South Dakota Mule Deer Hunting
Regulations 2026

Mule deer are the primary deer species of the American West, named for their oversized mule-like ears. Distinguished from white-tailed deer by a black-tipped rope tail, forked antlers that branch equally rather than growing from a main beam, and a characteristic stiff-legged "stotting" gait when alarmed. Coloration is grayish-brown with a white rump patch. Mature bucks average 150-250 lbs. They migrate seasonally between high summer ranges and lower winter habitat, often creating predictable hunting patterns.