Unit 17 Mule Deer

I've drawn for the disabled veteran deer hunt tag the last two years. I drew 13 and while I was able to find a few nice bucks I couldn't close the deal with my bow. Everyone I spoke with said to go to 17 for muley's better. Well, my father and I drew for 17 and took a drive out this last week. Wow, the San Mateos are some steep country. We drove far and long and only saw one area with some deer. Not familiar with this unit at all, and most areas look super steep. Both father and I have mobile limitations, but we still try to get as far back as capable. That said much of the wilderness areas near the peaks look far to rough for us to pack out an animal (or two ?). Anyone willing to give us a little help on where to look near the foothill or rim with decent Muley? Not looking for anyone honey hole, but at this point not shame in asking for some help either, thanks.

It's been a long time but if you have time to scout there are a couple of waterholes about a mile off the highway going from Socorro to Magdelena. There is a foundation of an old adobe house there that we used as a marker when the house was still standing. There used to be deer from the tree line all the way up the mountain. The dirt tanks are on public land but you may have to walk around some private land. If I remember correctly one of the tanks was called hell canyon tank.

I looked a couple of years ago and the waterholes were still there, you can see them on google earth. Like everywhere in the state the deer population has decreased, but I would be surprised if they were not a few deer in there especially if it's dry.

They definitely do have some steep parts to them. That is my favorite place to hunt(if I could only draw it again)... I sent you a PM

*We are all in the same boat, just
wishing to be hunting right now!*

Cantgetdrawn, thank very much for taking the time to respond sir. I PM'ed you, thanks again.