Hello Members: My son recently moved to Carlsbad NM, which got me thinking about hunting in that area. Beyond the obvious issue of drawing a permit as a non-resident, can anyone comment on hunting in the Carlsbad area, particularly for pronghorn or mule deer? Thanks in advance.

Good Barbary sheep in that area..Good mule deer..Definitely Antelope..Some might not believe, but there is actually a decent size herd of elk somewhere in that area..I have had too many people to see them to doubt it..

Lee is correct on the Barbary and mule deer. Problem is drawing a tag. The Guadalupe Mtns were historically one of the best spots in the state for deer and the Barbary's have been doing well down there for the past few years. As for antelope and elk, you better plan on driving a little. There are very few antelope in Eddy County and hunting elk there would be a big ? in my mind. I'd rather drive to Roswell (70 mi) for antelope and Weed/Pinon/Cloudcroft (100 mi) to hunt elk. Of course, the biggest factor in the lack of deer permits in the Guadalupe Mtns is the plethora of Mtn Lions that reside there so find a good hound man and catch yourself a lion.

Pagris,

Sent you a PM.

I know there are some elk in the mountains, but I left out the part, that I sure would not try to put in for them there..Pancho is right area 34 is your best bet for elk, and 36 is where the whopper antelope come from.Neither one is very far from Carlsbad.