New Mexico 2B Archery Hunt

After about 5 years of applying for this hunt, my cousin and I drew the late archery tag in NM so I am doing my due diligence researching the hunt to make the most of our opportunity. I have purchassed the BLM map for the unit and done some archive searches for information. So far, I have learned the following: 1) The earlier hunts in 2B (muzzleloader/rifle) are weather dependent as most deer migrate into the unit from Colorado (though there are some resident deer). Since this hunt is in January we should excpect the deer to be there and see lots of animals. 2) There are a lot of roads in the unit due to all the gas wells and drilling though many of them may be locked in January and closed to vehicle traffic (though mountain bike and walk-in is OK). 3) The roads are bad in wet weather/snow (bring chains). 4) It will be cold (lows from teens and highs in the 30's)and record lows are in the -15 degree range. 5) Deer will be in the sage flats feeding but hard to approach due to the number of deer, crunchy snow, etc. May be possible to pattern them coming and and out of bedding cover and try and ambush them using a ground blind or tree stand. 6) Access into the north east part of unit looks limited (not good from North (CO) due to UTE indian reservation and Navajo Lake, not good from east due to Jicarrilla Indian Reservation, not good from West due to Lake Navajo. The only access appears to be off of 64 and then many of the roads to the north will be gated/closed/impassable. 7) Lodging/Services are limited - not sure what is available in Navajo City? 8) Not recommended to take a trailer on 64 beyond Navajo City to the east due to washboarded roads, grade, etc. 8) Good genetics in the area (Jicarilla) but herd down due to various factors (i.e. encroachment by gas exploration, overharvest, etc.) Sub unit 2C recently split off from 2B and will be managed for trophy animals but there should be some good bucks available in 2B. 9) The rut should be pretty much over but we should try and hunt as close to the January 1st opener as possible.

Based on the above research, our current plan is to bring our toy hauler and camp somewhere along 64 as far east as we can go. Maybe throw in a couple of mountain bikes. We would like to get further east and set up a camp closer to the hunting area but we don't have an outfitter tent/wood stove set-up and it sounds like it will be miserably cold for a normal fall weather tent camp. Another possible option that comes to mind is to pay an outfitter for a drop camp that we could get to by 4WD truck and leave our trailer at home.

Has anyone on this site ever been on this hunt or know anything about it? If so, does my research so far appear correct? Are we on the right track as far as our approach to this hunt? Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Horniac