Quick Tips
- Typically an easier tag to draw for deer
- Noted as one of the best desert quail spots in the southwest
- Good javelina numbers
- Good fishing at nearby Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-90" | 95"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This southern New Mexico unit is made up of mountains and valleys that stretch to the desert floor. From Hillsboro and north to Dusty, the elevations rise. Although not noted for large elk numbers, decent mule deer numbers can be found in this unit. Antelope can be found in the desert grasslands near Cuchillo and Monticello. There are also pockets of Coues whitetail in the southern portion of the unit.
This unit has produced several large mule deer bucks, but this area has low elk numbers. Better bucks are found in more remote mountains within the unit. Higher deer tag allocation means higher hunter traffic, but backpacking access gives opportunity to leave the crowds.
Terrain
Much of this unit is covered in desert grassland and lower elevation desert mountains rising up from valley bottoms. Many of these isolated ranges of mountains are steep and very rocky. The mountains in the northern portion of the unit are higher in elevation and have denser vegetation on their slopes.
Roughly 2,550 square miles
62.1% public land
Elevations range from 4,000-7,800 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations mainly consist of flat, rolling Creosote covered hills rising to mesquite and juniper covered mountains. A lot of sandy arroyos can be spread throughout lower regions. Middle elevations have pinyon and juniper covered mountains on north slopes and rocky, grassy, more open southern slopes. Higher elevations consist of juniper-covered mountains, with some ponderosa pines in canyon bottoms and on highest peaks in the northern parts of unit. Mountain mahogany serves as winter browse for mule deer in higher elevations.
Access
The Black Range Highway 152 leads to dirt roads giving access to trailheads and backpack takeoff points into the center of the unit. Highway 82 cuts through the northern half of the unit from Cuchillo to Chloride and then north to Dusty. Highway 142 passes through Monticello and parallels Alamosa Creek. BLM and state land is scattered throughout the entire unit so access is manageable, unlike the more predominantly private units.
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along roads leading into the mountainous areas within the unit. Several RV parks can be found close to and in the unit.
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