Early rifle hunt New Mexico Unit 2B??

OJ10 · Jul 4, 2010

Any advice on the early rifle hunt in New Mexico Unit 2B??

Never been there just got lucky on the draw this year!!

I know its not the coveted late season quality tag but I am happy with this one!!

What is the resident deer population like during Oct 23-27??
Should I hold off for something big during that time or shoot at the first decent buck I see??

Thanks,
OJ

Gator · Jul 5, 2010

It will be resident deer you will be hunting for sure.
Glassing will be the key and getting into those out of the way places, Mountain bike to ride some of those closed road(if they are closed for this season) will be a good idea.The Rez hunt bucks that same time of the year so there is good bucks in there you just have to find them. I would check the huge sagebrush flats area's too. Talk to the oilfield workers and they will sometimes tell where they have been seeing good deer or where they have seen them watering. Good Luck

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

sdmuleybuck · Jul 5, 2010

I have had some great success during the early season. There are great bucks spread out throught the whole unit. Find water, find big buck sign and hunt the areas with big buck sign hard. If there is no big tracks in your area find a different area. Come early and scout to get the lay of the land. There are big bucks there for sure. You may not see tons of deer but hunt hard use your optics, and get off the road.

Good luck,

Trent Sonsalla

crazeymaez · Jul 5, 2010

It wont be resident deer your hunting.If you hunt the bow or muzzy hunt those are resident deer.By the first hunt which is the youth hunt the population has grown by 400%.
I think the hunt you have is better than the Q/HD hunt.
By then alot of those big bucks have been shot.
Unit 2b has gone down hill from what it once was.
I personally wont put in for that unit again just my .02

bucksteak · Jul 6, 2010

Please spread the word 2B is no longer what it used to be....don't waste your time putting in for it. Then I can draw it with regularity and let everyone know when the hunt has recovered and would again be considered a quality hunt! If it were only that easy...

I spoke with a guy that hunted elk in that area and saw a couple nice bucks while hunting on the edge of the reservation up high in the Jicarilla NF.

Good Luck

MtnMuley · Jul 7, 2010

I also drew 2B rifle this year. Nov 6-10. I have my fingers crossed for weather. I would assume that weather will also be a factor in your earlier hunt. Good luck on your hunt.