Mentored
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Youth hunters
Black Hills
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Custer State Park
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West River
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East River
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Muzzleloader
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East River
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Only antlerless deer tags are valid during this period.
West River
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Only antlerless deer tags are valid during this period. Gregory County has different season dates; see the deer application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mule deer season in South Dakota runs approximately from September 1, 2025 through January 1, 2026, with archery available throughout that period starting September 1 and mentored hunting beginning September 13. Black Hills and Custer State Park seasons run from November 1 through November 30, West River season runs from November 15 through November 30, and East River season runs from November 22 through December 7. Muzzleloader season runs from December 1 through January 1, 2026. From December 13 through December 21, only antlerless deer tags are valid in East River and West River, with Gregory County having different season dates as detailed in the deer application.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering mule deer hunts in South Dakota.
Data Sources
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