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The behavior of startled desert mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus eremicus) has been described, but distances moved after being startled have not been reported. We located 8 radio-collared deer (6 females, 2 males) for 8 mo, intentionally approaching them afoot until we startled them, waited 15 min, and relocated them (<= 90 min). The deer were startled and relocated 56 times. Mean time elapsed between startling and relocation was 34.5 min (SE = 3.9 min). Mean distance moved was 893.2 m. When researchers disturb mule deer before obtaining data describing movement or habitat use, they should abandon their attempts for 24 It to avoid bias in those data.