The Best Times for Mule Deer Hunting (2025)

The most obvious difference between mule deer and white-tailed deer is their large ears, which earned them the nickname "mule" deer. To add one of these trophy bucks to your collection and more deer meat to your freezer, you need to understand how and when to hunt them. 

When are the best times for mule deer hunting? Keep reading for our expert insights!

Updated October 3, 2025

What Are Mule Deer? 

Mule deer are a species of deer native to western North America, named for their large, mule-like ears. These deer are easily recognized by their black-tipped tails, forked antlers, and distinctive bounding gait called “stotting.” 

Mule deer typically inhabit open plains, foothills, and mountainous regions, feeding on shrubs, grasses, and forbs. They are most active during dawn and dusk and are a popular game species among hunters for their elusive nature and impressive antlers.

And yes, they are different from whitetail deer!

When is Mule Deer Season?

Depending on the state you plan to hunt for that big mule deer buck, season dates will vary. 

However, it generally runs from early fall through late winter. 

Archery season often begins in August or September, followed by rifle and muzzleloader seasons in October and November. The peak hunting period usually aligns with the rut, when bucks are more active and visible. Always check local wildlife regulations for exact season dates and permit requirements, as they can differ by region and management unit.

Early Season Hunting (August – September)

This period marks the start of archery season in many areas, when bucks are still in velvet and following predictable feeding patterns. This is an excellent time to hunt because deer are less pressured, often visible in open country, and can be patterned around feeding and bedding areas. Spot-and-stalk hunting works well in this warm-weather phase.

Remember that when hunting early in the season, warm temperatures can make scent control challenging. Long hikes in open terrain require good optics, patience, and stealth, so make sure you've prepared during the off-season with the right gear and conditioning.

Rut Hunting (Late October – December)

When is the mule deer rut? It typically peaks in November, though timing can vary by region.
Like whitetail hunts, the rut is when mule deer bucks are highly active and less cautious as they search for does. This activity makes them more visible and easier to locate during daylight hours. You'll often see mature bucks that are otherwise nocturnal.

Just know that during this time of year, the weather can be cold and unpredictable. Plus, deer movement may be influenced by hunting pressure. Using scents, rattling, and grunt calls can be especially effective during this period.

Other Times to Hunt

Early season and the rut are great times to hunt mule deer, but don't count out some other excellent hunting opportunities. 

• Mid-Fall Transition (Late September – Early October): During this time, bucks begin shedding velvet and shifting from summer to fall ranges. Movement patterns change as they become more cautious and nocturnal. Scouting (using HuntWise) and trail cameras are key during this unpredictable phase to help you track deer movement and plan the right times to be in the field. 
   
• Late Fall Staging (Late November – Early December): After the rut, bucks focus on recovering from the breeding season. They feed heavily in sheltered areas and move less during daylight. This can be an excellent time to target older bucks using post-rut feeding patterns near thick cover.

No matter when you plan to hunt, use HuntWise to scout, map your hunt areas, and hunt around weather and animal movement forecasts!

What to Consider When Hunting Mule Deer

From scouting and tracking to calling, hunters must combine skills and knowledge for success when hunting mule deer. When planning a day in the field, learning where to find them is crucial, including the terrain, deer movements, and ideal weather conditions. 

Doing plenty of research and prep work also helps you know the best times for mule deer hunting so you can plan your hunt. 

The Ideal Location

From the Great Plains to the Mexican border, the habitats of mule deer are as vast as they are wide. 

Mule deer tend to live in arid, rocky environments and thrive in areas of plentiful shrub growth with a wide variety of plant species. Western Colorado, Northern Arizona, and Southern Utah tend to have the highest populations of mule deer. 

The Solunar Calendar 

According to a theory laid out by John Alden Knight in 1926, animal movement can be affected by the position and fullness of the moon. Applying this theory to wild game can help you predict their movements and locations for a successful hunt. 

So, does the moon impact mule deer movement? Most hunters will say "yes," but during any phase of the moon, deer are still out there. The trick is to use the right tools and resources to plan your hunt around their behavior. 

For example, deer may be more likely to feed at night when a full moon delivers plenty of light. If they feed at night, they will likely not leave their beds to feed again until midday. 

With the HuntWise app, you can use our HuntCast feature to choose the best days to hunt in mule deer areas based on real-time movement predictions. 

The Time of Year

The best time of year to hunt mule deer depends on your hunting technique. 

If you're an archer, the best time will fall in the late summer season (again, usually August-September in most states). However, for rifle hunters, hunting is better later in the season, typcially late October-December.

Be sure to check with the local regulations for specific open season dates for bowhunting vs. rifle hunting. 

Many hunters also prefer hunting mule deer during the rut (highlighted above) when bucks are active throughout the day. To optimize your time in the field during the rut, use the RutCast feature in the HuntWise app.  

The Time of Day

The best time of day to hunt mule deer is in the first hours of the morning when the deer feeding throughout the night can be seen heading back to their bedding areas. To prepare, set up your blind the night before or even earlier in the morning so you're ready when deer come through 

The Temperature

Similar to other deer species, mule deer are the most active during the coolest parts of the day, including the early morning and evening hours. So, depending on how early your season opens for hunting mule deer, you can take advantage of cooler late summer and early fall mornings to spot bucks on the move. 

However, waiting until later in the season can be challenging to find deer moving around. As the temperatures drop during late fall into winter, mule deer bed down for longer periods of time to stay warm. 

Barometric Pressure

Deer are extremely sensitive to changes in weather. 

When the barometric pressure begins to fall, signaling an oncoming storm front, deer movement rapidly increases as they seek shelter. Likewise, after a storm passes, deer are ready to get out and find food. 

So, before or after a storm can be a prime time to get out there and tag out.  

General Weather Conditions

Deer understand the dangers of severe weather conditions and will take shelter at the threat of a storm. You probably don't like hunting in bad weather, either.

So, hunting for mule deer during days of calm weather is typically better. However, humidity can also affect their movement, as deer prefer humidity between 40 and 50 percent. 

Choose the best weather days for your hunt with the forecasting features in HuntWise. 

The Wind 

Like other deer species, mule deer have an acute sense of smell, making wind the most important factor to consider when planning a stalk. Be prepared to change locations frequently to ensure you are always downwind from deer activity.

HuntWise and the WindCast feature help you plan your approach to your stand and hunt based on changing wind directions. Use the wind to your advantage so deer can't smell you coming. 

Use HuntWise to Find the Best Times for Mule Deer Hunting 

As the season approaches, being prepared can help you get a head start on other hunters. Using the tips we've provided today and the HuntWise app can also help you get ahead of the mule deer you plan to hunt! 

From understanding the wind to the weather and the rut, HuntWise can help you plan the best days to get out in the field for a successful hunt. 

Download the HuntWise app and try it for free for a week!

Content most recently reviewed and updated October 3, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We have answers to questions about mule deer hunting! 

Q: What is the best time to hunt mule deer?

A: Early morning and late evening are the best times to hunt mule deer, especially during the rut (late October to mid-November) when bucks are most active.

Q: What is the 7-day rule for bucks?

A: The “7-day rule” refers to the idea that a mature buck typically returns to the same area about every seven days during the rut. This offers hunters a predictable pattern for stand or glassing setups.

Q: What is the golden hour for hunting?

A: The golden hour is the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset, when deer are most active and lighting conditions are ideal for spotting and shooting.

Q: Do mule deer migrate?

A: Yes! Many mule deer migrate seasonally between summer and winter ranges. They typically move to higher elevations in the summer for food and cooler temperatures, then migrate to lower elevations in the winter to avoid deep snow and find easier access to food.