Drew a 3rd choice unit 13 rifle deer tag...and excited to have it. I know how it is asking for out of state unit help, but I'm going in to this one blind. Of course, not looking for honey holes, but would appreciate any general help. Plan to make a summer scouting trip. I was told that Datil will be covered with hunters, Im thinking around the Ladrones and Bear Mountains. Shamelessly looking for local help. Thanks.

I have limited experience with this unit, but i'll be happy to help.
My first and foremost recommendation is that you get a on x map chip for your GPS. That unit is a checkerboarded nightmare. Worse than any other unit in the state IMHO. You always need to know where you're at in that unit, as there is reservation everywhere.

I'd stick with your plan of being east of the Ladrones. I'd try to possibly hunt the edges of Sivilleta. There are large chunks of public land in that area that are relatively easy to access.

My last recommendation is to not be too picky in that unit. There are generally left over muzzleloader tags for that hunt. You can use that as a indicator to the quality. The DGF gives out far too many tags for the unit.

Appreciate the info JM. They did reduce the tag allotment drastically this year...which is very telling. Have you used the mobile Gps maps provided by DGF? Looks like it would be useful if it works properly.

I have used the app. My iphone 6 works pretty well, but when i have really needed to find out where I was I had to pull out my GPS. I couldn't get the maps to save properly on my phone and there's no cell service, let alone 3G or LTE out there.

My original post says 'east of the Ladrones.' Not correct... that would be I25 and Socorro. I meant to say WEST of the Ladrones.

Thanks again, JM. I'll let you know what I see on my scouting trip.

PM Mudhen here on the fire. He's an honest man and knows his game. He if he can help you...he will. powdr

Deer hunting in 13 is tough. It's a big unit, they issue lots of tags (spread out over numerous hunts), and the deer herd is not that strong.

If you decide on the Ladrones, keep in mind that by the time the rifle hunts start, the deer are pretty scarce. The east side gets pounded. Get high enough on the west side, you might do some good.

You will cover a lot of ground and see several does to bucks. I have burnt a lot of gas and boot leather around the ladrones and saw very few. Good luck, lots of cats in the ladrones!

This buck was killed in the Ladrones in the '70's and was the State Record for quite some time.

Nice....I've heard about that buck. Don't think I will set my expectations that high! Thanks again for all the help.