I need a little help with mule deer units in NM. I have already applied for elk but need a good mule deer unit to apply for. Lots of public land is a requirement and I would most likely hunt unguided. I've read about 2B and know it is good. As such, it must be hard to draw. Anyone know the approximate Non-resi odds? Any other really good units I should consider? I want a quality hunt with a good chance at mature bucks and it's OK if the draw odds are slim. I don't necessarily need to hunt New Mexico this year or any year soon. I've got patience, just need a place to start. Thanks.
New Mex muley units
- Thread starter BigPig
- Start date
N
NMHUNTNUTT1
Guest
BigPig , according to last years results , non residents had about 14% drawing in 2A first rifle hunt and about 9% for all the 2B rifle hunts . Its a great unit but it is tough to draw , other good units are 5B and unit 4 Rio Chama , but again a bit tough to draw .I say roll the dice and best of luck...NMHUNTNUTT
L
legendsguide
Guest
BIGPIG,
unit2b is an awesome hunt but mainly the late hunt. 2a has some good deer but your not going to see the numbers. 2c grows monsters, but due to hunting pressure in the last few years it needs a few more years to regroup. 2b hunts are mostly migratory deer so pray for weather...
Look at www.biggamehunting.com, Jim welles can tell you all about the odds. they are way better by using the outfitter number on your app. good luck
unit2b is an awesome hunt but mainly the late hunt. 2a has some good deer but your not going to see the numbers. 2c grows monsters, but due to hunting pressure in the last few years it needs a few more years to regroup. 2b hunts are mostly migratory deer so pray for weather...
Look at www.biggamehunting.com, Jim welles can tell you all about the odds. they are way better by using the outfitter number on your app. good luck
Its actually newmexicobiggamehunting.com and yes, you best try 2B. Legends Guides know this unit like thier wives. They know the places to go and not go and when to go and when not go if you get the drift. THE DRAW DEADLINE IS APRIL 8. Get those online apps in now before the states computer breaks!!!
N
NMHUNTNUTT1
Guest
legendsguide , nice to see you on here . My big brother services the pump jacks up in your country , thats how I learned the area , and am really impressed with all the elk up in there now . That late Dec. elk hunt is the sleeper here in NM now , can't believe how many elk are in there . Hope to draws 7's come June , I drew 2B Jan Bow hunt in 04-05(Jan 05), it took 5 years but now I'm dead set to go back ...
L
legendsguide
Guest
hey nmhuntnutt1,
the elk hunts are continuing to get better. G&F is rumored to have cut back the # of tags on the december bull hunt. This hurts the odds. if u can draw one its worth the wait.we killed 7 for 7 bulls on this hunt in 05. the deer hunt in 2b stands alone. try for the 3rd rifle as a first choice. look up www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com, you can see me there.
the elk hunts are continuing to get better. G&F is rumored to have cut back the # of tags on the december bull hunt. This hurts the odds. if u can draw one its worth the wait.we killed 7 for 7 bulls on this hunt in 05. the deer hunt in 2b stands alone. try for the 3rd rifle as a first choice. look up www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com, you can see me there.
N
NMHUNTNUTT1
Guest
Yeah I had already seen you there , so when I saw your responce on this thread I looked at your profile as you seemed to know the unit , thats how I knew it was you . I actually put in the second hunt first choice and then the third and then the bow hunt . I was there Jan 05 during the big snow , but the hunt didn't start till Jan 15th , they moved it back to the 1st now , but saw too many nice bucks to not try a rifle hunt . I've never got cuaght up in the big antler deal till I went there , now I'm ruined and want one . We hunted back to the west of Bancos , no other guys went back there(no roads=no hunters , you know what I mean) and Oh my , just couldn't seal the deal , they would allow me to get with 100-120 yards but it was like they knew I had a bow , smart sum bucks . Walking out two small 3 points let me get into bow range , decided I wanted a bigger buck , then I decided one of the 3points would do just fine but when I went to try to get back on them they smoked me ...
