At a Glance
424Square Miles
81.8%Public Land
6,000 - 9,000Elevation Range
Composed mostly of public land in the Santa Fe National Forest, this unit accommodates many elk hunters and a lower number of mule deer hunters. It borders the southeastern corner of the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation and includes most of the low-elevation Rio Chama Wilderness.
Elk hunting can be difficult here because elk can be hard to find. Scout extensively and find isolated honey holes to find bulls. Mule deer hunters in this area usually do good on mature bucks.
Quick Tips
- Good fishing at Abiquiu Lake
- Elk are often found in roadless canyons
- Rio Chama Wilderness holds few elk until December
- Avoid the crowded area bordering the Jicarilla reservation