Drew NM mulie tag

[Gametracker]

I just drew a nonresident New Mexico unit 9 mule deer/ restricted muzzleloader tag....somewhat inadvertantly. I know unit 9 was neither of my first two choices, and I thought I had a different 3rd choice, but I guess I may have accidently wrote down the wrong hunt code. Nevertheless, I'm thrilled about it
I need advice, though. I'm not familiar with unit 9. I happen to be going west next week to visit folks in CO, so I will have the opportunity to maybe swing by and scout my unit a bit. Still, I'd be glad to hear from anyone who is familiar with the area on matters such as September climates, N.F. accessibility, or deer activity.
I'll be using a .54 GPR. My best roundball load so far is 80 grns Goex & .535 rb. I'd like to kick the charge up a bit before the hunt, but I'm still looking for an accurate combo beyond 80 grns for up to 70 yds. Or would I be foolish to not use the conical barrel on such a hunt? Comments please?

 

[shmrck1]

I'll be using a .54 GPR. My best roundball load so far is 80 grns Goex & .535 rb. I'd like to kick the charge up a bit before the hunt, but I'm still looking for an accurate combo beyond 80 grns for up to 70 yds. Or would I be foolish to not use the conical barrel on such a hunt? Comments please?

When using my .54 I use 90grns 2ff Goex,
with a .530 RB and a .015 lubed patch. IMHO
that is enough lead and powder to harvest a mulie
out to 70 yards assuming you do your part and hit
it in a kill zone. I've dispatched 2 whitetail
one at 45 and the other at 60 yards with this load
and I don't think either went more than 15 to 20 yards. I hope this helps. Good luck on your hunt
and let us know how you do.
snake-eyes :hatsoff:

 

Unit 9 is NW of ABQ. Not my area, but I think it may take in some of the Jemez Mtns. Others may chime in here. It's likely mostly rocky breaks with Pinyon/Juniper woodland interspersed with desert grassland/shrubland. Temps at those elevations are generally mild, but you never know when a system will come through and drop the temps. If the unit goes up into the Jemez you can get up into the 8-9k' range, where it can get chilly in sept.

BTW, I like these restricted hunts and would like to see more of them.

Sean

 

[Gametracker]

Thanks for valuable input, guys :hatsoff:

 

[SimonKenton]

What do you mean by a restricted hunt? Is that one where only traditional guns are allowed?

-Ray

 

[Gametracker]

Correct. Traditional ML's with open sights only. In this particular unit, there is also an antler restriction: a buck must have three or more points on at least one antler. Antler restrictions vary among units though.