L
legendsguide
Guest
Sounds like we need to hook up 4 a hunt some time. ive got some sweet spots up there. shoot me an e-mail if you draw out, ill at least let you in on some intel... [email protected]
I would definatly agree that 2 is becoming a great elk unit. we hunted the dec. cow hunt three times before they had the late bull hunt, and that was a great hunt. but there are some monster deer in there, it is my first choice for the bow hunt this year, followed by 15 simply because i will be working for the forest service in quemado, anyways i defiantly agree that unit 2 is a awesome unit to hunt!!!
M
moneyman
Guest
Are there any resident deer in 2B or is it strictly winter range?
wallhanger
Active Member
- Messages
- 848
Am I reading the regs right that the late bow hunt in Unit 30 is "Quality"? Please tell me I'm reading that wrong.
Also, is there much public land to hunt in the Northeastern part of the state, mainly 46, 56, 57 and 58? I know there's some state land, just wondering what the hunting pressure is like.
Thanks,
WH
Also, is there much public land to hunt in the Northeastern part of the state, mainly 46, 56, 57 and 58? I know there's some state land, just wondering what the hunting pressure is like.
Thanks,
WH
L
legendsguide
Guest
there are some, mostly migratory
C
cory
Guest
I was planning on putting in on 2b as well, for both the second and third season. I have heard great things about that unit. I'm not familiar with quality hunting areas in New Mexico being from Texas, but what about unit 17? Based on the drawing odds reports, it looks like there is a demand for that unit. I'm just assuming that since their is a demand, there must be some quality hunting.
C
cory
Guest
Thanks for the response - I was planning on putting in for unit 17. I guess I better check some other options now. I don't know what, but at least now I know something about 17.
N
NMHUNTNUTT1
Guest
Unit 17 has a good muzzle loader hunt , but it is right after the two muzzleloader bull hunts , so animals are a bit spooked , but I have seen some nice bucks there . As stated above , there isn't many deer there , but I think its still a good hunt . I have a buddy that he and his dad apply every year for it and have seen a couple nice bucks they have brought home , but they also elk hunt the unit and know it well .
T
Texas_Hunter
Guest
THE NE quadrant is alot of private land. Especially units like 55, 56, 57, and 58. I have hunted there in the past for muley's and elk on private land, but the prices now are way too expensive for me. Took an average bull 290 - 300 and a mid 170's muley as my best in that part of the state.
We've been hunting the Chama area now paying a modest trespass fee $500 to $750 for access to lightly to non-hunted landlocked public land depending on the species and time of year.
I love hunting New Mexico, I have always had good success and it is close enough to my home that it is a one day drive. I hope to continue going until the hunting gets too expensive and then I'll find somewhere else.
We've been hunting the Chama area now paying a modest trespass fee $500 to $750 for access to lightly to non-hunted landlocked public land depending on the species and time of year.
I love hunting New Mexico, I have always had good success and it is close enough to my home that it is a one day drive. I hope to continue going until the hunting gets too expensive and then I'll find somewhere else.
L
legendsguide
Guest
hey guys stick with unit2b... trust me
C
Crowdog
Guest
The problem with unit 2 is the landowner mule deer tags. This year, the tag numbers were reduced, but the landowners were given unlimited deer tags. This means that guys with only 40 or 50 acres are now getting four or five deer tags, and a lot of the big bucks are getting killed.
While other states are going to point restrictions and limited tags, New Mexico is has gone insane and gave umlimited tags to the landowners. Yea, our elk numbers are starting to climb, and we're starting to kill some very nice, big bulls, but our mule deer numbers are going down hill. Add the lion problems and the poaching, and we've got some problems here in unit 2.
While other states are going to point restrictions and limited tags, New Mexico is has gone insane and gave umlimited tags to the landowners. Yea, our elk numbers are starting to climb, and we're starting to kill some very nice, big bulls, but our mule deer numbers are going down hill. Add the lion problems and the poaching, and we've got some problems here in unit 2.
