I am invited to do a mule deer hunt in Unit 37 just north east of Hondo, NM. It is on the Chaves Canyon Ranch. Not sure how big an area this is, looking at google earth it is typical rolling hills with drainage areas and a few meadows way off a beaten path? Will be there for the Nov 21-25 season. I beleive this is one of Sam Donaldson's ranches if that matters? What kind of quality deer can we expect in this area. Just like any where else, a few good bucks mixed in with a lot of average deer? Is there a good deer density or are they scarce and hard to find?

Never hunted out of Texas before and don't know what to expect? I would think temps will depend on cold fronts. Will have to look at getting some cold weather gear as we hunt in blinds and south Texas doesn't really get that cold.

Are you hunting the part of the ranch on the N side of US 70?

I do not know. I am suppose to get in a truck Thursday November 19 and head to NM with my gear? Going with I think 5 other people.

I hunt on the S side of Hwy 70 very near Chavez Canyon. You'll find Coy (ranch mgr) to be a knowledgable individual that will help you any way he can. N side of Hwy 70 is marked w/ steep hills coming out of the valley, then it levels off on top. Should be some good hunting. Plan on lows in the 20's, highs in the 70's. Might be some precip but not likely.

Oh yeah, plan & PRACTICE shooting at 200 yds. No substitute for actually going to the range and shooting from field positions at true 200 yd targets.

I regualrly shoot 200 yards as that is what my gun is set for. I practice at the 300 and 400 yard range as well. I can access a 600 yard range as well but fill better shooting game at this time under 300 yards. Sounds like I will not have to get any new hunting gear as my clothes will handle that range of temperature already.

Thanks for the info Pancho. Cody Tucker is the contact the person taking me arrainged the hunt with?