New Mexico Unit 15 is renowned for its excellent elk hunting opportunities, particularly for those seeking a trophy bull. Known for its expansive wilderness and diverse terrain, this unit is made up of rugged mountains, dense piñon-juniper forests, and open meadows. The Gila National Forest dominates the area, providing ample public lands for hunters. Unit 15 is one of New Mexico’s premier areas for elk, especially during the rut, when bugling bulls are more active and easier to locate.
This unit is highly sought after for archery hunts, as it offers some of the best elk hunting in the state. Hunters often rely on calling strategies during the early season, but spot-and-stalk can also be effective. Because of its remote location, Unit 15 is less accessible than others, which helps maintain lower hunting pressure and contributes to its reputation for producing high-quality bulls.
Unit 15 offers various hunting seasons for archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunters. The early archery season during the rut is particularly popular for hunters seeking the excitement of calling in big bulls.
Pre-hunt scouting is essential in Unit 15 due to its rugged and remote nature. Maps from the U.S. Forest Service and digital mapping tools like OnX Hunt can help hunters locate prime elk habitat and plan routes in advance.
For more detailed maps, you can contact the NM Public Lands Information Center at (877) 851-8946 or visit their website for more resources: http://plicmapcenter.org/NM/.
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