At a Glance
Quick Tips
- ATVs can be helpful on rough roads
- Fishing and scuba diving at Bottomless Lakes State Park
- No camping is allowed on state lands
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |


Hunters are showing a keen interest in Unit 32, New Mexico, praising its varied terrain and good availability of game, particularly elk and mule deer. The draw odds are moderate, indicating a fair chance for both experienced and novice hunters to secure a tag, with many finding success during the late-season hunts. There is a recurring mention of the need for preparation to tackle the challenging landscape, including steep inclines and thick brush, which can affect game movement and visibility. Shared experiences stress the importance of scouting and understanding the seasonal behavior of game to improve hunting success, highlighting Unit 32 as a promising yet demanding hunting area.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
| Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Located near Roswell, Unit 32 is not known for great mule deer hunting, but still produces quality bucks. Antelope bucks are found throughout the unit although they primarily stick to private ranches. Barbary sheep hunting is good in this unit, especially on private ranches. Private land will restrict access and make some public land hunting difficult.
Mule deer hunting is popular here and deer are scattered throughout the unit. Barbary sheep are hard to come by, but some mature rams are killed every year.
This area sees a wide array of terrain features from flatlands to rolling hills. Sandy soil can be found east of US Highway 285 but some areas here can also be rough and rocky. Many rough canyons can be found west of the highway. Much of the terrain is open and glassing will be key. Many round crop fields can be found near Roswell, Artesia and some towns between them.
Though a great deal of land is private, hunters can reach most public tracts by driving on a network of back roads, or going by foot, taking short hikes. Some BLM land is landlocked by landowners who keep hunters from crossing their land to reach the public ground. Access has been improved in part of the unit by a trade that resulted in the opening of some private land in Unit 32, in exchange for restricted access to a tract of public land in Unit 30. Check the New Mexico Game & Fish Land Access Program for available private-land access.
Low desert scrub and grasses cover most of the unit. Pinyons and junipers also grow here in higher elevations and throughout the canyons.
Modern lodging options can be found in Artesia and Roswell along with RV parking options. Hunters can also find developed campsites at the Bottomless Lakes State Park.
Roughly 6,077 square miles
34% public land
Elevations from about 3,200 feet to 6,300 feet