New Mexico Mule deer

[Quickfish]

So I drew a tag in the north west section of New Mexico on the Colorado boarder, what should my expectations be. The hunt is Nov. 1st-5th the guide I have said it’s a great unit. But I’m going in blind as I’ve never been there before

 

[Taudisio]

So I drew a tag in the north west section of New Mexico on the Colorado boarder, what should my expectations be. The hunt is Nov. 1st-5th the guide I have said it’s a great unit. But I’m going in blind as I’ve never been there before

You’re blind, but going with a guide. You should listen to the guy you gave your money to.

I expect you will follow him around and shoot the deer he tells you to.

 

[robby denning]

hey congrats!

Ya, I'd lean on the outfitter but 10K view is it's been droughty down there but some spring moisture has helped, NM issued a lot of premo-rut tags to youth up until about 2 years ago and the locals say it really hurt the age class of the resident bucks and those migrating in from Colorado.

So, bad news aside, you'll still have a good hunt

 

[Quickfish]

hey congrats!

Ya, I'd lean on the outfitter but 10K view is it's been droughty down there but some spring moisture has helped, NM issued a lot of premo-rut tags to youth up until about 2 years ago and the locals say it really hurt the age class of the resident bucks and those migrating in from Colorado.

So, bad news aside, you'll still have a good hunt

Thanks-I know I’ll be looking to the guide for his knowledge, I’ve being hunting MT and seeing 20-30+ deer is Common just was wondering if it’s similar that I’ll see a lot? Or if it’s a when you finally see one type of situation

 

[cuerro viejo]

Thanks-I know I’ll be looking to the guide for his knowledge, I’ve being hunting MT and seeing 20-30+ deer is Common just was wondering if it’s similar that I’ll see a lot? Or if it’s a when you finally see one type of situation

High desert pinion pine country, very weather dependent. It’s a migration spot for deer coming out of Pagosa all the way back west Durango aka south western CO, Large buck potential, but you will have to cover a lot of country

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

What town is nearest where you are going to hunt? Depending on how far west you are going to be, the country is very different. I live just across the border from Farmington.

 

[Quickfish]

What town is nearest where you are going to hunt? Depending on how far west you are going to be, the country is very different. I live just across the border from Farmington.

North of Farmington on the Colorado boarder is what I’m guessing

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

What you have to deal with there is lots of Reservation and private land.

 

[roadrunner]

Two units that hug the border and either can produce a good buck, one unit is just better than the other.

I live in one of those units and the other is a 30 to 45 min drive.

You can find decent bucks if you know where to look. We shot this one last year on the last day of the 2nd rifle in the unit I don't live in.

 

[Slick8]

I agree with the above, listen to the guide, he has the local knowledge.

I'd say to have a conversation with your guide as to expectations on the hunt, keeping in realistic. They can't control the weather or game movement but can control how hard they work.
Let him know you're strengths and weaknesses as well as your preferred hunting style.

I'll follow that up with a question, is this a 5 day fully guided or 2 day DIY?

Regardless, you'll learn more and get more out of it if you do a little e-scouting and are prepared to be an active participant in the hunt vs a trigger man. Obviously, be in the best physical shape you can be, he will appreciate that.

Even on a guided hunt I plan as if I'm going in DIY regarding safety and hunting equip. Things can happen in a hurry and I never want to be caught with my pants down.

Best of luck.

 

[judders87]

Just drew unit 45 for 2nd rifle. Ive read the terrain is rugged but interested in what mule deer activity is like early-mid November. Should I focus on a certain elevation band?

 

[Wolfpack03]

I drew Unit 45 also looking forward to the hunt and just let my guides do there jobs. But I'm also putting in the work to be physically ready, pretty tough terrain from what they told me but also a chance at a true trophy.

 

[Slick8]

You guys should really start your own thread.

Geographically speaking, Unit 45 is on another planet from where the Op is asking about even though it's only 150 miles away.

 

[OKHunter84]

I've hunted 45 and it's pretty gnarly if you're going into the Pecos.

 

[Toeknee266]

I’ll be in 45 this November as well. Good luck all!

 

[Jaker_cc]

My wife has the late tag in the unit the OP is talking about. I had the late tag 4 years ago. It’s a great unit with great potential, but they aren’t behind every tree. Weather dependent as said. Your hunt is too early for the rut. I’d spend a lot of time behind glass overlooking sage flats.

 

[Gobbler36]

Had this archery tag up that way this past Jan, stunning country a lot of deer but a tough hunt saw a couple of giants but it’s thick country depending on where you are at in those units
Your guide will be a great help but let him know your expectations up front, that’s what you are paying him for!

 

[ReinsuranceShooter]

I’ve hunted 2b - early Nov. happy to dm on the matter

 

[LCguy]

If you're in 45 in November, bring the hot tent and be ready for the potential for a whole lot of snow.

 

[judders87]

If you're in 45 in November, bring the hot tent and be ready for the potential for a whole lot of snow.

With that type of weather would it start to push them down off the mountains or is there a certain elevation they tend to hang out at?