At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS and good maps to avoid trespassing
- Look for water sources to find game
- ATVs can negotiate some roads that full-size trucks cannot
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Hunters generally find Unit 31 in New Mexico promising for deer, particularly in the southern regions near Carlsbad, where sightings of large bucks are common. However, there are a few hiccups with the GOHUNT platform, including inaccuracies regarding the included hunt types and outdated or incorrect images, which the team is addressing. It's important to double-check information, particularly for tag availability, through the New Mexico Game and Fish regulations, as recent adjustments may have impacted specific draw outcomes, like reallocations from the resident to guided pools. Moreover, for species like Barbary sheep and antelope, engaging with the community for more specific insights and preparation can enhance your hunting experience in this versatile unit.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Including the southeast corner of New Mexico, this unit is the largest in the state, running 165 miles north to Clovis and 85 miles west along the Texas border. Antelope and mule deer can be found here. Very large amounts of the northern and eastern portions of this unit are comprised of private land.
Deer and antelope are usually found on private land. This area has a lot of oilfield-truck traffic.
Most terrain is open country with little cover. Large expanses are flat with shallow swales. The steepest areas are in the Loco Hills, on Nimenim Ridge and along Mescalero Ridge, locally called The Caprock, which extends into the northern part of the unit from bordering Unit 33. The soil is less sandy in this unit than in 33.
Numerous roads give access to private and public lands. Many roads are well-maintained and made to withstand heavy traffic by oilfield trucks. In the past, Lea County produced more oil per acre than any other county in the Lower 48. The southern half of the unit is primarily public, while the northern half is mostly private. Resident and nonresident hunters may hunt in Brantley Wildlife Management Area (also known as Seven Rivers WMA) during deer seasons.
Desert grasslands with intermittent mesquite, greasewood and other shrubs comprise most of the landscape. Pinyon/juniper woodlands are in places. Hundreds of circular crop fields irrigated by center pivots are near Clovis, Hobbs and Lovington.
Motels and campgrounds are available in Hobbs, Tatum, Lovington, Artesia and Clovis. Hunters may not camp on state land, but most BLM land is open to primitive camping.
Roughly 8,347 square miles
48.6% public land
Elevations range from 3,000 - 5,800 feet
ATVs useful in some places, but cannot be used off roads
Four-wheel-drive trucks are recommended, but not necessary