Seasons Mule deer
Mule deer hunting seasons in BC, 2026–2028
General open seasons for mule deer in British Columbia, 2026–2028, region by region, from the hunting and trapping regulations synopsis. 9 of 9 regions have a general open season.
Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Region 7A Region 7B Region 8
Region 1 · Vancouver Island
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-15 | Antlerless | Aug 25 – Sep 9 | Bow only | Special antlerless areas only (Maps A1, A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32): Saanich Peninsula/Gulf Islands and Sidney and James Islands (MU 1-1); special shotgun or bow only portions of MUs 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6 and 1-15. Not on the Gulf Islands in MU 1-1 except Gabriola Island (Valdes, Sidney and James Islands have no bow season), not in zone B of MU 1-5, not on Denman or Hornby Islands Not on the Gulf Islands in MU 1-1 (except Gabriola Island), in zone B of MU 1-5 (Map A12) or on Denman and Hornby Islands (MU 1-6): no bow only season there |
| 1-1, 1-5, 1-6 | Bucks | Aug 25 – Sep 9 | Bow only | MUs 1-1, 1-5, 1-6 except where there is no bow only season: the Gulf Islands in MU 1-1 (Gabriola Island is open), zone B of MU 1-5 (Nanaimo River Camp, Map A12), Denman and Hornby Islands (MU 1-6) If in the Iron River/Oyster River portion of MU 1-6 (Map A26): buck has two points or greater; keep antlers with species licence |
| 1-1, 1-5, 1-6 | Antlerless | Aug 25 – Sep 9 | Youth hunters only. Bow only | MUs 1-1, 1-5, 1-6 except where there is no bow only season: the Gulf Islands in MU 1-1 (Gabriola Island is open), zone B of MU 1-5 (Nanaimo River Camp, Map A12), Denman and Hornby Islands (MU 1-6). In MU 1-6 youth antlerless may be limited to the Map A26 area Bag limit for antlerless deer taken in the youth only or youth bow only season is one. |
| 1-2 to 1-4, 1-7 to 1-15 | Bucks | Aug 25 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 1-2, 1-4 | Antlerless | Aug 25 – Sep 9 | Youth hunters only. Bow only | Bag limit for antlerless deer taken in the youth only or youth bow only season is one. |
| 1-1 to 1-5, 1-7 to 1-15 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Dec 10 | Any licensed hunter | Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
| 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-15 | Antlerless | Sep 10 – Dec 10 | Any licensed hunter | Special antlerless areas only (Maps A1, A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32): Saanich Peninsula/Gulf Islands and Sidney and James Islands (MU 1-1); special shotgun or bow only portions of MUs 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6 and 1-15. Valdes Island (MU 1-1, Map A1) is open for antlerless only Nov 1 - Nov 10; Denman and Hornby Islands (MU 1-6) only Oct 5 - Dec 10 On Denman and Hornby Island the season date is Oct 5 to Dec 10. Bag: only two antlerless deer from Special Areas. Not on Denman or Hornby Island (MU 1-6) before Oct 5: season there is Oct 5 - Dec 10 Not on Valdes Island (MU 1-1) outside Nov 1 - Nov 10: Map A1 gives Valdes Island a Nov 1-10 antlerless deer season Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
| 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-5 | Antlerless | Sep 10 – Dec 10 | Youth hunters only | Bag limit for antlerless deer taken in the youth only or youth bow only season is one. Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
| 1-6 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Oct 4 | Any licensed hunter | MU 1-6 except Denman and Hornby Islands (closed there until Oct 5) On Denman and Hornby Island the season date is Oct 5 to Dec 10. If in the Iron River/Oyster River portion of MU 1-6 (Map A26): buck has two points or greater; keep antlers with species licence Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
| 1-6 | Antlerless | Sep 10 – Dec 10 | Youth hunters only | MU 1-6: the table lists all of MU 1-6, but Map A26 is captioned as the Iron River/Oyster River two point (and Youth Only antlerless) area, so youth antlerless may be limited to that portion Bag limit for antlerless deer taken in the youth only or youth bow only season is one. Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
| 1-6 | Bucks | Oct 5 – Dec 10 | Any licensed hunter | On Denman and Hornby Island the season date is Oct 5 to Dec 10. If in the Iron River/Oyster River portion of MU 1-6 (Map A26): buck has two points or greater; keep antlers with species licence Not using a firearm in the Conuma Watershed (Map A29, MU 1-12; bow only for all big game); no rifle in MU 1-1 except on Valdes, Sidney and James Islands; shotgun or bow only in the Firearms Using Shot Only areas (Maps A10, A13, A14, A19, A20, A32, A37) |
Synopsis p. 21
Bag limits, Region 1: Deer: mule (black-tailed) deer bag limit is 3, of which only two may be antlerless from Special Areas and only two may be bucks; antlerless deer taken in the youth only or youth bow only season (MUs 1-1, 1-2, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6) limit is one. Mountain goat 1, black bear 2, wolf 3, cougar 2 (p. 21). Grouse: daily bag 5 each of blue (sooty) and ruffed grouse, possession 15 each.
