Quick Tips
- Great quail and coyote hunting in desert valleys
- Feral hogs are a bonus animal and are not protected in Unit 27
- Coues deer are found in high country in thick brush
- Be aware of border activity as it is possible to encounter illegal immigrants crossing the border
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Coues Deer | 85"-95" | 100"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 160"-170" | 175"+ |
On The Ground
This unit is in the Bootheel in the southwestern corner of the state. Hunters can go after Coues and desert mule deer, desert bighorn sheep and pronghorn antelope. Notable terrain features include the Peloncillo Mountains along the Arizona line, Guadalupe Canyon, and the small Guadalupe Mountain range on the Mexican border.
This unit has consistently had some big desert bighorn rams and Coues whitetail bucks. Several of each species have been big enough to qualify for listing in the Boone and Crockett Club records.
Terrain
Mountains look tall as they extend up from the flat desert floor at 4,000-4,500 feet and 5,900 to almost 7,000 feet above sea level. The Guadalupe Mountains have several peaks and ridges over 5,900 feet. The tallest peak in the unit is Gray Mountain at 6,928 feet above sea level. Mount Baldy is at 6,670 feet.
Roughly 1,036 square miles
67.6% public land
Elevations range from 4,000 - 6,900 feet
Vegetation
Low elevations have flat to rolling creosote-covered hills with some cactus and agave. Mountains rising out of flats are mostly covered with ocotillo, other types of cactus plans and grama grass. Scrub oaks and junipers grow along peaks and in deep canyons. Middle elevations and northern slopes hold some scrub oaks, ocotillo cacti, juniper trees and agave. Dry south slopes are mostly barren rock with some grass and cacti. High elevations have thick cover consisting of silverleaf oak, manzanita brush, junipers, pinyon pines and Chiricahua pine.
Access
Gaining access to good hunting can be difficult with the Mexican and Arizona borders and private ranches to consider. Hunters can find solitude in some walk-in areas. Forest roads in the Coronado National Forest mostly run along the bases of mountains, but some lead to backcountry trails. The Peloncillo Mountains can be reached south of Road Forks, along Highway 80, and along a dirt access road just north of Stein’s Pass. The largest ranch in the bootheel is the 500-square-mile Diamond A Ranch, formerly called the Gray Ranch. Access becomes progressively more difficult the further south you travel in the unit. Access to Coronado National Forest is very difficult as it is nearly landlocked by private land.
Few access points into high mountains
Prepare to hike for best hunting
ATVs are recommended on side roads
Carry a good GPS to avoid trespassing
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters camp in the Coronado National Forest along dirt roads. Mountain Valley Lodge & RV Park and Sky Island Lodge are in Rodeo. Several motels are in Lordsburg.
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