The country
Roughly 150,000 privately owned acres along the Cheyenne River drainage, north and south of Wall. Cedar-covered hills, steep draws and open ridges — semi-rough terrain that rewards glassing.
South Dakota Mule Deer Hunts
Four days of rifle hunting for heavy-antlered muley bucks in the cedar breaks north and south of Wall — the same country our hunters have hunted for sixty years.
$5,250 + tax · 4 days
Nov 14–17 & Nov 20–23, 2026
95–100% opportunity
The hunt
Cedar draws, river breaks, and bucks that live there
Dakota Safaris has been providing trophy mule deer experiences since 1965. Our area encompasses approximately 150,000 acres of privately owned land north and south of Wall, South Dakota, along the rugged Cheyenne River drainage. The hills and draws of these river breaks are ideal mule deer habitat — cedar covered slopes, brushy pockets and long open ridges to glass from. These are the bucks’ natural romping grounds, and they have been hunted by Dakota Safaris hunters for six decades.
We guarantee an opportunity at a four point on one side or better, with a success rate of 95–100% consistently. Our philosophy, shared by the ranchers whose land you hunt, is to take only a few of the big ones each year and thereby preserve a vigorous herd — so we do not promote shooting anything less than a four-point buck, western count.
During your hunt you are not likely to see another hunter outside your own party. Your guide is a rancher or ranch hand who knows the terrain and the hideouts where the wall hangers live, and hunting transportation is in four-wheel-drive vehicles so you can get into the heart of the rough country.
What a mule deer hunt looks like
How we hunt
Spot and stalk, or sit and watch. If you like to walk there is plenty of that; if you would rather conserve energy your guide can put you on a strategic point or drive you into position.
Your guide
Ranchers and ranch hands who know this ground — the terrain, the water, and the hideouts where the wall hangers spend daylight. One guide stays with your party all week.
A day in camp
Picked up pre-dawn, hunting hard through legal light, then back to a catered gourmet meal in the evening. Special beef cuts and steaks have always been a priority with our hunters.
Mule deer — 4-day rifle hunt
Per hunter, plus tax
$5,250
- Additional days — $500 per day
- Non-hunting ride-alongs — $500
- Lodging, all meals and guiding included
- Four-wheel-drive hunting transportation
- $1,500 non-refundable deposit after you draw; balance due October 15
Dates & licensing
| Rifle week 1 | November 14–17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Rifle week 2 | November 20–23, 2026 |
| Season opener | Usually the 2nd Saturday in November |
| License | Lottery draw; apply from April |
| Best odds | Apply for the “special buck” |
All big game rifle licenses in South Dakota are selected by lottery, and we send applications to every client with a confirmed booking. Details on the draw are on our licenses & draw page, and current rules are at gfp.sd.gov.
Answers
Mule deer hunting FAQ
How much is a guided mule deer hunt?
A 4-day guided mule deer rifle hunt is $5,250 plus tax. Additional days are $500 per day and non-hunting ride-alongs are $500. A non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is due after you draw your license, with the balance due October 15.
What size bucks should I expect?
We guarantee an opportunity at a buck that is four points on one side or better, western count, and our success rate runs 95–100% consistently. One Dakota Safaris deer made the Boone & Crockett record book in 2010.
When are the 2026 rifle dates?
November 14–17 and November 20–23, 2026. In this part of South Dakota the rifle season usually opens the second Saturday in November.
How physically demanding is the hunt?
As demanding as you want to make it. The semi-rough terrain of the river breaks is ideal for sitting and spotting or for walking and stalking, and your guide will match the pace to you.
What rifle and gear should I bring?
A rifle in the .30/06 class with scope and sling, ammunition, binoculars, a camera, hunting boots, clothing for variable November weather, a thermos and personal items. Our What To Bring page has the full list.
Will I be hunting near other parties?
No. The 150,000 acres are reserved exclusively for our hunters, and during your 4–5 day hunt you are not likely to see any other hunters except those in your own party.
Can a non-hunter come along?
Yes. Ride-alongs are $500 and stay in camp with the party, eat the same meals, and can ride with the guide during the day.
Two rifle weeks. A handful of hunters.
Get your deposit in early — our facilities are limited and both November weeks fill from returning hunters.