Non-typical mule deer are available in 1.3
Update 1.3.0.215031, released on October 14, 2026 for Steam, PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, introduced non-typical mule deer. The older launch FAQ describes them as in development; the later release announcement confirms their arrival. Check your installed build rather than relying on an old preview or assuming every store has updated at the same time.
Mule deer are the species confirmed for this update. More species are planned, but that is not a current list of huntable non-typicals.
Inspect the antlers, not just the star rating
Look for extra antler points, irregular shapes or other unusual antler features when inspecting mule deer. A rare coat or high star rating alone does not identify a non-typical trophy.
The 1.3 known-issues list specifically says non-typical mule deer trophies do not correspond with Fitness. Do not use a minimum Fitness percentage as a reliable non-typical filter.
Start with discovered mule deer zones
In New Laurentia, use the species filter to find mule deer groups and inspect their discovered feeding, drinking and resting zones. The animal-locations guide includes a feeding-zone example west of the main lodge near Wetiko Foothills. Read the times in your own map, approach quietly and inspect individual animals with binoculars.
That is a place to begin looking for mule deer, not a fixed non-typical spawn. No verified spawn rate, guaranteed route, sleep count or minimum age is established here. Keep ordinary herd management separate from a promise that a particular non-typical will appear.