Hunting Unit 19 in New Mexico presents a mix of logistics and strategy, particularly for oryx hunts. The terrain is largely flat, making elevation like ladders and the use of vehicle-mounted optics advantageous for glassing. Careful pre-hunt preparation is necessary, including studying oryx anatomy and managing rigid guest registration rules. Military restrictions can impact hunt duration, and political pressures to reduce the oryx population may increase hunt difficulty. Experienced hunters suggest maximizing guest participation for better success and preparing for rapid cooling and retrieval given the size of the animals. Hunters share concerns about current regulations and draw odds, advised to keep a look on GoHUNT for updates or reach out directly for specific data.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Desert Bighorn Sheep | 165"-175" | 175"+ |
High
Low
Except for its southern tip and a triangle of land near Las Cruces, this unit is entirely within the White Sands Missile Range. The state issues a limited number of hunting permits for mule deer, elk, Desert Bighorn sheep, and for oryx, an African export that thrives on this flat and stark desert.
Hunters enjoy a high success rate on oryx and have a good chance of taking cows or bulls. Hunters must complete military documents and attend orientation meetings. Vehicles are subject to military searches. Hunting pressure is distributed among zones.
Most of the range is flat desert with rolling hills and canyons covered with thick mesquite brush. Rio Grande Valley and Tularosa Basin are separated by rough rocky mountain ranges, including the San Andres, Organ, Oscura and San Augustine mountains. The highest peak is North Oscura Peak at 7,998 feet. The highest points in the San Augustine Mountains are San Augustine Peak at 6,870 feet and Treasure Mountain at 6,864 feet. Baylor Peak in the Organ Mountains is 7,721 feet.
Hunters possessing tags valid on the WSMR must complete military paperwork before their hunt dates and must have a hunter safety card. Personnel search vehicles before allowing entry through gates. Hunters must attend meetings before hunting and must wear at least 244 square inches of hunter orange clothing. Hunters reach the Rhodes Canyon area through the Tularosa gate off of Highway 54 near Tularosa. The Stallion Range is accessed through a gate near Socorro. Dirt roads grid the interior of the range, providing good access.
Low elevations mainly consist of desert and grasslands. Creosote and mesquite are the dominant plants in rolling hills at bases of mountain ranges. Middle elevations have yuccas and small junipers growing along the bases of large mountains, foothills and on low slopes. Scrub oak grows in deep washes and canyons. High ground has stands of junipers. Pines grow on high northern slopes.
No primitive or RV camping is allowed on the missile range. Motels and RV parks are available in Las Cruces, Alamogordo, or Socorro.
4,253 square miles
97.5% public land
Elevations range from 4,500 - 8,000 feet