At a Glance
4,450Square Miles
43.7%Public Land
4,700 - 9,560Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Hike in off limited road access points
- Good optics recommended
- Carry extra water and tools for emergency roadside repairs
Hunters frequently discuss the varied terrain of Unit 13 in New Mexico, noting that it offers both challenging and rewarding experiences. There is a consensus that scouting ahead of the season is essential to navigate the area's diverse landscape effectively. Draw odds are recognized as competitive, a situation some suggest can be mitigated by persistence and applying for multiple seasons to maximize chances. Game behavior is closely linked to the seasons, with many emphasizing the importance of understanding migration patterns and local vegetation to improve odds of success.
Unit 13 offers public elk and deer tags. The unit does have large sections of tribal and private lands. Elk are most abundant in the southern half of the unit, with deer and antelope scattered throughout. Cibola National Forest comprises all national forest land with large tracts of BLM land throughout the unit.
Public draw elk permits are split up into different hunt dates for archery and muzzleloader seasons. The split up hunt dates allow for more people to participate in the hunts. This unit is often overlooked due to popularity of units to the south and the west.