Got drawn for archery mule deer at elephant mountain and matador, only problem is they’re both the same week. Any advice?

A conundrum. Not much help in advice on that one. But congrats for getting drawn!

Been there done that though. A few years back I was finally drawn for a gun buck hunt. Took 27 years/points. My son was drawn for youth mule deer at Big Bend Ranch State Park for the same weekend.

Naturally we did the mule deer hunt. He didn't fire a shot but it was well worth it.

Well that’s basically winning the lottery, no offense but this is why I wish they limit all species to only two choices regardless of weapons.

Matador historically has bigger mule deer, but the country between the two is vastly different. I like the country better around Elephant mountain plus it has more diversity in wildlife. Matador is probably more forgiving less physical country

I would research success odds and base your choice off that

I drew the 2018 GDE at Matador in Nov, and while we did pretty good, it was a difficult hunt even with a rifle. There were lots of MD outside the WMA in the crop fields, but we didn't see very many in the WMA itself. The West side is definitely the best for MD. The country is very open, and unless you were down on the river or in a draw, you would be facing very long shots with a bow!!

I have never been to Elephant Mountain. I agree with Blank's comments about Matador. I drew GDA in 2018 and hunted North Middle Pasture which does have the middle pease river that runs through it. But apart from the river bottom which has lot of willows getting close enough for shot with-in bow range will be very challenging. The terrain in north middle varies and is pretty open. Here are a few pictures I took.

A good flux capacitor...

I have hunted just north of Elephant Mountain on a private ranch. Lots of chances at mule deer bucks, but we were rifle hunting. If there are watering spots on Elephant Mountain, that would probably be the place to hunt. Quite a bit of cover and lots of places to roam. Either by water or find a high spot to glass from and glass and stalk. I am almost certain there are watering spots on Elephant Mountain because of the sheep that have been restored in the area.

Looks like some cool terrain...I'd love to get drawn for one of these

Lucky, been trying for years. Is there a way to check your draw results anywhere?

If you click on Check Status on this page you can enter your information and it'll tell ya: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/hunt/public/public_hunt_drawing/

Nice draw! Good luck.

Elephant Mountain first choice for the experience. Elevation 6225'. For a flatlander, getting up that high and chance to see that part of Texas wins.

Really, this is all you need to know:

https://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/8426260/1

I would love the opportunity at either hunt. Sure sounds like you can't make a bad choice. Good luck and post a recap of the hunt!

I'd go to EM if your tag includes a javelina also. I drew EM archery in 2000 with a buddy. We both shot javies and I stalked a bedded mule deer, only to misplace him by 20 yards and we had a 1 minute stare off lol before he bolted. We got the north side of the mountain and I saw a couple groups of the sheep which made the trip alone worthwhile.

I once drove to Matador on a archery hunt...hoping for a stand-by opportunity. It paid off as a group didn't show up. But they gave me the last compartment after everyone else picked theirs first. I saw lots of whitetails and had pigs 3 ft from me one time. Was about to shoot the sow with piglets when she saw me at that 3ft and bolted. (they crossed a ditch and was in the underbrush as they came thru a fence I was by, no shot until they were right on me)

Not sure they even let stand by oppurtunities anymore as I don't do the Tx draw hunts anymore. But I'd go further west if it were me.