Gila Mule Deer

gilaboy

FNG
Joined
Dec 29, 2015
Messages
12
A buddy and I have January archery mule deer tags in New Mexico Units 16A-E. I've spent a considerable amount of time over the past few years scouting and hunting elk in 16B and have driven through the other 16 units but never hunted them. We've found some great mule deer sheds in 16B, but very rarely see any deer while we're in there and our usual elk area is 15 miles in and not great terrain for glassing. We're in shape and have stock so getting in and out of 16B isn't an issue, but because the tags are valid for all of the 16 units we're thinking there may be other better and/or more accessible areas. Would appreciate any advice you all may have and am happy to discuss and swap info about 16B elk if you send me a PM.
 
Joined
Mar 13, 2012
Messages
512
Sorry, no help here. But I'm curious to learn more---I didn't know there was a January mule deer hunt, and that works very well with my work schedule! I'm going to have to look into this hunt more!
 

dane2992

FNG
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Messages
34
A buddy and I have January archery mule deer tags in New Mexico Units 16A-E. I've spent a considerable amount of time over the past few years scouting and hunting elk in 16B and have driven through the other 16 units but never hunted them. We've found some great mule deer sheds in 16B, but very rarely see any deer while we're in there and our usual elk area is 15 miles in and not great terrain for glassing. We're in shape and have stock so getting in and out of 16B isn't an issue, but because the tags are valid for all of the 16 units we're thinking there may be other better and/or more accessible areas. Would appreciate any advice you all may have and am happy to discuss and swap info about 16B elk if you send me a PM.

any update from your hunt. looking for some similar info for the southern part of the Gila for a mule deer hunt.
 

maxxbob1

FNG
Joined
Jun 2, 2018
Messages
1
Location
NM
I've hunted Unit 16 for years, mostly for elk and lion. There are a few big mule deer in the unit, especially if you know where to go. However, some of the best, most impressive trophy deer in Unit 16 are the white-tail (Coues) deer. Your tag is good for mule deer or Coues deer.
 

dane2992

FNG
Joined
Apr 25, 2018
Messages
34
I've hunted Unit 16 for years, mostly for elk and lion. There are a few big mule deer in the unit, especially if you know where to go. However, some of the best, most impressive trophy deer in Unit 16 are the white-tail (Coues) deer. Your tag is good for mule deer or Coues deer.

Mine is for Mule deer but ill be south of unit 16
 
Joined
Jun 5, 2021
Messages
12
I have a FAD tag for unit 16 Muzzleloader in October... not picky about whether it's Coues or a Muley... any decent buck will be a success as I learn a new area.
 
Joined
May 31, 2021
Messages
27
I have a FAD tag for unit 16 Muzzleloader in October... not picky about whether it's Coues or a Muley... any decent buck will be a success as I learn a new area.
They are there but be prepared to hike a bit.. get in there and you'll see some good size bucks. I had a monster jump off the road headed to 16 from Unit 15 by Luna. Holy cow he was a monster
 
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