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New Mexico Mule Deer Elk

Unit 5B (Jemez Mountains - South)

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk

Unit 5B covers the southern Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. Mule deer tags are allocated through the NMDGF pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Consult the NMDGF big-game hunt booklet for current hunt codes.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 5B

Unit 5B covers the southern Jemez Mountains of north-central New Mexico. Mule deer tags are allocated through the NMDGF pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Consult the NMDGF big-game hunt booklet for current hunt codes.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 5B

Unit 5B mule deer use the Jemez Mountain habitat of north-central New Mexico. Use NMDGF GMU maps and land-ownership overlays to identify huntable public ground.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 5B

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%
Archery16%
Muzzleloader20%
Unit 5B mule deer success rates vary by hunt code, weapon, and season. Check NMDGF harvest reports for the latest unit-level figures.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Draw211,3671.5% 0
Archery— Draw91665.4% 0
Muzzleloader— Draw91924.7% 0
Rifle— Draw261,3122.0% 0
Archery— Draw91306.9% 0
Muzzleloader— Draw91088.3% 0
Rifle— Draw92823.2% 0

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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New Mexico uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Unit 5B mule deer tags are drawn on chance alone each year.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are Unit 5B mule deer tags allocated?
Through the NMDGF pure random draw. Every applicant has equal odds each year with no preference or bonus points.
Where do I find Unit 5B season dates?
The NMDGF Big Game Hunt Booklet lists all Unit 5B mule deer hunt codes, season dates, and tag quotas.
Are there Pueblo land closures in GMU 5B?
GMU 5B borders several Pueblo land boundaries. Hunting on Pueblo land without tribal permits is illegal. Always verify land ownership with onX or the NMDGF unit map before hunting near unit boundaries.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. NMDGF Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Overview of New Mexico hunting programs, Agency hub for licenses and seasons · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. NMDGF Hunting by Species — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species-specific management info, Season framework by animal · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. NMDGF Big Game Hunt Booklet — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt codes and GMU boundaries, Tag quotas and season dates · accessed 2026-04-17