18 | Big Game Info: 402-471-0641
MULE DEER CONSERVATION AREA
Mule deer populations have declined in some units due to habitat conversion to row crops and brainworm
disease. Those issues and increased demand for mule deer permits required a change to permit structure
in 2012. The Mule Deer Conservation Area comprises the Buffalo, Frenchman, Platte, Pine Ridge and
Republican deer management units.
Permit Fee
Resident: $44* Nonresident: $342*
*Includes $7 nonrefundable application fee for draw permits
Season Dates
Nov. Firearm: Nov. 15 – 23, 2025 Archery: Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2025
Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – 31, 2025
Permit Name Quota Bag Limit Special Unit Restrictions 2024 Sell-Out Date
Buffalo MDCA* 800 1 AD
2
Yes, see below R: July 14; NR: Draw
Frenchman MDCA** 1,200 1 AD
2
Yes, see below Draw
Pine Ridge MDCA* 900 1 AD
2
Yes, see below R: Sept. 1; NR: Draw
Platte MDCA** 700 1 AD
2
Yes, see below Draw
Republican MDCA* 50 1 AD
2
Yes, see below
R: July 18; NR: Draw
Private Land Only Pine Ridge
MDCA
150 1 AD
2
Not valid on land open to
public access
Oct. 13
RESTRICTIONS:
• No person may obtain more than one MDCA permit.
• Statewide muzzleloader and nonresident archery permits are not valid for mule deer in the MDCA.
• Statewide resident archery permits are valid for mule deer and are available all season.
* Draw permit for nonresidents; 15% of permits allocated to nonresidents
** Draw permit for residents and nonresidents; 15% of permits allocated to nonresidents
See table abbreviations on page 13.
Additional Antlerless Only Season Choice Units
