BYUCoug Report post Posted September 12, 2012 I'm new to this site and to New Mexico and am looking for some guidance on NM Unit 23, first rifle hunt in November for FAMD. I've been looking at maps and reading through these forums and am hoping someone who hunts unit 23 on a regular basis (for coues or mule deer) can point me in the right direction of where to hunt. I live in Albuquerque and with gas prices the way they are and an upcoming wedding in just a few weeks, it doesn't look like I'll be getting to scout before my hunt. I'm planning on getting down there the day before the hunt opens and I'm ready to spend the day hiking in (no animals or ATVs to help me out) and camping that night to get away from the road hunters (I hear there is a good possibility of seeing quite a few) into the wilderness where the good mule deer are. I have that entire week off of work, so I'm not afraid to really get into the backcountry. From what I've seen with the maps, it looks like the area north of Mule Creek would be promising but probably full of hunters. I'm also pretty interested in the Whiterocks Mountain area and from there up north along the AZ border. I would guess these are my best bets for getting away from the road hunters where the good deer hide. I would love a shot at a big deer, but I recently graduated from college and haven't been hunting in three years, so this year I'll be happy to get what I can get. Anyone have any suggestions? Where are my best bets to get into the deer and any other suggestions would be very much appreciated. Since I'm new, I wasn't sure whether to post this in the Mule Deer forum or the NM forum, so if I would get a better response elsewhere, I would appreciate your help. Thanks much! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jamaro Report post Posted September 12, 2012 Send me a PM... I can help... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turbosc1 Report post Posted October 8, 2012 First Good luck! I just spent two days up there scouting for Elk and Coues and saw a few Mule deer but nothing else. Second, I've read a lot of threads on this forum and have learned a lot of information, so thanks for the lesson. I am also looking for a point in the right direction if any one has any advice. My elk hunt is muzzle loader bull and starts next weekend. Then a couple weeks later back for Coues muzzle loader. I went from the very north end of the unit all the way to Mule Creek area and not much luck. Anything would help. Thanks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BYUCoug Report post Posted October 8, 2012 Unfortunately I haven't heard anything about the elk in the area and the only piece of information I have stumbled across for Coues is they can be found in small pockets by the Francisco river and they don't tend to wander too much so you really have to put in the work to find them. You may also try Brushy Mountain for Coues. Good luck! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
