Unit 34 Deer Hunt

hunter101 · Apr 14, 2017

Hello All,

I'm hoping you can help me out and shoot me a tip or two on what to do. . Never hunted deer in GMU 34 I'm familiar with the area I've turkey hunted near Mayhill, but never for deer. I've hunted for Elk up Northern New Mexico and Unit 36 near Ruidoso. (I'm from Ruidoso Myself so Im familiar with 34 and 36) I live here in the southwest part of New Mexico. However this is my 1st time drawing for deer. What should I look for? I see tons of does and bulls/cows but no bucks. Would I hunt them the same way you would an elk? alot of times the cows lead you into either the herd bulls or the satellite bulls, but I'm not sure what to look for with deer. It seems like most muleys are found in desert or rocky looking areas were as most of these spots are steep terrain. I'm not asking for any honey wholes just want some more info about 34 and to learn more about muley deers and how to find them. Thanks!

NMPaul · Apr 16, 2017

Dump way to many deer tags in 34. Tough hunt. Get far away from roads and plan on glassing a lot.

monkey · Apr 16, 2017

check inbox

BigDaddyL · Apr 18, 2017

I am looking for the same help. I am a military guy who has only hunted white tails.

Any help sent my way would really be appreciated. Also not asking for honey holes, just better understanding how to execute this hunt for my son.

gilcasta · Apr 22, 2020

monkey said:
check inbox

I've hunted 34 for elk but not deer..any pointers? thanks in advance

gilcasta · Apr 22, 2020

hunter101 said:
Hello All,

I'm hoping you can help me out and shoot me a tip or two on what to do. . Never hunted deer in GMU 34 I'm familiar with the area I've turkey hunted near Mayhill, but never for deer. I've hunted for Elk up Northern New Mexico and Unit 36 near Ruidoso. (I'm from Ruidoso Myself so Im familiar with 34 and 36) I live here in the southwest part of New Mexico. However this is my 1st time drawing for deer. What should I look for? I see tons of does and bulls/cows but no bucks. Would I hunt them the same way you would an elk? alot of times the cows lead you into either the herd bulls or the satellite bulls, but I'm not sure what to look for with deer. It seems like most muleys are found in desert or rocky looking areas were as most of these spots are steep terrain. I'm not asking for any honey wholes just want some more info about 34 and to learn more about muley deers and how to find them. Thanks!

how did you do? I drew 34 deer...have hunted for elk there before but just saw does..any pointers? thanks in advance

Don the Deer Hunter · Apr 25, 2020

gilcasta said:
I've hunted 34 for elk but not deer..any pointers? thanks in advance

Gilcasta,
I am an out of Stater. I drew Unit 34 for Deer this year and have no idea where to go. I was stationed at Bliss for the last three years of my Military career so I have driven through the West, South and North sides of the GMU, but I have never spent any time in it. I was wondering if you could help me out with anything you discover it sure would be appreciated. I have hunted Mule Deer back home in Montana (currently transplanted in San Antonio TX my wife made me do it). For Muleys, I have found it best to find open country glass them up and move on them. Of course as far away from roads as possible. I have taken the majority of my Mule Deer with a rifle but I have killed one with a bow using the same technique. I have hunted Mule Deer in heavy timber but found it difficult with only chance shots (one Deer). Bucks will not start paying attention to the does until December usually so does tend not to be good indicators of buck locations during the times I will be in Unit 34 (Nov 14-18). During the rut the bucks are usually chasing the does so they are still not a great indicator unless you sit behind your glass and wait on them. What are your dates for GMU 34?