Advice on NM Unit 17?

LadyMuleyHunter · Mar 3, 2004

Hello Gents, I saw the post about where have all the "chicks" gone...we're still hunting! In fact, I'd like to ask if anyone has advice they could share about unit 17 in NM, the San Mateo mountains. Last fall, all I found in Capitan was a "meat buck". Though I'm still convinced there are some monsters up there, I'm ready for new scenery.I've never been to the San Mateos so I'd appreciate tips on where to begin scouting. My national forest map and topos show some areas that look good,but nothing beats first-hand knowledge. After spring turkey season,I plan to spend the summer exploring the area. Thanks for your help and don't shoot any "chicks" unless it has a long beard and spurs! ;0)
LMH

bulldogger · Mar 4, 2004

My dad and I Hunted that unit in september of 03 in the bow hunt. We saw four does in four days. It was the San Mateos that we hunted and it was terrible. That unit is a perfect example of NM's mismanagement of our deer herds. Perfect habitat but very few deer. Good place to hunt bear and lion though.

LadyMuleyHunter · Mar 4, 2004

Bulldogger, thanks for the info. I had heard some good things about the unit but they weren't specific about which mountain range: the San Mateos or Magdalenas. Supposedly, there are quality bucks in this unit; it's a draw unit with a limit of 400 tags. Thanks for sharing your experience and I'm sorry it turned out to be a disappointment for you and your Dad. LMH