Hunting & Fishing Unit 2b Deer New Mexico ?

[wapiti16b]

So I was lucky enough to draw a NOV 4-8 Rifle Deer hunt in NM unit 2b ! , I know the unit is primarily a migration unit and I should pray for early and deep snow in S Colorado and I really don't see that happening . I really do not want to get caught up in the whole Carackas Mesa culture so my question for those that have knowledge of this unit is would you hunt the usual Mule Deer haunts in the northern part of the unit in warm weather or the SE portion of the unit ?or is their better options ?
I won't be shooting any Deer I see as some do in this unit and will hold out for a Trophy Mule Deer , I'm thinking the SE boundary along the Jicarilla Res. might be worthwhile ?
HELP ?
Thanks !

 

[wapiti16b]

Buehler !, Buehler ?

 

[metal2meat]

There's big bucks scattered all over 2b. Your right about the "pray for snow" and not being able to count on that. Snow or not, the USFS side of the unit is a bit higher in elevation than the rest of the unit and holds some big resident bucks. The Caracas Mesa
circus is usually and mostly road hunters. Walking and glassing up there is still a good option. It gets you a away from the roads, but a few hunters isn't a bad thing either as they help move deer. If any migration starts, you'd be in the area the deer come through first. My experience has been the does and small bucks come first and the big boys seem to show a little later.

The southeast along the Jicarilla holds big bucks as well and is similar hunting as the north is as far as road hunters. There's not as many deer, but there's as good a chance of finding a bruiser anywhere.

Anywhere you can walk away from the roads, get some elevation and spend a lot of time on the binos can be good. Don't give up on an area if you see any evidence of a big buck. We've scouted and hunted areas for days only to have a big buck pop up on the fourth or last day of the hunt.

 

[sandwarrior]

 

[wapiti16b]

Going up this weekend to get a lay of the land and a little shed hunting , will post pics of sheds if I find some nice ones .

 

[sheepdog697]

Not NM but close. Sometimes g to"shoot" for

Wow i wish there were mule deer by me.

 

[sandwarrior]

Ya gotta get out and look at 'em all year round! Like wapiti16B is doing Really understanding where they will be means seeing them through the year..
year after year.

 

[wapiti16b]

That's exactly correct , the unit I drew is notorious for BIG BUCKS but only in quantity during heavy snowfall early in the season . I intend to find a great resident Buck if the weather does not cooperate !
To scout this unit requires me to drive about 100 miles each way and I'm perfectly willing to do it !
I've already received advice on where to start from a few friends that have hunted this unit but any advice given by others will be greatly appreciated !
Thanks !