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New MexicoMule Deer

NM Mule Deer Unit 8

Total Acres
590,059
Public Land
26%
Wilderness
6%
Elevation
5,025–10,668 ft

Season Dates

YearWeaponDatesTag TypeSex
2026Archery (Der-2-162) — Der-2-162Nov 21, 2026Nov 29, 2026either
2026Archery (Der-2-163) — Der-2-163Jan 1, 2026Jan 15, 2026either
2026Archery (Der-2-501) — Der-2-501Sep 1, 2026Sep 24, 2026either
2026Archery (Der-2-502) — Der-2-502Jan 1, 2026Jan 15, 2026either
2026Muzzleloader (Der-3-503) — Der-3-503Sep 27, 2026Oct 3, 2026either
2026Rifle (Der-1-500) — Der-1-500Oct 17, 2026Oct 21, 2026either

Trophy Data

B&C Entries
4
Avg Score
199.8
Top Score
246.6
Recent (5yr)
1

AI Scout Analysis

# NM 8 Tactical Analysis **Terrain & Access** Unit 8 spans elevations from 5,000 to 10,668 feet across 590,059 acres, but only 26% is public land—a significant access constraint. The Sandia Mountains and surrounding terrain offer mixed habitat from arid foothills to higher-elevation forest. Water is a critical limiting factor in this drought-stressed region; many dirt tanks on BLM land are unreliable, forcing deer to concentrate near private water sources and inholdings. Expect challenging...

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

YearWeaponResidencyApplicantsTags issued
12 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023Archery (Der-2-163)resident1,81355
2023Archery (Der-2-163)nonresident984
2023Archery (Der-2-163)outfitter436
2023Archery (Der-2-162)resident25155
2023Archery (Der-2-162)nonresident24
2023Archery (Der-2-162)outfitter86

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Harvest Data

YearWeaponHuntersHarvestSuccess
11 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
2022Archery (Der-2-159)501433.0%
2022Archery (Der-2-160)652848.0%
2022Rifle (Der-1-500)11229.0%
2022Archery (Der-2-501)2150.0%
2022Muzzleloader (Der-3-502)21100.0%