NM Mule Deer Unit 6C

# NM 6C Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 6C spans 5,230–11,543 ft across high-elevation mixed conifer and ponderosa pine forest with substantial public land (82%). Forum reports indicate significant ATV/4x4 traffic, especially during muzzleloader seasons, and current severe drought conditions affecting water availability on public land. Expect crowded conditions and limited tank water outside private inholdings. ## Herd Quality & Trophy Potential Rio Arriba County (41% overlap) has produced 170 record-book mule deer entries dating back to 1955—a strong historical record. However, trophy quality has **declined significantly**: pre-2000 averaged 206.9 (exceptional), while the 2020s show only 2 entries...