If you look at mule deer in the Boone and Crockett Club record book, you'll see New Mexico has more than its share of entries. Many of these bucks come from northern New Mexico, including units 2B and 2C. Located in the northwest part of the state and adjacent to the famous Jicarilla Apache Reservation, these units produce big bucks every year. The deer in the southern part of the units are primarily resident deer, while many of those in the north part of the units migrate in from Colorado when the snow starts to fly.
The early archery hunt in 2B runs from Sep. 1 through Sep. 24. Unit 2A doesn't have an early archery hunt. Bucks are still in velvet during this hunt and avoid thick, brushy areas. They're out a little later in the morning and earlier in the evening than the later hunts, which makes spotting them easier than normal.
The muzzleloader hunts in both units start around the end of September/the beginning of October. There's also a Youth Only muzzleloader hunt in 2B during this time. The bucks are alone or occasionally in small bachelor groups during this hunt. During scouting, we try and pattern the bucks' movements. The weather during these hunts is beginning to get cold.
The first of three rifle hunts in 2B starts around the end of October and the last one starts around the second week of November. The rifle hunt in 2C begins around the middle of November, right in the middle of the rut. The bucks are much more active during the day, making them easier to see. This hunt is a great opportunity to see a monster buck. There's also a Youth Only rifle hunt that begins that last week of November. This may be the best youth hunt in all of New Mexico. The weather is cold during these hunts and can get very cold quickly. Plan accordingly.
The late archery season in 2B and 2C is Jan. 1 - Jan. 15. The bucks start to rut in late November and they are starting to slow down in January. Some bucks may still be with does. Expect snow and cold weather during these hunts.
Licenses are obtained through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish draw, or by purchasing a Governor's Tag or winning a Raffle Tag. The application period to draw a tag opens mid-January and closes mid-March. Be sure and apply with us through the Outfitter Draw for the best opportunity to draw a tag.
In addition to the regular draw tags, one premium deer license is available annually to the general public. The hunt is available through the draw and is subject to the quota. The hunt code is DER-1-700 and it allows hunting with any big game sporting arm in any unit statewide, including state wildlife management areas and private land with written permission, anytime between Sept. 1 and Jan. 31. This is the best deer tag you draw in New Mexico and it's worth applying for!
Prices
1-on-1 5-day Mule Deer Hunt - $6,500.
2-on-1 5-day Mule Deer Hunt - $5,500 per hunter. (2-on-1 is two hunters and one guide.)
Governor's Tag or Raffle Tag Hunts - Big Horn Outfitters will put together a hunt package specifically for Governor's Tag holders or Raffle Tag holders upon the tag holder's request. Contact us for more info.