Youth Mule Deer Opportunities In New Mexico

If you are in pursuit of trophy mule deer the most critical factor is being in an area that produces trophy bucks! Northwestern New Mexico’s units 2A, 2B, and 5B have a long standing track record of producing P&Y as well as B&C quality bucks. Now the kicker, each of these units also offers YOUTH ONLY (17 & under) buck deer licenses. Each unit offers a mix of rifle, archery and muzzleloader licenses, many of which come with improved draw odds compared to adult licenses. Seasons will take place from Sept.1- Jan.15 allowing applicants to plan around life and school events. Scopes and pelletized powder are legal to use during New Mexico muzzleloader seasons.

Hunters lucky enough to draw a tag can expect to hunt 160-180 class bucks with the outside chance of taking a true giant. All three units share borders with the Jicarilla Indian Reservation, one of the most renowned mule deer destinations in the world. Elevations in these units range from 4,500-8,000 ft. Landscapes will vary from broken desert hogbacks and mesas, comprised of only pinon and juniper cover, up to dense forests containing deep rim rock canyons. Each area has a natural beauty improving the overall hunting experience.

Extensive pre-season scouting will be done to prepare for all of the early season hunts. During the later season hunts, that can be heavily influenced by the influx of migrant deer as well as the rut, our outfitters and guides revert to a wealth of knowledge that can only be acquired through years of boots on the ground experience.

The outfitters we work with for the youth only hunts are fathers and grandfathers whom excel at providing a safe, family friendly, high quality hunting experience that only furthers a child’s love for the outdoors.

WTA TAGS values our outdoor heritage and the future of hunting so much so that we offer free application and float services to all youth hunters (18 and under). To be clear, TAGS will apply and front the $270 license fee required at the time of application, the only cost incurred will be the $13 state application fee. If you have questions regarding this hunt, have drawn a tag and now wish to locate the right outfitter, or would like assistance applying in the New Mexico youth only mule deer draw- please contact WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS(8247) or email us at TAGS@trophyadventures.com