New Mexico Mule Deer Hunting Units & Draw Odds
58 units · 32.0% avg hunter success
New Mexico runs a random draw for mule deer with no point requirement—every application has an equal shot. Nonresidents make up 22% of the tag pool across 58 hunting units, competing in a single draw cycle that closes March 18 with results April 22. The 2026 application fee is $13; tag fees run $398 for regular hunts and $623 for high-demand seasons. Below you'll find draw success rates and harvest data from real New Mexico mule deer hunts, including archery and muzzleloader options. Use this intel to pick units that match your gear, season preference, and success expectations.
How the New Mexico Draw Works
Draw system
Pure random draw — every applicant has equal odds, no points.
Nonresident allocation: 22% of tags
2026 application window
— – Mar 18(nonresident)
Results: Apr 22
2026 fees (nonresident, regular)
$13 app · $398 tag
Easiest Mule Deer Draws for Nonresidents (2022 Results)
Point levels that drew with certainty, and the best documented zero-point hunts — actual draw results, per hunt.
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-170
100% at zero points · Muzzleloader, Der-3-188
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-209
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-212
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-234
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-254
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-260
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-272
100% at zero points · Rifle, Der-1-278
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-291
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-117
100% at zero points · Archery, Der-2-287
| Unit | Drew with certainty at | Best zero-point hunt | Success | Public land |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unit 10 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-170 | 14% | 73% |
| Unit 15 | — | 100%Muzzleloader, Der-3-188 | 17% | 80% |
| Unit 18 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-209 | 18% | 70% |
| Unit 20 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-212 | 14% | 74% |
| Unit 23 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-234 | 26% | 65% |
| Unit 24 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-254 | 49% | 64% |
| Unit 25 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-260 | 24% | 76% |
| Unit 26 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-272 | 36% | 54% |
| Unit 28 | — | 100%Rifle, Der-1-278 | 45% | 100% |
| Unit 29 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-291 | 9% | 86% |
| Unit 2B | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-117 | 9% | 87% |
| Unit 30 | — | 100%Archery, Der-2-287 | 8% | 80% |
All New Mexico Mule Deer Units
New Mexico Mule Deer Draw FAQ
Do I need bonus points to draw a New Mexico mule deer tag?
No. New Mexico's mule deer draw is random with no point system. Every nonresident application has an equal chance in the draw, regardless of how many times you've applied before.
When do New Mexico mule deer applications close and when are results posted?
The 2026 draw closes March 18, with results posted April 22. The application fee for nonresidents is $13, and tag fees depend on the hunt type: $398 for regular seasons and $623 for high-demand seasons.
What are my odds as a nonresident in the New Mexico mule deer draw?
Nonresidents receive 22% of mule deer tags statewide. Your specific odds depend on the unit and season you choose, as tag availability and competition vary. Check the draw data for individual units to see historical success rates.
Which New Mexico mule deer hunts have the best harvest success?
Unit 23's archery hunt posted a 26% harvest success rate in 2022. Unit 18's archery hunt achieved 18% success in 2024, and Unit 15's muzzleloader hunt hit 17% in 2022. Harvest rates depend on season, weapon type, and unit conditions.
Plan your New Mexico Mule Deer hunt — free account, no card. Run the draw simulator at your point level, see 2022–2024 data, and save units to compare.
Create free account