NM Mule Deer

[rydeer]

Anyone ever hunt mule deer in Southeast NM. Im hunting near Mayhill (close to Cloudcroft) this coming November. Just checking to see if any of you have ever hunted out that way and if you have any pics, I'd love to see em'.

Thanks!

 

[Lien2]

rydeer -
Is this for Desert Mule Deer? If so, I also am trying to find a hunt, but can't afford the high prices on most. If money wasn't a factor, I'd go to Mexico and hunt with Drummond (huntsonora) here on MM. I've found a couple in NM and AZ that look promising, but I know success rates are low no matter where you go.
Is your hunt guided or DIY?

Lien2

 

[wallhanger]

I've hunted Southeast of Mayhill the past 3 years across the unit boundary, so I was in 30. I believe mayhill is 34. It's definitely a desert hunt. Unfortunately, I can't recommend it. This year I saw almost as many predators as I did deer. That area has potential, they just need to get the predators under control. From what I understand, 12 years ago there were deer everywhere. Not these days.

Those units also get hit pretty hard with hunters since they've been OTC units. The draw and the antler restrictions may help some of the younger bucks grow up a little. (I did see a few 2-points in there last year). If I can help with any specific information, let me know.

WH

P.S. Vinihunt may be able to help also.

 

[vinihunt]

hi..

there are a good place to hunt between Weeds and Pinon..on your west side...of course there are many road hunters..but if u get off and hike into wilderness u might have no problem find the deer!

let me know what u want to know or where to hunt in that area..


vinihunt!

P.S. remember you have to apply now..no more OTC

 

[rydeer]

Thanks for the info. I am hunting on private ranch with guide. I hope this helps my success rate.

 

[NM_Muley_Hunter]

All of the above comments are correct. I've hunted unit 34 for 8 years now, and have been scouting and visiting the area all of my life. Don't expect to see Mexico sized desert mule deer - you'll be doing extremely good to even see something over 24". The main reason I keep going back is because my family has a cabin up there, and my grandfather and great-grandfather used to hunt up there, so the area holds some sentimental value for me.

However, there are some private ranches in the Mayhill area that have access to some good country. If you don't mind my asking, what ranch are you hunting on?

One thing to be careful about is the new regulations. If you are hunting on private land only, you can get a private land tag without going through the draw. However, with that tag, you can only hunt on private land. A lot of the private ranches only have a small amount of private land, but have access to land-locked portions of public land. Under the new regs, you cannot hunt that public land... In order to be able to hunt on the public land, you will have to draw a tag. I don't mean to denigrate the landowner, but it is something you should keep in mind.

 

[rydeer]

Ranch located at Powell Ranch (between Mayhill and Artesia)

 

[buck76]

I, have hunted in regions 30 and 31. In nov we saw very few good bucks. the bow season in jan is a completely different. The 1st day I saw 11 bucks with 8 of them being 24inch plus. One was pushing the 30 inch mark. I took a 6x5 this year on day 2 of the hunt with 24 1/2 inch inside spread and a 28in outside spread.
good luck

 

[NM_Muley_Hunter]

You should do OK hunting on the Powell Ranch. It is located in a pretty good area for unit 34, and backs up to a big chunk of public land (that is not otherwise accessible). I've seen them consistently take bucks off of that place - some of them pretty nice, some just average for the area. The country is very open (sparse cover), but holds a good number of deer if you get away from the roads. Be prepared to do a lot of glassing...and good luck!

 

[rydeer]

Thanks for the info!