Region 2 · Lower Mainland
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-16 | Either Sex | Jan 1 – Jan 15 | Bow only | Bowen Island portion of MU 2-16 only (see Notice to Hunters) |
| 2-2 to 2-19 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 2-16 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Dec 15 | Bow only | Bowen Island portion of MU 2-16 only (see Notice to Hunters) |
| 2-2 to 2-4, 2-6 to 2-8, 2-13 to 2-15, 2-17 to 2-19 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Dec 15 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 2-5, 2-12 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | Bag limit for mule deer bucks Sept 10 - Nov 30 in MUs 2-5 and 2-12 is one. |
| 2-9 to 2-11 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 2-11 | Antlerless | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Youth and senior hunters only | Only portions of MU 2-11 (Maps B15 and B20); almost entirely private land |
| 2-16 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Dec 15 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 2-16 | Antlerless | Oct 21 – Oct 31 | Youth hunters only | |
| 2-16 | Antlerless | Nov 5 – Nov 20 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 2-16 | Antlerless | Nov 5 – Dec 5 | Bow only | Bowen Island portion of MU 2-16 only (see Notice to Hunters) |
| 2-16 | Either Sex | Dec 16 – Jan 15 | Bow only | Texada Island portion of MU 2-16 only |
Synopsis p. 28
Bag limits, Region 2: Deer: unless otherwise indicated, the bag limit for mule (black-tailed) deer is 2, one of which may be antlerless. On Bowen and Texada Islands (MU 2-16) the deer bag limit is 3(2) (p. 28). Grouse: daily aggregate 10, possession 30.
Region 3 · Thompson-Nicola
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-12 to 3-14, 3-17 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-31, 3-34 to 3-44 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Youth hunters only | |
| 3-12 to 3-14, 3-17 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-31, 3-34 to 3-44 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 3-15, 3-16, 3-32, 3-33 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 3-12 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-44 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 3-46 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 20 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 3-12 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-44, 3-46 | Bucks | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 3-12 to 3-20, 3-26 to 3-44, 3-46 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Dec 10 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
Synopsis p. 34
Bag limits, Region 3: Deer: aggregate 3. Mule (black-tailed) deer 1 (antlerless mule deer by LEH only). White-tailed deer 2, either sex. Moose 1. Bighorn sheep 1. Black bear 2. Wolf 3 in MUs 3-12 to 3-16, 3-18 to 3-20; no bag limit in 3-17, 3-26 to 3-44. Cougar 2 (p. 34). Grouse (dusky, spruce, ruffed): 5 each daily (15 each possession); daily aggregate 10, possession aggregate 30.
Region 4 · Kootenay
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-3 to 4-5, 4-20 | Either Sex | Jan 5 – Jan 31 | Any licensed hunter | Only portions of MUs 4-3 to 4-5 and 4-20 (see Map D27 - Cranbrook Deer Hunt) Cranbrook Deer Hunt: any deer (white-tailed or mule, antlered or antlerless); bag limit for this hunt is one deer, in addition to regional bag limits; hunters must not exceed the provincial bag limit of 3 deer. |
| 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Youth hunters only | |
| 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 4-1 to 4-9, 4-14 to 4-40 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 10 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
Synopsis p. 39
Bag limits, Region 4: Deer: aggregate 2; mule (black-tailed) deer 1; white-tailed 2, one may be antlerless and one may be a buck. One additional deer (either species, antlered or antlerless) may be taken in the Jan 5-31 Cranbrook Deer Hunt (Map D27); provincial limit of 3 deer. Elk 1, moose 1, mountain goat 1, black bear 2 (p. 39). Wolf: no bag limit in MUs 4-5 to 4-8, 4-17, 4-18, 4-20, 4-27 to 4-31, 4-33, 4-37 to 4-40; 3 elsewhere (p. 39). Cougar: 2, except 1 in MUs 4-1 to 4-5, 4-9 to 4-27, 4-32 to 4-37 and 4-40. Grouse (dusky, spruce, ruffed): daily aggregate 5, possession 15.
