Hunters in New Mexico's Unit 38 noted plentiful sightings of sheep, with successful hunts reported in areas such as Juan Largo and Wildcat Canyon. However, some users expressed confusion and frustration regarding the draw odds and allocation of nonresident and guided tags, with specific concerns over elk and antelope draw allocations. The terrain is described as overgrazed with limited cover and water, presenting challenges particularly for pronghorn hunts in high temperatures. Those planning to hunt antelope or mule deer should prepare for demanding conditions and are advised to gather extensive pre-hunt insights, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual species habits and adapting strategies accordingly.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-80" | 80"+ |
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Throw a dart at the exact center of a map of New Mexico, and you’ll probably hit Unit 38. Mostly private, it has BLM, state and Forest Service land, and contains many pronghorn antelope as well as some elk, mule deer and barbary sheep. Gallinas Peak is due west from Corona and is comprised of national forest land.
Pronghorns are the main attraction, living on ranches that are usually a mixture of public and private land. Elk are few in number in this area. Mule deer used to have healthy populations but have declined in recent droughts.
Most of this big unit is flat or slightly rising, with arroyos cutting through the land. West of Corona, which is in the center of the unit, are some mountains, the highest and steepest of which are in the Cibola National Forest. Mountains on private land and some big canyons and mesas are south of the forest, as well as east of Corona. A convoluted mass of ridges, mesas and canyons extend northeast and southeast of Corona. A few mesas, most of them small, and some free-standing hills are scattered in the flatter parts of the unit.
Primary roads lead to towns in the middle of this unit, and also along most of the outer edges. Many secondary roads are graveled and graded, while some roads that get little use are unmaintained dirt trails. Some of the largest pieces of state and BLM land can be reached by county or forest roads, but many tracts of public land are landlocked by private land. The main access road to the Cibola National Forest leaves US Highway 54, about four miles southwest of Corona.
Lowlands are mostly flat to rolling pastures and cropland with some areas covered in brush. The edges of mesas have a lot of brush and pinyon/juniper cover. On many mesas, dense stands of pinyon/juniper woodland as well as ponderosa pines and oakbrush are growing. High peaks are mainly covered in ponderosa pine forests with oak brush and grass understory.
Camping is not allowed on state trust land but is allowed almost anywhere on Forest Service and BLM land. A campground is in the Cibola National Forest west of Corona. There is a motel in Corona and one in Vaughn. Many motels are 45-60 miles from Corona.
Roughly 3,256 square miles
31.9% public land
Elevations range from about 6,500-8,500 feet
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
ATVs can come in handy on rough roads
No camping or parking within 300 yards of water sources
Some ranchers offer lodging and sometimes even meals