Saskatchewan has two well sought after species of deer. The Whitetail Deer and the Mule Deer. You can learn more about the differences between these two on our Know Your Species page.
The territorial ranges of these species overlap. Whitetail can be found in many southern areas of the Province and reaching up well in to the Parklands and Northern Boreal Forest. Mule Deer are very common in the southern half of the province. Their territory does not reach as far north as Whitetail deer. It is extremely important to be able to tell the two species apart as separate hunting licenses are required for each and eligibility rules are different.
Only a Saskatchewan resident may purchase a Mule Deer license in Saskatchewan. Mule Deer hunts are not offered via hunting outfitters. Season dates do vary significantly by Wildlife Manage Zone (WMZ), antler vs antlerless, and weapon type so it is best to check the Saskatchewan Government Hunting Guide for specific details as information here may be out of date. As of the time of this article the seasons generally are:
Draw Antlered Mule Deer
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, archery
Oct. 1 – 31, muzzleloader and crossbow
Nov. 1 – 14, rifle
Draw Antler-less Mule Deer
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, archery
Oct. 1 – 31, muzzleloader and crossbow
Nov. 10 – Dec. 7, rifle
All Canadian residents are eligible to apply for the Whitetail Draw licenses. A non-Canadian resident is not eligible to apply for the draw licenses. Hunting Whitetail Deer is permitted if using the services of a licensed hunting outfitter for Saskatchewan Residents, Canadian Residents, and non-resident hunters. This last license is known as the Guided License.
The outfitter whitetail hunting territories are primarily located in the northern half of the province, along the farmland / forest fringe area, and further north. This season opens for archery and muzzle loader earlier than rifle season but most outfitters only offer the week prior to rifle season for these specific weapons. Hunters are permitted to hunt with bow, muzzleloader or crossbow during rifle season.
Saskatchewan Resident Regular Season (*note: does not apply to all WMZs)
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, archery
Oct. 1 – 31, muzzleloader and crossbow
Nov. 15 – Dec. 2, rifle
Guided Whitetail Deer (for most WMZs where Outfitters operate)
Sept. 1 – Oct. 31, archery
Oct. 1 – 31, muzzleloader and crossbow
Nov. 1 – Dec. 7, rifle
For Canadian resident Whitetail draw dates and zones and weapons, the combinations are too numerous to list here so please go check the Saskatchewan Government Hunting Guide for information.