Mature mule deer bucks have antlers with main beams that sweep outward and upward, forking once and then forking again. Mature bucks typically have 4 or 5 points on each side, often including brow tines. The antlers are shed and re-grown each year.
The gestation period for pregnant does is 189 to 210 days and typically one or two fawns are born to each doe. Twins are common in does after their first pregnancy. Fawns are born in late May through early July.
Tracks
Height: 1-4 inches long
Width of track: .75-2.5 inches
Stride length: Walking - 13-26in, trotting - 29-56in
Heart shaped
Mule Deer Wyoming Distribution
The mule deer’s native range spans throughout western North America, as far north as the coastal islands of Alaska and as far south as Mexico. In Wyoming, mule deer are found from the lower elevation sagebrush deserts and creek bottoms to above timberline in the mountains. Common habitats range from salt desert shrublands to alpine tundra.
Mule Deer Wyoming Population graph
The estimated statewide population of mule deer sits just under 400,000. Also, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has increased focus on mule deer conservation through the Mule Deer Initiative, which brings together local stakeholders to develop on the ground actions intended to benefit mule deer in select herds.
Mule Deer Where to find and view
Mule deer can be found in nearly all Wyoming habitats. Viewing opportunities are likely near Saratoga, Cody, Kemmerer, or Newcastle in the winter/fall timeframe.