Quick Tips
- Be in excellent shape for hiking in the Guadalupe's
- Visit Carlsbad Caverns
- Find strategic locations for glassing where you can have multiple viewing lanes into various arroyos
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 280"-320" | 330"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
On The Ground
Southeast of Artesia and bordering Texas, this area contains the rugged Guadalupe Mountains, large tracts of private flats, and a large expanse of BLM badlands. Good numbers of deer, along with small numbers of elk, barbary sheep and antelope reside here.
With a lot of mule deer tags issued every year, hunters often complain of seeing too many other hunters. Despite heavy hunting pressure this unit yields some mature bucks every year. Every year the state issues a few rifle elk tags and a few archery antelope tags. Barbary sheep live in rough terrain, and many sheep hunters report finding no rams.
Terrain
Mountainous or hilly with many rocky arroyos, draws, peaks and canyons where deer, elk and Barbary sheep go to avoid hunters. A series of remote arroyos runs northwest from Carlsbad Cavern National Park in the foothills of the Guadalupe Mountains. Flat pastures and crop fields are found near Artesia, Carlsbad and Atoka, and in the southwest corner. The Guadalupe Mountains are mostly in the Lincoln National Forest and are rugged, steep and broken. West are the Brokeoff Mountains, most of which are located in a wilderness study area.
Roughly 2,943 square miles
77.9% public land
Elevations range from 3,300-7,500 feet
Vegetation
Several species of cactus, prairie grasses, yucca and junipers grow in the foothills and on the flats. Ocotillo cactus, prickly pear cactus, oaks, maples, douglas firs, ponderosa pines and more than 1,000 other species of plants cover the Guadalupe Mountains, which are mainly forested.
Access
A network of roads provide good access, except in the most rugged terrain, which fills much of the Guadalupe Mountains and the Brokeoff Mountains. Private land is along highways in some places, especially near towns with the largest expanse of deeded property in the northeast corner.
No hunting allowed in Carlsbad Caverns National Park in the southeast
Four-wheel-drive is recommended
ATVs not allowed off roads
Camping and Lodging
Motels are in Artesia, Carlsbad and Queens. Many hunters camp on public land along dirt or gravel roads.
Carlsbad RV Park & Campground
Artesia RV Park
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