How to Draw a Coveted Mule Deer Tag: Insider Tips by State

By Trevor J. Hubbs, Mule Deer Foundation

Drawing a mule deer tag in the West is both art and science. For many hunters, it’s a years‑long commitment that involves understanding complex state draw systems, preference‑ or bonus-point mechanics, and smart application strategy. Whether you’re chasing a trophy buck in Colorado, building points in Wyoming, or playing the lottery in Idaho, each state demands a tailored approach.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of insider strategies for drawing mule deer tags in some of the most coveted mule deer units, along with general principles that apply to any draw season.

Key Principles Before You Apply

1. Know the Application Deadlines & Windows
   Each state has a different draw calendar. Missing a deadline means sitting out an entire year. Use state wildlife agency brochures or reliable third-party tools (like Huntin’ Fool) to mark draw opening and closing dates. Huntin’ Fool+1
2. Understand Point Systems (or Lack Thereof)
   • Preference points (sometimes called “queue points”) reward long-term applicants.
   • Bonus points are often used with a weighted lottery and improve your random draw chances, but don’t guarantee a tag. N-D-O-W+1
   • Some states (like Idaho) are moving toward or already have no point system, meaning each application is more of a pure lottery. Idaho Fish and Game
3. Use Backup Choices
   Never apply for only one hunt area or tag type. Most draw systems let you list multiple (e.g., 2nd, 3rd) choices. Wyoming Game and Fish Department
4. Track Draw Odds and Point Creep
   Study past draw odds, point creep trends, and application statistics. These metrics help you decide whether to apply, hold, or skip a year. Tools like Huntin’ Fool or state draw‑history reports are invaluable. Huntin’ Fool
5. Group Applications Wisely
   Some states allow “party” or “group” applications. Make sure your group size, first‑choice units, and points align so everyone has a strong shot. Wyoming Game and Fish Department
6. Budget and Burn Strategy
   If you’re just building points, target easier draw units. If you want a trophy tag and are ready to “burn” points, know where the high-tier units are and have patience.

Insider Tips by State

Here are tailored strategies for several mule deer strongholds. (Note: draw rules change, so always verify with the most current state wildlife agency or draw guide.)

Colorado

• Preference Point System: Colorado is a true “preference point” state for many mule deer limited-entry units. onX Maps+1
• High-Quality Units Require Patience: Some trophy-quality deer units require 25+ points or more, depending on demand. huunt.com
• Opportunity Units Matter: Not all units are trophy units. Some are managed more for opportunity. If you’re chasing just a mule deer experience (vs 180” class), apply in opportunity or lower‑demand units periodically. 
• Second-Choice Strategy: Use your 2nd (or 3rd) choice license to maintain pressure in less-contested units. If you’re unlikely to draw first choice, don’t waste your backup aspirations.

Wyoming

• 75% of Non‑Resident Tags Use Preference Points: In many deer draws, 75% of the non-resident quota is allocated via the preference-point pool. Wyoming Game and Fish Department
• Three License Choices Allowed: You can apply for up to three different areas or license types on your application; make them strategically different. Wyoming Game and Fish Department
• Building Points Smartly: Nonresidents building preference points should focus on their dream unit, but also submit a secondary choice in a more likely-to-draw area so you don’t waste years without drawing anything.
• Leftover Draw Option: After the primary draws, there is often a “leftover draw” where any unissued tags go into a second opportunity pool. Wyoming Game and Fish Department
• Youth Point Building: Wyoming allows youth to apply for preference points early, helping long-term strategy. Wyoming Game and Fish Department

Montana

• Draw for General-Season Permits: Nonresidents often draw a “Deer Combination” or “Big Game Combination” permit via special drawing. Montana FWP
• Multiple Choices: You can list multiple hunt districts (GMUs) when applying — use one “dream” unit and others as backups. Montana Go
• Outfitter-Sponsored Pool: In some states, Montana offers a portion of non-resident tags via outfitters. Application via this pool may provide different odds vs general draw. Montana Go
• Pay for Points When Needed: If a unit has very low draw odds, building preference points (if allowed) can be worth it—even if it takes years. Huntin’ Fool’s multi-state strategy guide echoes this. Huntin’ Fool

