New Mexico 2A First rifle tag!

[kevscan]

I drew a NM first rifle tag for 2A, this is my first out of state hunt ever, and my first western hunt ever! I have a cousin that lives in Aztec, which is smack in the middle of the unit. Thinking of heading out 2 days early to scout a few locations, but I know that is such a short amount of time. Just wondering if anyone has ever hunted the unit and had any success? From what I have found so far, unit is expansive, but there are a ton of small access roads throughout. The hunt dates are Oct. 26-30.
I'm really pumped about the opportunity to head west, but starting to get overwhelmed with everything! I find my self asking now what.
Thank You for you time

 

[enemyway]

2a is generally the less desired of the 2s (b,c) but theres a few deer here and there. Glass hard and if you cut a fresh, decent track in A make sure to follow it. The weather will probably be warm and the bucks will be nocturnal so make sure to be at your spot first and last light.

 

[jackmu]

Tough hunt, with potential of a giant. Cover a bunch of country and glass.

 

[197]

2a is generally the less desired of the 2s (b,c) but theres a few deer here and there. Glass hard and if you cut a fresh, decent track in A make sure to follow it. The weather will probably be warm and the bucks will be nocturnal so make sure to be at your spot first and last light.

Definitlely look for large tracks, especially after a rain, and then still hunt and follow them while glassing a head.

 

[NMMuledeer777]

Cover some ground and glass hard. Potential for a big one in that unit. Keep at it, dont get down and out if your not seeing a ton of deer, it can change in a second. Best of luck!

 

[fishspook]

Good luck Kevscan! I'm also headed to New Mexico for the first time this year (2B). I have no experience there; so I can't help, except to share in your excitement.

 

[LJ Buck]

How has the experience been in 2A lately? Just refreshing this.

 

[KHNC]

OP is still following tracks and will update soon! He shot a BOAL and hopes to recover it before its lost.

 

[hunting1]

Going to be hot, lots of does and forkies, tough hunt or the big guys come down when Colorado gets snow. Wild horses will entertain, good luck and congrats!

 

[kevscan]

How has the experience been in 2A lately? Just refreshing this.

Lj, I responded to your pm, I'm not sure if you got it I just now am able to PM
kevin

 

[Nickofthewoods]

@kevscan how did your 2A hunt in 2019 go? Don't worry about blowing up that area, none of us will ever draw it anyway.

 

[kevscan]

It was a great experience but I did not fill a tag. We saw a ton of doe and fawn groups small bucks and Elk. I have a cousin that lives in Aztec so we used their place as base camp and concentrated our efforts from there to the east (Navajo Reservoir is the eastern boundary of the unit) All the BLM in that area was COVERED in two track roads for natural gas operations. We drove where ever but so did everyone else. I will say all the deer and elk we saw were quite a hike away from roads and parking areas. Remember the first rifle is usually around the end of October/early November so the migration really hasn't started so you are going to be hunting resident deer. Like others have posted look for fresh tracks and follow them, remember it is very arid so really have to look closly for fresh sign.
I will also say at that time of year pay close attention to the weather and long range forecast. The first two days scouting we had temps in the 90's and by the last day we had 3 inches of snow on the ground.
Being from PA it was an amazing hunt and opportunity, the locals and also workers from the gas companies were great resources and great people.
Feel free to reach out with other Questions
Kevin