At a Glance
787Square Miles
65.7%Public Land
5,050 - 5,500Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Noisy pumps don't bother game animals
- Find water sources to find game
Hunters discussing New Mexico's Unit 2A generally point to the area's challenging terrain, which requires thorough scouting and physical preparation. The consensus is that success largely hinges on understanding local game behavior, with mentions of mule deer that tend to concentrate in the more rugged sections of the unit. It's suggested to pay close attention to seasonal migration patterns for optimizing the timing of your hunt. Draw odds are noted as competitive, reinforcing the need for detailed planning and well-considered application strategies.
This unit is well-known among trophy mule deer hunters and is about 25 miles west of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation. It borders Colorado, the Ute Mountain Indian Reservation, the Navajo Nation and the Southern Ute Indian Reservation. The state also issues tags for hunting elk, and antelope
Hunters have taken some bigger bucks from here in the past, but antelope, deer and elk are scattered and hard to find now. The best hunting opportunities can typically be found on private land. Hunters who hike miles through rough, public terrain and glass at a long range can take mature bucks.