Mullen, Nebraska: Deep Sandhills Hunting at Its Most Authentic

Mullen is the Hooker County seat with a population of about 475, making it one of the smallest county seats in Nebraska. Situated deep in the Sandhills, Mullen is surrounded by the largest grass-stabilized dune system in the Western Hemisphere. The Dismal River flows nearby, the Nebraska National Forest is a short drive south, and the ranch country stretching in every direction holds quality deer that see almost no hunting pressure. If you want the real Sandhills experience, Mullen is it.

The Town

Mullen is small, quiet, and unapologetically rural. The town has a gas station, a small grocery store, and a post office. There is one main intersection and not much else in terms of commercial development. The people here are ranchers, and the rhythm of life follows cattle and weather. This is the Nebraska that most people never see, and it is worth experiencing.

Where to Eat

Dining options in Mullen are extremely limited. A small cafe or bar in town may serve food, and the selection varies by season and day. Smart hunters stock up on groceries in North Platte, Broken Bow, or Valentine before making the drive to Mullen. A camp stove, cooler, and a good supply of provisions will serve you well.

Where to Stay

Mullen has a small motel that accommodates hunters during season. The rooms are basic but functional. Some ranchers in the area offer hunting access and lodging through word of mouth or outfitter networks. Camping is an option on public land in the Nebraska National Forest. Be prepared for limited amenities and plan accordingly.

Where to Hunt

The Dismal River corridor near Mullen holds excellent whitetail habitat. The river's cottonwood galleries, cedar-lined banks, and adjacent grasslands create natural funnels that concentrate deer movement. Mule deer inhabit the more open Sandhills terrain on either side of the river.

The Nebraska National Forest (Bessey District) lies about 30 miles southeast of Mullen. At over 90,000 acres, it is the largest hand-planted forest in the United States. The mix of planted pines and native grassland creates diverse habitat for whitetail, mule deer, turkey, and upland birds. Public access is excellent throughout the forest.

Hooker County as a whole is sparsely populated ranch country where deer encounter very few hunters. The county consistently produces quality bucks, particularly whitetails in the 140 to 160 class, simply because the low pressure allows deer to reach maturity.

Why Mullen Is for the Serious Hunter

Mullen is not a destination for hunters who want restaurants, entertainment, and comfortable hotels. It is a destination for hunters who want to disappear into vast, open country and hunt deer that have rarely if ever seen a human on foot. The Sandhills around Mullen are as wild as Nebraska gets. If you value the experience of hunting in truly remote country, Mullen will not disappoint.