Unit 36 (excl. Fort Stanton)

Unit 36 mule deer range widely across the Capitan Mountains and surrounding terrain.

Capitan Mountains Ponderosa Zone (7,000-9,000 ft)

The Capitan Mountains are the centerpiece of Unit 36 mule deer habitat. Ponderosa pine parks and mixed-conifer slopes hold bucks through summer and into the rut. These isolated mountains produce quality bucks with relatively low hunting pressure.

Oak-Juniper Foothills

Oak and juniper hillsides surrounding the Capitan uplift are primary mule deer habitat at lower elevations. Glass hillsides systematically at dawn and dusk.

Grassland Edges

Desert grassland edges adjacent to juniper draws attract deer during early morning and late evening feeding. Most productive during early rifle and archery seasons.