Quick Tips
- Outfitter clients typically have better drawing odds
- Trail cams at water sources can help
- Consider hiring a guide
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 320"-350" | 370"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-80" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
This is one of the best elk units in New Mexico and many large bulls have come out of here. tags are limited and draw odds are steep but lucky hunters will be in for an incredible hunt. Deer and antelope populations are also decent within this area and great hunting opportunities can be found for them.
Some huge elk have come from this unit. Mule deer grow big, but hunter success is low and mature bucks are rare. Mule deer from this area have qualified for all-time B&C records.
Terrain
Hunters who have spent time in the high altitudes of Colorado or the broken, steep terrain in Utah, Wyoming or Idaho would consider Unit 16A as having mild, easy-to-hunt terrain. Much of it is fairly open with many big meadows that draw elk into the open.
Roughly 644 square miles
96.9% public land
Elevations range from about 5,000-9,938 feet
Vegetation
Forests from about 7,000 feet and higher are composed of several species of trees, including ponderosa pine, several kinds of junipers, including alligator juniper, pinyon pine, blue spruce, Douglas fir and quaking aspen. Terrain below 7,000 feet is mostly open brush and grasslands with expanses of thinly scattered junipers and pinyons.
Access
A maze of dirt roads reach into almost every canyon and on every major ridge and it is hard to get more than two miles from a road. Major interior roads include Bear Wallow Road off State Highway 159, Deep Creek Ranch Road off US 180, State Route 145 and several roads off Highway 12.
Camping and Lodging
Lodging options include Hidden Springs Inn in Reserve, Frisco Lodging Co. & RV Park in Reserve and Silver Creek Inn in Mogollon. The Gila National Forest maintains improved and primitive campsites. Camping is allowed in the Gila National Forest outside campgrounds.
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