new mexico mule deer

[rifleman]

i'm thinking about trying new mexico out again next season. i went back in 2001 and 2002 with now luck. we hunted the colin neblett unit and the sierra grande unit. saw very few deer. what are the recommended areas for a rifle deer hunt? going to montana this year, but i'm just trying to look ahead.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

Unit 2,A,B,&C, unit 4 Humphries and Rio Chama and unit 5B.Down south unit 23 and 27 for coues and unit 33 across the state for muleys in the sand hills.Unit 10 is coming back strong and unit 38 bow , muzzelloader and 1st rifle hunt if you just wanting to hunt deer. All in all still not the best state for deer, but hopefully getting better.

 

[balz]

I agree NUT I have only been living down here a little over a year but the Mule Deer population and overall quality is pretty bleak. The great part about NM is if you like to hunt there is tons and tons of opportunity to hunt lots of other species I grew up in Utah and unless you draw the permit for anything now you just are not going to be hunting plain and simple. NM still has lots of over the counter opportunities for some really exciting animals if you are willing to go into the area's that they live. The longer I am here the more I am glad I came. My .02

Jordan

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

balz, glad to hear your enjoying and adjusting well. Have you made it over to your deer unit yet?

 

[Fortis]

NMHUNTNUT...I drew a unit 33 deer tag. Sounds like you are pretty high on the unit. I was thinking on setting up on the caprock and doing major glassing. What do you think, and what would you do? Thanks in advance.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

You know , it's a great idea. Other than the seasoned hunters in 33 most guys just drive around . Those hunters still do well , but glassing that area and you are for certain in for some great spot and stalk hunting. Theres some pretty good deer numbers there , you should have a real fun time...

 

[packrat]

Years ago we had good luck in the Gila. Deer taken were up to 28". Then drought and over hunting took its toll. Have not been back in four years. Hope the limited hunting helps. It should. Saw my biggest three mule deer in the south east sand dunes several years ago. Hunted five years there with only a few meat bucks under my belt. But i can still see the big boys we saw the day before season. Ugly sand dune country with lots of roads. But there are a few good ones.

packrat