To experience the best possible New Mexico Mule Deer hunt, you need to be in good physical shape. The altitude in the mountains can be as high as a mile. And I promise if you are not in shape you are going to be gasping for air, have a splitting headache, a little nausea and so dizzy you can’t see. The air can be pretty thin in higher altitudes, so getting prepared for it can make all the difference in the world. If you live in a lower area start training for this type hunt as early as possible, long before you head to New Mexico.

New Mexico Mule Deer Hunts are typically spot and stalk, so you will routinely have to endure long hikes ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. You need to prepare physically for two reasons. First of all if you don’t feel good on the hunt, you will not enjoy your experience, and you will feel as though you wasted all the money and time invested. Secondly, your guide will not be very happy if you are sandbagging the whole trip. Out of shape people don’t shoot big mule deer!

A New Mexico Hunt is an awesome experience and requires a lot of planning. Both hunting licenses and game tags are required, unless your guide has access to land-owner tags. Hunting licenses and tags are temporary, and must be handled through the New Mexico Game and Fish Department’s application and drawing process. One of a guide’s most important services is to assist the hunter with the application process. You can buy your hunting License on line at New Mexico Dept. of Wildlife. You can also get a License over the counter in New Mexico. You really need to be applying for your Mule Deer tag in April or May of the year you plan to go hunting.

While there are many good locations throughout New Mexico to chase Muleys, Rio Arriba County, NM, is one of the top locations for Boone & Crockett Mule Deer bucks. Bucks need to reach maturity at 5-7 years old and also have the benefit of the right habitat in order to reach that magical 200 inch plus level of scoreable horns. Do your research and try to find an area of New Mexico that practices conservation and allows bucks to reach full maturity.

The mule deer rut typically begins in early November and lasts until mid December. These 30 to 40 days are the best time to be in New Mexico with your guide searching for a monster mule deer buck. You will most likely encounter some snow during these months, but nothing too heavy. These early winter hunts are cold enough to keep you moving, but the hiking will be sure to provide the right amount of movement to fight off any chills. Good luck on planning your Mule Deer Hunt in New Mexico. Hire and outfitter, and allow them to help you begin your preparation for the hunt of a life time. The professional guides and outfitters listed on World Class Outdoors will be happy to get you rates, dates, references, and details about what you will need to bring – from weapons to optics to camo! Contact them for free information.

Other mountainous regions that offer trophy Mule Deer Hunts are Alberta, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.