Southwestern NM Hunting

[PA]

Has anyone done any mule deer hunting along NM's southern border (say along NM Highway 9, north or south side) between Columbus and Hachita or maybe down towards Big Hatchet Mountain? I'll be hunting the area this fall and am just looking for thoughts and ideas.

 

[JFWRC]

Are you hunting private land? I've heard there is decent hunting down there.

 

[PA]

I've spoken to several ranchers in the area during scouting/exploring trips and haven't specifically asked for permission to hunt. Next time I go I'll be asking and hopefully get permission (I can't afford some $1,000.00 or so access fee). If I'm turned down I'll just hunt BLM lands, the area is big and remote so I'm not too worried. I've seen some very big bucks in the general area, although they are next to impossible to pattern.