At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Be prepared to shoot long ranges
- Avoid areas crowded with hunters
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
The conversation on GOHUNT’s profile for Unit 50 in New Mexico highlights diverse experiences and insights from hunters. The primary challenges identified include understanding the draw odds and dealing with low elk densities, potentially due to seasonal migration patterns. Success in this unit seems to be linked to those who venture away from roads and focus on regions with water sources, such as Cerro de la Olla (Pot Mountain), which is suggested as a strategic location for accessing elk. Despite initial frustrations about road hunters and draw complexities, hunters who thoroughly planned their locations and adapted to the terrain and environmental conditions, like hunting near water during hot and dry periods, often found success. This dialogue underscores the importance of not only understanding draw processes but also preparing for the unique challenges of each season and leveraging local terrain knowledge for a successful hunt.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | Dummy | Dummy |
This long, narrow unit runs from Espanola all the way to Colorado. Mule deer, elk, bighorn sheep and antelope are hunted here. Private and tribal lands will limit access and restrict hunting in parts of the unit, but other parts of this large unit have plenty of public land.
Lower densities of game are found here and success rates tend to be somewhat low for most species.
Some mountains and foothills are gently rolling. The steepest terrain is mostly on the sides of ridges that rise above rivers and eroded creek drainages. Large flats are found across the unit in many areas.
Good gravel and dirt roads provide good access to many parts of the unit, which is composed mostly of public land that is managed by the state, the BLM and the Carson National Forest.
Lowlands are covered with brush and grass with pinyons and junipers along arroyos and the edges of hills and mesas and about halfway up the mountains, where a ponderosa pine and oak brush mix takes over.
Most hunters camp along Forest Service roads or on BLM land, several of which are reached by Highway 111 along Rio Vallecitos, a good river for brown trout fishing. Camping is available at Abiquiu Reservoir. Hopewell Lake Campground is on the north edge by Highway 64 and is usually open through October.
Roughly 923 square miles
67.9% public land
Elevation is 5,600 to 9,475 feet
Carry maps that display land ownership
No vehicles are allowed in the Chama River Wilderness
Four-wheel drive recommended on forest roads