Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Deer Hunting => Topic started by: Bean Counter on January 28, 2012, 11:55:27 PM

Title: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: Bean Counter on January 28, 2012, 11:55:27 PM: Since I'll be putting in for elk I might as well enter for this as well. Who else is putting in? At first I was thinking of just shooting the moon with 2B, 2A, etc. But maybe its better to be a bit more pragmatic. As much as I'd love to kill a 200" in 2B, I'd be happy with a 160+. Are there other units that have decent numbers of these kinds of deer on public land? I was thinking about the Gila National Forest (16 units, etc) where I'm going to put in for elk anyway. I remember seeing some decent ones in 33 a few years ago but I'm wondering about units a little closer to Arizona. Odds seem to be pretty low for non residents all across the board but at least my odds are as good as the next guys.
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: MtnMuley on January 29, 2012, 02:34:30 AM: If you'd be happy with the bucks you'd seen in other units there, then that's where I'd be applying. Also, by no means would I consider it a given to draw 2B and kill a 160". Best of luck in the draw, as we'll need it with their new NR legislation.
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: Bigshooter on January 31, 2012, 08:45:33 AM: I know 3 different guys that have drawn the late rifle tag in 2b and none of them saw a 160" buck.
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: Kowsrule30 on January 31, 2012, 10:41:23 AM: Quote from: Bigshooter on January 31, 2012, 08:45:33 AM
I know 3 different guys that have drawn the late rifle tag in 2b and none of them saw a 160" buck.

I also know 2 guys that hunted 2b..... Don't remember what time of year but they were both rifle tags a year apart.... Biggest deer they saw on each hunt was in the 150's and was passed on the first am never to be seen again.... They ended up getting bucks in the 130's.... :chuckle:
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: Bigshooter on January 31, 2012, 10:57:35 AM: Quote from: Kowsrule30 on January 31, 2012, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: Bigshooter on January 31, 2012, 08:45:33 AM
I know 3 different guys that have drawn the late rifle tag in 2b and none of them saw a 160" buck.

I also know 2 guys that hunted 2b..... Don't remember what time of year but they were both rifle tags a year apart.... Biggest deer they saw on each hunt was in the 150's and was passed on the first am never to be seen again.... They ended up getting bucks in the 130's.... :chuckle:

I believe it on the 130's bucks. 2b is winter range for deer from Colorado. Problem with the hunts on 2b are they are to early (Late rifle tag this year is nov 3-7, with 465 tags in a very small unit) and you are hunting a very small population of resident deer that early in the year. Unless you get a huge snow storm to come in early. I talked to a guy that had the 2b archery tag 2 years ago that takes place in Janurary. He saw lots of deer and killed a buck that was just shy of 180". There was a lot of snow on the ground he said.
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: MtnMuley on January 31, 2012, 03:23:28 PM: Quote from: Kowsrule30 on January 31, 2012, 10:41:23 AM
Quote from: Bigshooter on January 31, 2012, 08:45:33 AM
I know 3 different guys that have drawn the late rifle tag in 2b and none of them saw a 160" buck.

I also know 2 guys that hunted 2b..... Don't remember what time of year but they were both rifle tags a year apart.... Biggest deer they saw on each hunt was in the 150's and was passed on the first am never to be seen again.... They ended up getting bucks in the 130's.... :chuckle:

Make it 7 guys.
Title: Re: New Mexico Mule Deer in 2012
Post by: Bean Counter on January 31, 2012, 06:59:25 PM: Wow, thanks for the comments, guys. I may not burn all my choices in the 2s after reading this. Maybe just one or two.