Quick Tips
- Bugle well before daylight to pinpoint bulls by their replies
- Cover lots of country, looking for tracks and sign
- Elk hunters should focus on areas with green grass
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 290"-330" | 330"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
Found just south of Sante Fe, this unit sports a smaller population of deer, elk. and antelope. Public lands are limited and scattered throughout the unit. During some of the more popular seasons hunting pressure can be heavy. Hunters will find a wide array of terrain types throughout the unit with many hunting styles and tactics being applicable.
Rifle elk hunting takes place at a prime time to hunt rutting bulls as is the most popular season. Lower concentrations of animals coupled with a lack of public land can make for difficult hunts across all of the seasons.
Terrain
This unit runs from Santa Fe in the northwest to Santa Rosa in the southeast and extends toward Las Vegas and Moriarty. Most of the land is flat, dry desert terrain with some draws and low foothills. Forested hills cover much of the central third, especially in the north. Mesas with steep edges are along the northern border and in the southeast corner. Part of the Santa Fe National Forest is separated into two segments. Villanueva State Park is near the center of the unit, while Santa Rosa Lake State Park is in the southeast corner.
Roughly 1,903 square miles
26.4% public land
Elevations range from 4,800 - 7,500 ft
Vegetation
Desert grasslands cover most of the unit with yuccas, various desert shrubs, cholla cactus and other species of cactus common. Pinyon pines and junipers grow in places, particularly along the edges of draws and mesas. Higher land is mostly covered with pinyons and junipers with ponderosa pines on some slopes and ridges. Much of the tree cover has been removed and the land reseeded with grasses and other cattle and wildlife food plants. Water is scarce in desert flats except for water sources fed by pumps, such as windmill pumps, and more common in the hilly portions.
Access
Hunters can reach most large tracts of public land by vehicle. Much state ground near Clines Corner is reached by roads off Interstate 40 and near US Highway 245. A great deal of state ground also is near Aurora near main roads. Forest Service land is reached by State Route 34 south of Rowe.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
ATVs can come in handy on rough roads
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters stay in motels in Las Vegas, Santa Rosa or Santa Fe or camp along dirt roads on Forest Service property. No camping is allowed on state land.
No camping or parking within 300 yards of water sources
If you buy a landowner voucher, ask about camping on the property
Historical Temperatures
High
Low
Moon Phases
April 2025
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3