Region 5 · Cariboo
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-1 to 5-3, 5-7 to 5-9, 5-12 to 5-14 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 5-4, 5-5, 5-6, 5-15 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Any licensed hunter | See Definitions section: Mule (Black-tailed) deer. The antlers must accompany the species licence. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 5-1 to 5-6, 5-10 to 5-15 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | See Definitions section: Mule (Black-tailed) deer. The antlers must accompany the species licence. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 5-7 to 5-9 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 5-1 to 5-15 | Bucks | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 5-1 to 5-6, 5-10 to 5-15 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Nov 10 | Any licensed hunter | See Definitions section: Mule (Black-tailed) deer. The antlers must accompany the species licence. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 5-1 to 5-6, 5-10 to 5-15 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 21 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | See Definitions section: Mule (Black-tailed) deer. The antlers must accompany the species licence. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 5-1 to 5-6, 5-13, 5-14 | Bucks | Dec 1 – Dec 10 | Bow only | |
| 5-8, 5-11 | Bucks | Dec 1 – Dec 24 | Bow only | Tweedsmuir Park Bow Only Area only (Map E17; area straddles the MU 5-8/5-11 boundary near Hwy 20 / Hotnarko-Atnarko rivers); table footnote: a portion of MU 5-11 only. Tweedsmuir Park No Hunting Areas (Map E16) excluded |
Synopsis p. 44
Bag limits, Region 5: Deer: mule (black-tailed) deer 2, only one may be a buck (antlerless mule deer by LEH only). White-tailed deer 2, only one may be a buck. See also the Deer Bag Limits article on p. 14. Bighorn sheep 1, mountain goat 1, black bear 2, cougar 2 (p. 44). Wolf 3, except no bag limit in MUs 5-1 to 5-6, 5-12 to 5-15. Grouse: Sooty/Dusky (Blue) 5 daily (15 possession); Spruce & Ruffed 10 (30); daily aggregate 10, possession aggregate 30 (p. 44).
Region 6 · Skeena
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12, 6-13 | Bucks | Jun 1 – Feb 28 | Any licensed hunter | Haida Gwaii (MUs 6-12, 6-13): deer bag limit 15, possession limit 5. |
| 6-1 to 6-11, 6-14, 6-15, 6-30 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 6-12, 6-13 | Antlerless | Sep 1 – Feb 28 | Any licensed hunter | Haida Gwaii (MUs 6-12, 6-13): deer bag limit 15, possession limit 5. |
| 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-9, 6-30 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | Mule deer hunters are strongly encouraged to submit a front incisor tooth and antler photo to a Skeena Ministry office (Notice to Hunters, p. 49). Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 6-3, 6-10, 6-11, 6-14, 6-15 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-9, 6-30 | Bucks | Oct 1 – Oct 19 | Any licensed hunter | Mule deer hunters are strongly encouraged to submit a front incisor tooth and antler photo to a Skeena Ministry office (Notice to Hunters, p. 49). |
| 6-1, 6-2, 6-4 to 6-6 | 4 Point Bucks | Oct 20 – Nov 15 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 6-7 to 6-9, 6-30 | 4 Point Bucks | Oct 20 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 6-3, 6-10, 6-11, 6-14, 6-15 | Bucks | Dec 1 – Dec 10 | Bow only | |
| 6-7 to 6-9, 6-30 | 4 Point Bucks | Dec 1 – Dec 10 | Bow only | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 6-10, 6-11, 6-14, 6-15 | Antlerless | Dec 1 – Dec 10 | Bow only |
Synopsis p. 50
Bag limits, Region 6: Mule (black-tailed) deer: 2 (possession 2), only one a buck and only one antlerless; in MUs 6-12 and 6-13 the bag limit is 15 and possession limit 5. White-tailed deer: 2, only one a buck and one may be antlerless. Moose 1. Elk 1. Thinhorn sheep 1. Mountain goat 1. Black bear 2 (MUs 6-12 and 6-13: 1 per licence year). Wolf 3. Cougar 1. Grouse: daily aggregate 10, possession 30 (MUs 6-12 and 6-13: daily 5, possession 15) (pp. 49-51).
