I need some advice. I'm going to for-go my annual trip to Florida Jan 2007, exchanging the cash and vacation days to hopefully make a trip to New Mexico next fall.

Looking at the southeastern corner, zones 30/31/32/33 and maybe 34/36. These areas seem to be the easiest to draw into, as some have had some leftover permits the past two years. I will be looking at muzzleloader as first selection, archery as second. I have two ML so I can meet the restricted if I need to.

I realize the ease of permits mean it probably isn't the best areas, but they are the closest, and appear to have lot's of public land.

Access won't be a problem, both 4wd truck, ATV and 42 year-old legs are still good. Plan on tent camping.

Can anyone recommend a decent area with good camping and good access to some nice hunting areas?

Even though what I am planning is over a year away, it's not that long until I have to put in for the draw.

Also, I've never hunted mule deer, so if you have some hints I'd be grateful.

I've hunted in Unit 30 now for about 11 to 12 years.It's the southern end of Lincoln National forest that we mostly hunt even though it's alot bigger with some other good areas. Although it's all been for the rifle hunts, I've talked to people who have hunted with muzzle loaders there and most of them fill thier tags every year. Try to stay away from Unit 34 for now as there are confirmed cases of CWD there. You are not allowed to take any part of the animals spine, spinal cord, or brain from this area. Unit 30 has some good areas to not only hunt but camp as well. There is a small store at a place called Queens, not really a town but a forestry station. There are a good number of deer there since they've got the mountain lions under control. There are plenty of trails you can use with your ATV's or 4WD. If you have any questions you can PM me and I'll get back with you.

I would narrow it down to three units from the ones you listed - 30, 31, or 34.

Unit 30 is smaller mountains and has the most quantity of deer, but trophy potential is slight to moderate.

Unit 31 is mostly sand and mesquite, has a good deer population, and trophy potential is good, especially in the late (January) bowhunt. Bring good, comfortable boots and good binoculars and be prepared to do alot of hiking.

Unit 34 is bigger mountains, but the muzzleloader hunt in the Pinon Draw area is an excellent hunt with very good trophy potential. The bowhunts are also very good.

All of these units are large and have several different kinds of terrain within each unit, but I just gave a general description. I'll be more than happy to help you in any way I can. You can e-mail me if you want acidfreak54@yahoo.com Put "NM Mule Deer" in the subject line.

NM has some excellent hunting and I hope you enjoy your hunt!!