Utah

• Split Permits: For limited-entry deer in Utah, 50% of the tags go to max point holders, and 50% are from a weighted random draw. BACKBONE UNLIMITED
• Point Types: Non-residents use a bonus point system for limited-entry tags. You gain a bonus point each year you apply and don’t draw. BACKBONE UNLIMITED
• Smart Application Order: Since Utah draws in a specific order (their “draw order”), it’s important to know how limited-entry deer fits into that calendar. BACKBONE UNLIMITED
• Balance Between Species: Some successful hunters apply for both elk and deer draws strategically — for example, applying for a less-contested deer unit while building points for a more coveted one.

Idaho

• No Point System for General Deer: Starting in 2026, non-resident general deer (including mule deer) tags are issued through a lottery draw system — no preference or bonus points. Idaho Fish and Game
• Multiple Application Periods: For the new system, there are two application windows for non-residents. Idaho Fish and Game
• Group Applications Allowed: You can apply as a group (up to 4 members), and the group is drawn based on combined quota and availability. Idaho Fish and Game
• Quotas Are Capped: Non‑resident general tags are limited in number; check the quota for your GMU. Idaho Fish and Game+1
• Plan Backup Hunts: Because there’s no point accumulation, having good backup units or seasons is critical to ensure you don’t go years without opportunity.

Nevada

• Bonus Point System: Nevada uses a bonus point system, not a strict preference-point queue. Your chances increase, but there’s no guarantee. N-D-O-W
• Guide Draw vs General Draw:
  • Guide Draw: Restricted to hunters with a guide. These tags can have much better odds, especially if you have bonus points. nevadaoutfitters.org+1
  • General Draw: Open to all, but often much more competitive.
• Squared Bonus Points: In Nevada, your bonus points can be squared in the draw algorithm, giving exponentially better draw position if you have built up several points. Deep Creek Outfitters
• Application Deadline: The main draw application period is set by the Nevada Board of Wildlife — check their official calendar. nvboardofwildlife.org
• Watch Point‑Creep Trends: Study past “Bonus Point and Application Choice” trend reports to understand how many points applicants actually have in your target units. N-D-O-W+1

Putting It All Together: Multi-State Strategy

If you’re serious about drawing a mule deer tag, especially a high-quality one, you might:

1. Build Points in Several States
   Focus on states with preference-point systems like Wyoming or Colorado, but don’t ignore lottery systems like Idaho — they reset every year and offer “fresh start” opportunities.
2. Diversify Unit Choices
   Pick a mix:
   • 1-2 dream units (trophy, high-demand)
   • 1-2 backup units (better odds)
   • Consider multiple weapon types (archery, rifle) if allowed
3. Use Group Applications
   Apply with friends or hunt partners when possible, but coordinate your first/second choices to maximize group success.
4. Be Careful About Burn Strategy
   Decide if you’re willing to burn a bunch of points for a potential “once-in-a-lifetime” tag — or if you prefer to stay conservative and build toward something.
5. Leverage Outfitters When It Helps
   In states like Nevada, a guide‑only draw may dramatically improve your odds, especially if they reserve tags for nonresidents.
6. Track and Re-Evaluate Yearly
   Every draw cycle, review last year’s results, adjust your strategy (units, states, application order), and reset predictable goals (e.g., “Build to 5 points in WY, apply for 2 Idaho units”).

Final Thoughts

Drawing a high-quality mule deer tag isn’t just about luck — it’s about information, consistency, and strategy. By tailoring your approach to each state’s system, building points intelligently, and always having backup plans, you significantly improve your odds of getting drawn.

Remember: every point earned, every application submitted, and every backup choice made is part of a long-term game. You might not get your dream tag right away — but with persistence and smart planning, you’ll increase your chances year after year.

Good Luck!

As always, good luck this fall everyone and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to web@muledeer.org and you could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, consider becoming a member of the Mule Deer Foundation for only $35 dollars a year. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/

Trevor J Hubbs

Trevor is the Communications Manager and Editor for the Mule Deer Foundation and Blacktail Deer Foundation. He grew up hunting and fishing the Ozark Mountains for quail, ducks, and bucks. Now he goes west for mule deer as often as he can draw a tag.