Quick Tips
- Hunter orange clothing required
- Reserve time to visit White Sands National Monument
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 165"-175" | 175"+ |
On The Ground
Except for its southern tip and a triangle of land near Las Cruces, this unit is entirely within the White Sands Missile Range. The state issues a limited number of hunting permits for mule deer, elk, Desert Bighorn sheep, and for oryx, an African export that thrives on this flat and stark desert.
Hunters enjoy a high success rate on oryx and have a good chance of taking cows or bulls. Hunters must complete military documents and attend orientation meetings. Vehicles are subject to military searches. Hunting pressure is distributed among zones.
Terrain
Most of the range is flat desert with rolling hills and canyons covered with thick mesquite brush. Rio Grande Valley and Tularosa Basin are separated by rough rocky mountain ranges, including the San Andres, Organ, Oscura and San Augustine mountains. The highest peak is North Oscura Peak at 7,998 feet. The highest points in the San Augustine Mountains are San Augustine Peak at 6,870 feet and Treasure Mountain at 6,864 feet. Baylor Peak in the Organ Mountains is 7,721 feet.
4,253 square miles
97.5% public land
Elevations range from 4,500 - 8,000 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations mainly consist of desert and grasslands. Creosote and mesquite are the dominant plants in rolling hills at bases of mountain ranges. Middle elevations have yuccas and small junipers growing along the bases of large mountains, foothills and on low slopes. Scrub oak grows in deep washes and canyons. High ground has stands of junipers. Pines grow on high northern slopes.
Access
Hunters possessing tags valid on the WSMR must complete military paperwork before their hunt dates and must have a hunter safety card. Personnel search vehicles before allowing entry through gates. Hunters must attend meetings before hunting and must wear at least 244 square inches of hunter orange clothing. Hunters reach the Rhodes Canyon area through the Tularosa gate off of Highway 54 near Tularosa. The Stallion Range is accessed through a gate near Socorro. Dirt roads grid the interior of the range, providing good access.
Camping and Lodging
No primitive or RV camping is allowed on the missile range. Motels and RV parks are available in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, or Socorro.
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