New Mexico — Mule Deer

NM Mule Deer Unit 53

Name: New Mexico Unit 53 Mule Deer Hunting Data
Creator: HuntPilot
License: https://huntpilot.ai/terms

Total Acres

438,146

Public Land

73%

Wilderness

19%

Elevation

6,074–13,128 ft

Season Dates

Year	Weapon	Dates	Tag Type	Sex
2026	Archery (Der-2-400) — Der-2-400	Sep 1, 2026 — Sep 24, 2026	—	either
2026	Rifle (Der-1-398) — Der-1-398	Oct 31, 2026 — Nov 4, 2026	—	either
2026	Rifle (Der-1-399) — Der-1-399	Nov 7, 2026 — Nov 11, 2026	—	either

Trophy Data

B&C Entries

Avg Score

185.4

Top Score

185.4

Recent (5yr)

AI Scout Analysis

# Unit NM 53 — Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 53 spans 6,074–13,128 ft elevation across 438,146 acres in the northern New Mexico high country, with 73% public land and 19% designated wilderness. This mix offers solid access for self-guided hunters, though higher-elevation terrain and rugged wilderness sections demand experience. Early-season archery (September) targets lower and mid-elevation areas; rifle seasons (late October–November) focus higher as weather pushes elk down. ##...

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

Year	Weapon	Residency	Applicants	Tags issued
18 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023	Rifle (Der-1-398)	resident	646	71
2023	Rifle (Der-1-398)	nonresident	42	5
2023	Rifle (Der-1-398)	outfitter	8	8
2023	Rifle (Der-1-399)	resident	578	71
2023	Rifle (Der-1-399)	nonresident	43	5
2023	Rifle (Der-1-399)	outfitter	2	8
2023	Archery (Der-2-400)	resident	262	84
2023	Archery (Der-2-400)	nonresident	40	6
2023	Archery (Der-2-400)	outfitter	4	10

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Harvest Data

Year	Weapon	Hunters	Harvest	Success
6 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
2022	Rifle (Der-1-388)	85	36	45.0%
2022	Rifle (Der-1-389)	85	37	49.0%
2022	Archery (Der-2-390)	90	20	26.0%