North Dakota Deer Population:  An estimated 296,000 deer in 2024 with 280,000 whitetails, estimated with hunting data, and 16,000 mule deer in the badlands - a state estimate.. The state estimated a decline in the badlands mule deer population in 2025, down to 14,700.  An estimated 292,000 deer in 2023 with 276,000 whitetails and 16,000 mule deer in the Badlands. A harsh 2022-23 winter reduced the mule deer population from a state estimate of 23,300 in 2022. but habitat loss has been a major factor in the population decline since 2006.  About 305,000 deer in 2022, down from 363,000 deer in 2021 and about 520,000 in 2010.  


North Dakota Deer News