At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Be prepared to hike long distances away from roads
- Arrange packing services before hunting remote sites
- The southeastern corner of the wilderness gets few visitors
- Bearproof your camp




Hunters exploring New Mexico's Unit 22 appreciate its varied terrain and recognize the significance of understanding game behavior throughout different seasons. Experienced outdoorsmen highlight the importance of pre-hunt scouting to navigate the unit's challenging landscapes effectively. There is a consensus that knowing draw odds and timing hunts with peak rut periods can considerably enhance hunting outcomes. Overall, fellow hunters advise prioritizing preparation and adaptability to maximize success in this region.
Elk, mule deer, antelope, black bear, and Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep are hunted in this unit, which includes the western end of the Gila Wilderness and some low desert terrain that is mostly private. An elk tag here is also valid in Unit 16B.
Some hunters with elk tags never venture into Unit 22, making the roadless sections in the north a prime place for a backpacker or horseback hunter. Hunters in excellent physical shape can find places to glass in remote terrain.