Quick Tips
- Be mindful of border activity if hunting near the border of Mexico; contact Border Patrol if you see anything suspicious
- Good optics will help search open country
- Backpack camping in the Florida Mountains can be productive
- Use good GPS to avoid trespassing
- Good desert quail hunting for scaled and gambels species
- Expect long shooting and take good boots
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Running south of Interstate 10 and down to the International border with Mexico, this unit extends east from Hachita to Anthony near the Texas state line. Desert mule deer live in flat desert scrub surrounded by mountains. The Persian Ibex can be found south of Deming in the Florida Mountains. This exotic species brings the most attention to the unit, but are usually the hardest trophies to attain.
Ibex hunters will climb the face of the Florida Mountains to experience one of the most challenging hunts in North America. Antelope numbers are limited, permits are hard to draw. Mule deer live at low elevations in mesquite thickets and low mountain canyons.
Terrain
Most of the unit consists of flat desert hills and sandy canyon bottoms. The highest peak in the unit is Florida Peak towering to 7,448 feet. Also within the Florida Mountains are Gym Peak at 7,106 feet and Baldy Peak at 6,703 feet. The Tres Hermanas Mountains are west of the Floridas and average 5,200 feet along the crest. To the east, Camel Mountain is near the Mexican border and it is 4,887 feet. The East Potrillo Mountains are just west of Mesilla and average 5,127 feet on higher peaks. These desert island mountains rise steeply from the desert floor around them.
Roughly 3,165 square miles
74.6% public land
Elevations range from 4,700 - 7,400 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations consist of flat desert land with some rolling hills covered in creosote, ocotillo and barrel cactus. Gramma grass and soaptree yuccas grow in the flat grasslands in this area. Middle elevations have foothills and sandy arroyos lined with mesquites, ocotillo, prickly pear and jumping cholla cacti. Steep mountains rise out of the desert floor in higher elevations, and scrub oak and junipers provide cover in cooler, northern slopes and deep draws.
Access
Many unmaintained roads can be found throughout this unit but traveling on them can be difficult in spots. Particularly during periods of flash flooding.
ATVs recommended for side-road access points
Many mountains do not have trail systems
Carry a lot of water
Travel in dependable vehicles
Pack water in before hunting season
Use solid mountain gear in the Floridas dangerous climbing
Camping and Lodging
Camping is not recommended in this area’s interior or near the border. If you use an RV there are KOA spots in Las Cruces. Lodging can be found in Deming and Las Cruces.
Hilton Garden Inn (Las Cruces)
Quality Inn (Deming)
Days Inn (Las Cruces)
Sunrise RV (Deming)
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