Quick Tips
- Use good optics in this open country
- Carry plenty of water
- Feral hogs reported on river bottoms near Socorro
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 300"-340" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 70"-75" | 80"+ |
On The Ground
This open, low desert unit sits in the center of the state and holds a few mule deer, elk and a good number of antelope. Much private and public land is arranged in a checkerboard pattern. There are also large chunks of BLM and state land.
Good numbers of antelope live here. Mule deer are not found in large numbers. No big game hunting on Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge. Agricultural land along Rio Grande supports deer. This area has a good amount of antelope tags. Bowhunters sometimes take large bull elk.
Terrain
Most land is flat to rolling desert, but the edges of mesas, canyons and some mountains have steep and rugged sections. Some high points include 7,530-foot Whiteface Mountain in Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, which is closed to big game hunting, La Cebolla at 7,108 feet, Sierra Larga South at 6,830 feet and Brushy Mountain at 6,618 feet near the eastern border. Northwest of Carrizozo is Little Black Peak at 5,675 feet. Sierra Larga Canyon runs east of Socorro and parallels the Rio Grande River Valley, which is the western edge of the unit.
Roughly 2,445 square miles
66.6% public land
Elevations vary from 5,500-7,500 feet
Vegetation
Low terrain has desert grassland with yuccas and cholla cactus covering vast flats, while middle elevations have broken ridges and canyons covered in juniper trees and cactus. High mountains have denser stands of juniper and scrub oak brush. Salt cedar and cottonwoods grow in the riparian zone along the Rio Grande River.
Access
Hunters can reach many areas on dirt roads branching from highways and Interstate 25. Near Carrizozo is State Route 380, which cuts across the southern quarter of the unit to Bingham. State Highways 54 and 55 give access to the mainly private land in the eastern part of the unit between Oscura and Mountainair.
Camping and Lodging
The BLM offers 19 campsites at Valley of Fire Recreation Area four miles west of Carrizozo on Highway 380. The Sands Motel & RV Park is located in Carrizozo. A few motels are also in Socorro and Mountainair.
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