Quick Tips
- Use high power optics to search open slopes for bighorn and bucks
- Good quail hunting here
- Use GPS to avoid crossing over into military restricted ranges
- Off-range oryx can be hunted along edges of range on public lands
- Limited numbers of antelope
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 155"-165" | 165"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is squeezed between the White Sands Missile Range and Interstate 25. Hunters can find mule deer, antelope and desert bighorn sheep in the rugged mountains in this part of the state. Notable features include the San Andreas Mountains, Caballo Mountains and Cristobal Range in the central portion of the unit.
In recent years, sheep numbers have improved to include special desert sheep draws for the Fra Cristobal and Caballo Mountains. Rams commonly score high enough for inclusion in the Boone and Crockett Club records. Mule deer can be found throughout the unit as well. Limited antelope numbers exist due to lack of quality antelope habitat.
Terrain
Mountains look tall as they extend up from the low desert country around them. Caballo Mountain extends to 7,000 feet, Lone Star Peak is 6,811 feet and Fra Cristobal Mountain is 6,003 feet above sea level. Elevation runs from just over 4,100-7,000 feet on the peaks of the Caballos Mountains. Elephant Butte Lake is located along the western edge of the unit.
Roughly 2,558 square miles
65.1% public land
Elevations range from 4,100-7,000 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flat to rolling creosote-covered hills with some cactus and yucca. Middle elevations within the foothills and bases of mountain slopes have junipers and scrub-oak brush. The high peaks are mostly rock ocotillo and some junipers in deep crevices running off to the desert drainages below.
Access
Dirt roads running north near Rincon, pass into the mountainous country in the center of the unit from Upham to Engle. The junction at Engle leads to the missile range to the east or to Elephant Butte to the west. Most other access roads run into the unit by dirt off of Interstate 25. Most public access is between T or C and Radium Springs. The Department of Agriculture controls the Jornada Experimental area, where population control oryx hunts are permitted for some years.
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads on BLM and state lands. Some camp in state parks at Elephant Butte and Caballo Lake, or at Western Sky’s RV Park in Hatch.
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