The present study investigates the prediction that, given the energy-intensive nature of male courtship and rutting behavior in mule deer, bucks will preferentially mate with those does most likely to breed successfully. Does without fawns in a given breeding season are in better physical condition and are more likely to rear fawns conceived in the current breeding season than are does with fawns. In those cases where both categories of females were present, significantly more courtship behaviors were directed towards does without fawns than towards does with fawns. The consequences of such a choice by bucks are discussed.