Region 7A · Omineca
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-2 to 7-18, 7-23 to 7-30, 7-37 to 7-41 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 7-12 to 7-14, 7-24, 7-25 | Antlerless | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Youth hunters only. Bow only | |
| 7-2 to 7-18, 7-23 to 7-30, 7-37 to 7-41 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 7-2 to 7-11, 7-15 to 7-18, 7-23, 7-26 to 7-30, 7-37 to 7-41 | Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Youth hunters only | |
| 7-2 to 7-11, 7-15 to 7-18, 7-23, 7-26 to 7-30, 7-37 to 7-41 | Bucks | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 7-12 to 7-14, 7-24, 7-25 | 4 Point Bucks | Oct 1 – Nov 15 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 7-12 to 7-14, 7-24, 7-25 | Either Sex | Oct 1 – Oct 19 | Youth hunters only | |
| 7-2 to 7-11, 7-15 to 7-18, 7-23, 7-26 to 7-30, 7-37 to 7-41 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
Synopsis p. 57
Bag limits, Region 7A: Deer: mule (black-tailed) deer 1; white-tailed deer 2, only one of which may be a buck and one antlerless (see also Deer Bag Limits article p. 14). Moose 1, elk 1, bighorn sheep 1, thinhorn sheep 1, mountain goat 1, black bear 2, wolf no bag limit. Cougar 2 in MUs 7-2 to 7-8, 7-16 to 7-18, 7-23; 1 in MUs 7-9 to 7-15, 7-24, 7-25 (p. 57). Grouse: daily aggregate for blue (dusky), spruce (Franklin) and ruffed is 10, possession 30.
Region 7B · Peace
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-20, 7-21, 7-32 to 7-35, 7-44 to 7-47 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Bow only | Bag limit for mule deer bucks is one. |
| 7-19, 7-36, 7-42, 7-48 to 7-52, 7-57, 7-58 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Oct 5 | Any licensed hunter | Bag limit for mule deer bucks is one. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 7-43 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Oct 5 | Any licensed hunter | Western portion of MU 7-43 only (Map H22) Bag limit for mule deer bucks is one. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 7-20 to 7-22, 7-31 to 7-35, 7-44 to 7-47, 7-54 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | Bag limit for mule deer bucks is one. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 7-43 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Nov 30 | Any licensed hunter | Eastern portion of MU 7-43 only (Map H23) Bag limit for mule deer bucks is one. Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
Synopsis p. 62
Bag limits, Region 7B: Deer: combined bag limit 2. Mule deer 1 (bucks only, 1). White-tailed deer 2, only one a buck and one antlerless. Per the season table (pp. 62-63): moose 1, elk 1, bighorn sheep 1, thinhorn sheep 1, mountain goat 1, black bear 2, wolf 3, cougar 2. Grouse: daily aggregate 10 for dusky (blue), spruce and ruffed combined; possession aggregate 30.
Region 8 · Okanagan
| Units | What | Season | Who | Also check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8-1 to 8-15, 8-21 to 8-26 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | Youth hunters only | |
| 8-1 to 8-15, 8-21 to 8-26 | Bucks | Sep 1 – Sep 9 | Bow only | |
| 8-1 to 8-11, 8-21 to 8-26 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Sep 30 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 8-12 to 8-15 | 4 Point Bucks | Sep 10 – Nov 10 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
| 8-1 to 8-11, 8-21 to 8-26 | Bucks | Oct 1 – Oct 31 | Any licensed hunter | |
| 8-1 to 8-11, 8-21 to 8-26 | 4 Point Bucks | Nov 1 – Nov 10 | Any licensed hunter | Buck meets the 4-point definition Antlers must accompany the species licence |
Synopsis p. 68
Bag limits, Region 8: Deer: aggregate 3. Two deer may be antlerless but only one antlerless deer of each species. Mule deer 1 (antlerless mule deer by LEH only). White-tailed deer 2, only one a buck and one antlerless. Grouse: daily aggregate 5.
Seasons are from the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis 2026-2028 as transcribed by Huntable. This page is a summary, not legal advice or a licence. It leaves out Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) seasons, area-specific maps and in-season changes: always read the synopsis pages listed and check gov.bc.ca/hunting before you go. Spot a mistake? Tell us.