New Mexico Unit Questions

[CoHiCntry]

New Mexico has some "restricted" muzzleloader seasons (sidelock/flintlock) that I'm interested in. I've looked at the 2015 rules and info brochure online and can only find three deer hunts that are "restricted" muzzleloader. Am I correct to assume these are the only restricted muzzleloader hunts offered? There's no elk, antelope of other species available?

The three deer units listed for this season are 9, 33 and 52. I can't find much information on these units so I was hoping someone could elaborate on terrain, public vs private, deer population and what type of bucks to expect, or any other general information that would help me decide if I should look at one of these hunts closer. Here's what I've been able to find so far...

Unit 9, mixed terrain with lots of private land. Borders the Laguna reservation.

Unit 33, flat grassy terrain with plenty of public land. (probably better antelope country?)

Unit 52, High elevation, mild terrain with good access and lots of public land.

From this limited information I'm mostly interested in unit 52. Mostly due to the terrain but it's also closer to Colorado. But is it worth the time and money associated with an out of state hunt? Any information on any of the above would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[chsdaddy]

I think the only restricted ml hunts are those you mentioned for deer. I don't know much about 9&33 but 52 I am very familiar with. There are some nice bucks running around, I don't know what your expectations are. As far as terrain goes it is very mixed, and some of it is mild. But I definately wouldn't classify the unit as mild terrain in general.

That time of year in the high country is a crap shoot, but you'll likely find the bigger bucks still up high in the aspen and timber. I think you should expect to see deer everyday, and even tough I have seen some deer pushing that 200"/30" mark they aren't the norm. If a guy could spend some time in the late summer and fall patterning some deer I think they'd be findable again during the hunt, weather dependent. I've been on elk hunts in September up there when we got 2+' of snow. I think finding a 160-180 class buck is a possibility but you'll have to work for him.

It's big country with lots of public land, and some of the most beautiful country in northern NM. And that time of year the elk will be going ballistic, just a fun time to be in the woods!

 

[swampokie]

I hunted unit 52 last oct and I saw a total of 3 bucks in 5 days. The deer population is not high but there are a few big bucks up high. The unit is anything but mild as far as terrain goes especially in the nw part where the elevation and storms can kick ur tail! Unit 33 is excellent antelope country but other than that cant help with that unit. If I had been looking to harvest a nice deer with restricted muzz I would have been wasting my time. Luckily I was elk hunting and not deer hunting.

 

[CoHiCntry]

Thanks for the replies! My expectations aren't to high since NM doesn't do points therefore I wouldn't be burning any hard earned points. Anything 160+ would be good. Maybe even smaller if my freezers getting empty! I'm interested in getting to hunt Mule Deer in at least one western state every year. Sounds like there's some mixed opinions on this hunt. I'm still not sure if I'll put in for it or not. It's not exactly a easy to draw hunt at around 30% or so. Thanks again for the info...

 

[acook]

33 has some awesome Muley's in it and it isn't all flat and grassy. There are plenty of sand dunes off the Caprock on some BLM land. I got a really nice one in there a couple years ago on a Jan archery tag. My write up is on here somewhere. I saw some studs in there and ran into a guy while hunting in 32 this year that had some px of some studs taken out of the dunes in 33 this year.