🦌 Fall Outlook: Mule Deer Numbers in Nebraska & Across the U.S.

Nebraska: A Glimmer of Recovery

Mule deer hunters in Nebraska should prepare for a mixed bag this fall.

According to the 2025 Deer Hunter Survey from Nebraska Game & Parks, mule deer populations remain lower than historical averages. Firearm harvest rates dropped again—down 2% from 2023, and 24% below the five-year average—while antlerless mule deer harvests fell 10% from the previous year. Despite this, there’s a notable uptick in buck harvest success in the western regions, hinting at early signs of stabilization.

“We are cautiously optimistic. Reduced quotas are helping these herds, but recovery takes time,” – Nebraska Game & Parks official.

Hunter success rates statewide were just 34.6%—among the lowest in decades. Antlerless tag numbers have been cut by more than 60% since 2020, signaling an aggressive strategy to help herds bounce back.

Across the Nation: Widespread Pressure on Herds

Mule deer numbers are trending downward across much of their range:

• North Dakota: Aerial surveys show stable populations, but fawn-to-doe ratios (57:100) remain too low for long-term growth.

• Colorado & Wyoming: Some of the West’s most iconic herds have suffered significant declines due to habitat loss, harsh winters, disease (EHD & CWD), and predation.

• California & Idaho: Mule deer numbers vary by region, but habitat fragmentation and human encroachment are ongoing challenges.

The Mule Deer Foundation continues to champion habitat improvement, migration corridor protection, and public education efforts as essential tools to reverse these trends.

🏹 Archery Tips for Hunting Mule Deer in Open Country

With numbers down, every stalk matters—especially if you're hunting with a bow. The Mule Deer Foundation outlines key techniques to boost your odds this season:

1. Glass Smart — Then Move Slowly

Start your day behind good optics. Mule deer often bed mid-morning on ridges or near patches of cover. Once you locate a buck, resist the urge to move in fast. Watch his body language. Plan a route that uses terrain to your advantage (cut banks, folds, creek beds).

“Patience kills. Rushing blows stalks.” – Mule Deer Foundation Pro Staff

2. Wind is Everything

Mule deer live and die by their nose. Use wind-checkers constantly. If the wind shifts, back out—don’t push it. One wrong gust and your stalk is over.

3. Use Natural Cover

Unlike hunting timber, the open country gives you fewer natural blinds. Make use of:

• Sagebrush

• Yucca

• Washouts

• Shadow lines

Stay low, move slow, and avoid skylining yourself on ridges.

4. Stalk in Socks

When you get within 100–150 yards, ditch your boots. Thick socks or dedicated stalking booties let you move nearly silently. It’s the difference between a blown stalk and a broadside shot.

5. Pre-Range Landmarks

Range identifiable objects like rocks or stumps near your target area before the shot. That way, when the buck stands, you’re not scrambling for a reading.

6. Stay Mentally Sharp

Open-country archery hunts are grueling. You might blow 4 stalks before connecting. Stay focused and optimistic.

🌾 Final Word: Respect the Herd, Hunt with Intention

With mule deer populations strained in many regions, including Nebraska, hunters play a critical role. Every tag filled (or not) impacts future herd health. Practice selective harvest. Report sightings. Get involved with conservation efforts like the Mule Deer Foundation or National Deer Association.

Let this fall be not just about filling a tag—but protecting a legacy.