The 5 Best States for Mule Deer Hunting: Where to Book Your Next Hunt

If you are thinking about your next mule deer hunt, where you go matters just as much as when and how you hunt. Each state in the West offers something different. Some are known for easy access and flexible seasons. Others offer remote backcountry challenges or limited-entry trophy potential. The right destination depends on your goals, your gear, and how much work you are willing to put in.

This guide highlights five of the best states for mule deer hunting. Each one stands out for a reason. Whether you are looking for big country solitude, a shot at a mature buck, or a place you can hunt nearly every year, you will find a good fit here.

Take a closer look at what makes these states unique. With the right plan, you can turn this season into one of your best yet. Let’s find out which state fits your hunt.

Nevada: The Ultimate DIY Backcountry Challenge

If you want a mule deer hunt that feels truly wild, Nevada delivers. This state offers vast, rugged terrain where solitude is the norm and mature bucks still slip through the cracks. Drawing a tag here is not easy, but when you do, the payoff is a one-of-a-kind backcountry experience.

Nevada’s mountain ranges stretch across remote high desert landscapes. You will need to hike, glass, and work hard for your deer. The terrain can be steep and dry, but it rewards those willing to go the distance. With fewer hunters in the field, deer can reach older age classes, offering trophy potential for those who put in the effort.

Here is what makes Nevada stand out:

• Expansive, remote terrain ideal for glassing and long hikes

• Low hunter density and quiet landscapes

• Tags are tough to draw but worth the wait

• Bucks often found in high alpine basins early and lower sagebrush late

• A true DIY hunter’s dream with serious trophy potential

If you enjoy the challenge of hunting deep, remote country on your own terms, Nevada should be on your list. Come prepared to work hard, and you might just find the buck of a lifetime.

Utah: A Blend of High-Desert and Alpine Trophy Country

Utah gives you a rare chance to hunt mule deer across some of the most varied terrain in the West. From the alpine ridges of the Uinta Mountains to the red rock canyons of the south, this state offers a range of landscapes that match any hunting style.

You can choose to chase velvet bucks in late-summer high country or glass red rock draws for rutting deer in the fall. Utah’s season structure and tag system let you adapt your hunt to your preferences. General tags are accessible, and for those after true giants, the limited-entry units are among the best in the country.

What makes Utah stand out:

• Diverse terrain from alpine peaks to desert cliffs

• Good mix of general season access and trophy units

• Early-season archery and mid-fall rifle options

• Strong habitat and herd management programs

• Chance to hunt both mountain and canyon country in one season

If you want variety, flexibility, and a real shot at a mature buck, Utah delivers. Plan ahead, know your unit, and be ready to shift with the deer. This is a state that rewards hunters who pay attention to terrain and timing.

Nebraska: Easy Access and Open Country Opportunity

Nebraska may not be the first place you think of for mule deer, but it offers a surprisingly strong hunt with simple logistics and plenty of opportunity. If you want a tag without the wait, this is a state worth considering.

Much of Nebraska’s mule deer country lies in the western part of the state. You will find wide-open grasslands, rolling Sandhills, and rugged breaks that provide great glassing and spot-and-stalk potential. It is a different kind of mule deer experience—one built on accessibility, not altitude.

Nebraska is especially appealing if you are a DIY hunter looking for flexibility. Over-the-counter tags are available for archery and muzzleloader, and rifle tags are easy to draw. The seasons are generous and allow you to hunt the rut with a bow or during prime time with a firearm.

What makes Nebraska stand out:

• Easy-to-get tags, including OTC options

• Long archery and muzzleloader seasons

• Classic prairie and farmland mule deer habitat

• Good access through public and walk-in programs

• Perfect for short-notice or first-time western hunts

If you want a straightforward, rewarding mule deer hunt, Nebraska offers great value with less red tape. Grab a tag and hit the prairie.

Colorado: The Heart of Mule Deer Hunting

If you are looking for consistency, access, and options, Colorado is hard to beat. This state has more mule deer tags, more terrain variety, and more public land than any other. Whether you are chasing meat or a mature buck, Colorado gives you a good shot at success.

You can choose to hunt high alpine basins early in the season or focus on foothills and sagebrush flats during the rut. Colorado’s hunting structure makes it possible to get a tag almost every year if you plan smart with preference points and second-choice applications.

It is a great state to build experience. The more time you spend in Colorado’s hills, the better you will understand mule deer behavior and seasonal movement. Many hunters start here and keep coming back.

What makes Colorado stand out:

• Large mule deer population and broad public access

• Variety of terrain from alpine to lowland

• Solid preference point system with regular draw options

• High success rates during rifle seasons

• Multiple season dates to fit your schedule and hunting style

If you want dependable opportunity and a chance to hunt every year, Colorado is the place to start. It is the classic mule deer state for a reason.

Montana: Wide-Open Freedom and Long Seasons

Montana gives you room to breathe and time to hunt. With its mix of prairie breaks, mountain foothills, and rolling coulees, this state offers a wide range of mule deer country. What sets Montana apart is the freedom it gives you to hunt on your own terms.

You get a long season and access to huge tracts of land through public and private walk-in programs. The general tag system makes it possible to hunt most of the state without waiting years to draw. You can choose to hike ridgelines, glass badlands, or set up near travel corridors in open country.

Montana’s style rewards flexibility. If deer are not where you expect, you can move to a new spot without starting over. It is a state for the self-reliant hunter who likes to adapt and keep moving.

What makes Montana stand out:

• Long rifle and archery seasons for more time in the field

• Vast hunting areas with minimal crowding

• Access to private lands through Block Management Areas

• Variety of terrain for different hunting styles

• Flexible general tag system with solid draw options

If you want a hunt that feels wide open, Montana lets you chase mule deer your way, all season long.

Let Us Help You Book the Right Mule Deer Hunt

Choosing the right state is only part of the planning. Finding a trusted guide who knows the land and can get you access to quality ground is what makes the difference. That is where we come in.

At Urge2Hunt, we connect you with vetted outfitters in top mule deer states like Nevada, Utah, Nebraska, Colorado, and Montana. We focus on private land hunts with reliable tag options so you can hunt this year, not wait on a draw. Many of our hunts include landowner tags or guaranteed access.

You also get personal support. We help you pick the right hunt for your goals, walk you through tag applications, and assist with travel or payment plans if needed. Whether you are after your first mule deer or a mature buck in trophy country, we are here to make it simple.

Reach out and let’s start planning.