At a Glance
993Square Miles
53.3%Public Land
4,500 - 7,000Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS with land ownership data
- Visit Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
- Visit Ruidoso Downs horse race track
Hunters discussing Unit 36 in New Mexico note that the area offers diverse terrain, which can impact accessibility and the behavior of game, especially during different seasons. Many emphasize the importance of understanding draw odds, as they can significantly affect hunting plans and success rates. Insightful tips include familiarizing oneself with the unit's topography and patterns of game movement, which can enhance the chances of a productive hunt. Overall, experiences in Unit 36 underline the necessity of preparation and adaptability to maximize opportunities in this varied hunting landscape.
Surrounding the north part of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation and south of Capitan, this unit yields many mature bull elk as well as some mule deer, pronghorn antelope and Barbary sheep. A good density of game game is in the Lincoln National Forest, including the White Mountain Wilderness.
This is one of the state's premier elk units and has produced many bulls. Deer, antelope, and sheep densities are low but good quality animals can sometimes be found.