Quick Tips
- Semi-guided drop-camp hunts are available
- Sheep hunters should consider hiring guides
- Trout fishing in the Pecos River and other waters
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 340"+ |
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 165"-175" | 180"+ |
On The Ground
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.
Terrain
This unit borders Santa Fe and runs 40 miles northeast and 40 miles southeast. Most of it this area is in the Santa Fe and Carson national forests, and a great deal of BLM is in the northwest section. Parts of several Indian reservations are located within the unit and hunters will want to pay attention to these boundaries. Topography varies from low valleys to long, broad mesas and remote, steep mountains with peaks above timberline. Deep timbered drainages with rock faces are also found within the unit. Many hunters will use horses or backpack.
Roughly 1,523 square miles
74.7% public land
Elevations from 5,800 to 13,100 feet
Vegetation
Oak brush and other scrub plants grow at low elevations along with hundreds of square miles of pinyon/juniper woodlands mixed with ponderosa pine. At higher elevations, aspens and Engelmann spruce, blue spruce and other conifers grow densely. Many large parks and meadows are scattered in the forest and are covered with various grasses and sedges. Above timberline are basins where wildflowers grow among oat grasses, bluegrass and Rocky Mountain iris, along with several rare plants.
Access
Hunters can reach trailheads and hunting areas outside of the wilderness on many primitive roads and several maintained roads. No vehicles are allowed in the wilderness. Tribal lands are closed to public hunting.
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on roads above 7,500 feet
ATVs travel faster and offer more comfort on primitive roads
ATVs are restricted to designated routes
Camping and Lodging
Most hunters hiking in the wilderness use backpack tents, while horseback hunters sometimes pack wall tents. Hunters outside the wilderness typically camp along dirt roads. Some hunters stay in motels in Santa Fe or Espanola on the outer edge of the unit and drive to hunting areas.
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