GOHUNT

New Mexico Unit 17

Updated Aug 12, 2026

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Hunters discussing Unit 17 in New Mexico highlight the unit's challenging terrain, which requires good physical preparation and navigation skills. Many users emphasize the importance of understanding seasonal patterns, as they can significantly affect game movement and visibility. Successful hunters recommend scouting the area ahead of the season to familiarize themselves with the landscape and potential game hotspots. Overall, insights suggest that patience and thorough planning can enhance hunting experiences in this rugged and demanding unit.

This is an AI-generated summary from comments and user reviews, and won't always be correct.

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At a Glance

1,648Square Miles

73.7%Public Land

6,000 - 10,000Elevation Range

Elk and antelope thrive in this unit, which includes the San Mateo and Magdalena mountain ranges. Apache Kid, Withington and Chupadera wilderness areas are entirely inside the unit, which also contains several hundred square miles of desert flatlands. Only bowhunters and muzzleloader hunters may hunt elk.

This is one of the finest elk hunting areas in New Mexico, with a healthy number of elk and many bulls getting old enough to grow impressive racks. This area has low deer densities and bucks struggle to reach maturity.

Quick Tips

Average age class of bucks is low
Excellent antelope hunting but tags are tough to get
A couple of big private ranches are in the north part of the unit at low elevations mostly

GOHUNT

New Mexico Unit 17

Updated Aug 12, 2026

See what hunters are saying

Hunters discussing Unit 17 in New Mexico highlight the unit's challenging terrain, which requires good physical preparation and navigation skills. Many users emphasize the importance of understanding seasonal patterns, as they can significantly affect game movement and visibility. Successful hunters recommend scouting the area ahead of the season to familiarize themselves with the landscape and potential game hotspots. Overall, insights suggest that patience and thorough planning can enhance hunting experiences in this rugged and demanding unit.

This is an AI-generated summary from comments and user reviews, and won't always be correct.

Was it helpful?

Join the conversation

Add your own photos, ask for advice, and connect with other hunters who are interested in this unit

At a Glance

1,648Square Miles

73.7%Public Land

6,000 - 10,000Elevation Range

Elk and antelope thrive in this unit, which includes the San Mateo and Magdalena mountain ranges. Apache Kid, Withington and Chupadera wilderness areas are entirely inside the unit, which also contains several hundred square miles of desert flatlands. Only bowhunters and muzzleloader hunters may hunt elk.

This is one of the finest elk hunting areas in New Mexico, with a healthy number of elk and many bulls getting old enough to grow impressive racks. This area has low deer densities and bucks struggle to reach maturity.

Quick Tips

Average age class of bucks is low
Excellent antelope hunting but tags are tough to get
A couple of big private ranches are in the north part of the unit at low elevations mostly