Mule Deer Hunts
Based in Unit 7 of New Mexico, this hunt takes place over 10,000 acres of private land adjacent to the Jicarilla Apache Reservation. The terrain consists of rugged sandstone mesas, pinion and juniper forests, and carefully placed food plots to support the mule deer population.
This hunt, available for both rifle and archery, spans five days and focuses on harvesting mature bucks in the 170-190 inch range, with the potential for even larger deer. However, this is no easy hunt. Success requires rigorous hiking, early mornings, and patience. Each day begins before dawn, as you climb to high vantage points and spend hours glassing for deer in the early morning and late evening. During the middle of the day, you’ll be stalking ridges and navigating canyons in pursuit of elusive bucks that are masters of blending into the landscape.
Hunters can expect to encounter 2-3 target bucks throughout their hunt, though there’s always the possibility of seeing more. In rifle season, the average shooting distance is 250-350 yards, but sometimes closer opportunities present themselves, especially during the November hunt. Archery season, running from January 1st to 15th, offers a different experience. With the tail end of the rut and snow on the ground, more bucks tend to be visible. Shot distances during archery season depend largely on the hunter’s comfort level, with most shots taken between 30 and 60 yards. However, being able to shoot out to 70 or 80 yards could increase your chances of success.
There are only two tags for both the November rifle season and the January archery season, with the preference for hunters to participate in a 2×1 arrangement. With an average success rate of 50%, this hunt is perfect for those seeking a real challenge and the chance to take home a truly impressive mule deer buck. It’s not a hunt for everyone, but for those up for the adventure, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat.