At a Glance
2,928Square Miles
63.2%Public Land
4,500 - 8,800Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Remember to buy a habitat stamp and an access validation
- Use a good GPS unit with a land ownership memory card
Unit 23 in New Mexico presents moderate draw odds, making it a competitive choice among hunters. The terrain is varied, offering both challenging and rewarding hunting experiences depending on the season and local wildlife movements. Experienced hunters emphasized the importance of thorough pre-hunt scouting to adapt to the dynamic conditions and increase success rates. Practical advice includes focusing on specific areas known for higher game activity, and maintaining awareness of the changing behaviors of the target species throughout the season.
Bordering Arizona, this unit is known for the Blue Range Wilderness and the Burro Mountain hunting area, which the state has long labeled and managed as a quality deer hunting site. Coues deer, desert mule deer, pronghorn antelope, javelina and elk are hunted in Unit 23.
Deer tags in the Burro Mountain hunting area are hard to draw because hunters take many big Coues deer. Some bigger elk have come from the Blue Range area. Heavy hunting pressure on public land.