Quick Tips
- Many hunters are in the field
- Coues deer are not found in all areas
- Low numbers of elk
- Most elk are in wilderness
- Fort Bayard Refuge has elk and deer seasons for youth hunters
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Coues Deer | 80"-95" | 100"+ |
| Elk | 280"-330" | 330"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
On The Ground
Known by locals as the gateway to the Gila National Forest, Unit 24 has mule deer, Coues deer, elk and antelope. Most of the northern third is in the Gila National Forest, including part of the Gila Wilderness. The southern two-thirds is mostly desert grassland.
This is a good place to hunt trophy class Coues deer. Elk are not numerous, but some bulls reach trophy class. Most antelope are on private land.
Terrain
Most land is mountainous with some flat, low-lying desert grasslands with isolated peaks. The northern half is rough and has high mountains with deep canyons running toward the Gila River and the Mimbres River. Tadpole Ridge in the northwest averages 8,000 feet above sea level.
Roughly 1,511 square miles
62% public land
Elevations range from 4,300-9,025 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flat to rolling desert grassland with some rabbit brush and soap tree yuccas. Middle elevations consist of foothills and mountains covered with alligator junipers and scrub oak brush and some dense stands of pinyon pines. High elevations have high mountains with long canyons covered with ponderosa pines, Gambel oaks, mountain mahoganies and silver leaf oak brush. High north slopes have Douglas firs and aspens.
Access
Interior roads range from unmaintained dirt roads to maintained gravel routes. Highway 15 north out of Silver City leads to the north border at Sapillo Creek. Highway 35 passes Lake Roberts to Mimbres, where access to the Black Range leads to Emory Pass. Trails penetrate the roadless Aldo Leopold Wilderness.
Good forest access in the north
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
ATVs are good for driving on rough side roads
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp along forest roads or in campgrounds near Lake Robert. Lodging can be arranged in Silver City and Deming.
Bear Creek Cabins can be rented in Pinos Altos
Grey Feather Lodge is near Sapillo Creek
Lake Roberts has a general store and cabins
No fees at Sapillo Group Area Campground
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