At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Semi-guided drop-camp hunts are available
- Sheep hunters should consider hiring guides
- Trout fishing in the Pecos River and other waters




Hunters discussing New Mexico's Unit 45 express a range of experiences, emphasizing the importance of understanding the terrain and hunting during optimal times. The unit's draw odds suggest competitive interest, requiring strategic planning for those hoping to hunt here. Much of the insight revolves around the seasonal movement patterns of game, particularly how weather and elevation changes impact elk and deer behavior. It's advised for hunters to prepare for varied conditions and use locals' knowledge when planning their hunts to increase their chances of success.
Northeast of Santa Fe, this area includes a large part of the Santa Fe and Carson national forest and the Pecos Wilderness area. Hunters can find decent densities of mule deer, elk, and Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep here. This area is extremely rugged and will pose for a physical hunt to anyone with a tag.
Famous for producing some large Rocky Mountain bighorn rams, this area has good numbers of elk available to public hunters, as well as mule deer.