I just got notified that my brother and I were drawn for GDA at Matador WMA. I never imagined somebody would get drawn and not purchase there permit at any of the 3 locations where I put in for GDA, but I am pretty happy right. First time I have been drawn in any category since 2013 and pretty excited.

Fantastic congrats!

Congrats brother

You are right, who would turn down Matador.

Thanks. Its a head shaker for sure, but I am looking forward to it. Now, if only I can get drawn for the GDE there too

Congrats on the draw. I have been drawn several times on the second chance. I really like hunting at the Matador. Really nice country and some good sized deer.

I drew an archery whitetail tag for Matador but I didn't purchase the permit. I drew a muzzleloader mule deer tag in NM thats a day or two after the matador hunt so I decided not to purchase the tag. Good luck on your hunt.

I thought I would give a report of my hunt. My brother and I were not successful in getting a doe, but it wasn't for lack of trying. We were in the North Middle Pasture and put many a mile on my boots and many hours glassing, but the deer just weren't moving much due to unseasonably hot weather. Talked to a guy that got drawn standby and he said he tagged out within 24 hours last year and he wasn't seeing much this year either. A few guys got a whitetail doe and a few got hogs, but not much was coming into the headquarters. That being said, it was still the most fun I have ever had on a draw hunt. The staff was amazing and very helpful and the WMA was a beautiful place to hunt. Hard to describe just how big the place is, but it took a good 20 minute drive from headquarters to just get to the North Middle pasture, which of course is in the middle of the WMA. Saw tons of mule deer in our pasture, but only 2 whitetail bucks and one doe, which was too far to put on a stalk as light was fading. Here are a few pics I took and thought I would share with you.
Sunset one day 1

North Middle Pasture Terrain

Mule Deer at Headquarters

Another beautiful sunset on our last full day of the hunt

A fork horn muley that snuck up behind us as we were glassing an area. He was about 15 yards in this pic, but saw us and closed to within 7 yards to see what we were. Once he had enough investigating us, he slowly walked down the hillside and went and got a drink. He must have known that he was not on the menu.

Thank you for the report. Great photos!

Great pictures. Thanks

I was on this hunt over in Dogleg. I did end up taking a hog home. Saw 7 whitetail bucks/spikes, about 10 mule deer, but never saw a whitetail doe. Totally agree that this is an amazing place. I enjoyed the hunt as well.

Great write up. Love that caprock country