At a Glance
685Square Miles
47.4%Public Land
6,000 - 13,100Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Consider a whitewater raft trip
- Many good fly fishing sites are near Taos
- Tires chains may be necessary during later hunts
Hunters discussing Unit 53 in New Mexico highlight the unit as having challenging terrain with a mix of thick forests and open spaces, which can impact visibility and stalking strategies. The unit is known for a healthy population of elk, but drawing a tag can be competitive, requiring strategic planning and possibly multiple years of application. The area's seasonality presents opportunities for those familiar with elk behavior, particularly during rut when activity increases. Experienced hunters recommend scouting before the season and utilizing knowledge of game patterns to maximize success.
Northeast of Taos, this unit is famous for the 13,161-foot Wheeler Peak, the highest point in New Mexico, as well as the Latir Mountains and the Latir Peak Wilderness. Some of the largest Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in the state come from here as well as good elk and mule deer. A wide array of terrain types is found here ranging from open prairie lands to skyscraping and rugged peaks.
This unit produces tremendous bighorn rams with many being big enough to qualify for all-time listing in the Boone and Crockett Club's record book of North American big game. Good elk and deer numbers can be found here along with good trophy potentials for each.