NM Mule Deer Unit 51A

# NM 51A Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 51A spans high-elevation mixed country (5,880–10,900 ft) with excellent public-land access (91%). The terrain includes both high-country alpine and lower-elevation sagebrush-grassland transitions. Forum posts mention water scarcity during drought conditions and side-by-side congestion, particularly on popular entry roads; deep-country hiking remains a viable way to escape pressure. ## Herd & Population Status Trophy record data is not available in population/herd survey format for this unit. However, Rio Arriba County (which overlaps 95% of Unit 51A) has produced 170 record-book mule deer entries across decades. Recent entries (2017–2022) include several book-class...