New Mexico 34

[trotsky]

Hello everyone.

 

So I drew a rifle tag for 34 in New Mexico. I have never been Mule deer hunting before and am looking forward to the hunt. My question however is where are these deer? I have been scouting all summer long and have seen tons of elk but only a couple of deer. I put out trail cameras and only have elk to show for it. Just for the record I have been scouting hard around Cloudcroft and the Sunspot area. The only other place I have been hunting in New Mexico is unit 17 where I saw a lot of deer but few elk. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to look at lower elevations in the transition areas?

[ScottAdams]

Lots of Mule deer around Timberon.

[trotsky]

Thanks for the help. I was talking to a guy at work who said he used to hunt around Timberon when it was over the counter so I was going to check it out on my next days off. In all reality I am looking for what kind of terrain to look for these guys in. I have seen a lot of deer in the dessert and around Ruidoso but they still elude me in 34. I figured in three months worth of putting cameras out I would find something in the high country but I only got elk pictures. Do you look for the transition area where desert meets high timber or elsewhere? I grew up in the midwest where finding whitetails wasn't that hard, the hard part was figuring out their core areas and travel patterns.

[crazyaboutcoues]

Find the Juniper, oak brush and a good water source the deer will be near by.

 

Good Luck

[trotsky]

Thanks for the info guys I really appreciate it. These past fews years have thrown me a pretty steep curve ball in how to hunt. I went out yesterday scouting an area and was finally able to pin down some deer. It is amazing how many you can find when you are looking in the right area. Put the camera out to so hopefully in a few weeks I will have some pictures to help me out as well.

[BOHNTR]

Mule Canyon area.......explore the walk-in areas and you'll find solitude and bucks.