Unit 45

[txjp]

I was hoping for some help on this unit. I drew an archery mule deer tag and went out scouting this unit for three days and did not see a single deer.

I found hundreds of elk, a couple nice rams and several hikers but no deer.

I went to the Santa Barbara peak area.
I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions on where else to look. I don't mind hiking in several miles.

Thanks for the help in advance.

Jason

 

[ToneafterBone]

Unit 45 is a big unit and to spend three days scouting one spot like santa barbara is a mistake at this point, cover lots more ground get up to timber line. I been seeing bucks up the pecos river corridor and just taking drives up to the santa fe ski area. There is no road access to the area of the Pacheco fire that happend last year and i would bet money there are deer up in there not getting bothered by campers and hikers. Elk and deer dont get along so if your seeing lots of elk push on. Find a patch of scrub oaks that have acorns and you will find deer.. Try Hamilton mesa on the vegas side or even go where every one else go Barrillas lol..

 

[nmwapiti]

+1 on the Santa Fe side. some nice bucks up there. Also look at Osha and Manzanares area. After the fire there have been some nice deer in there.

 

[txjp]

thanks

 

[vinihunt]

have seen nice group of deer in Holy Ghost when fishing..also saw in Cow creek, Davis Willow...but saw more ELK (200+) than deer everytime I go up to Pecos..

I will wait till late August when there are no pressures with the campers, fisherman and hikers...then start scout more since I have first rifle tag for unit 45 also...

good luck..will post pictures when chance

vinihunt

 

[Trad Bow 1979]

If you are seeing rams it sounds like your pretty high in elevation. Try the trail head located at Jacks Creak just outside of Pecos. I have seen deer along that trail before in the September time period. The trail starts off at 8,600 ft, along that trail you start seeing elk at 10,000 so I would stay below that elevation.