New Mexico Unit 16D Hunting Information

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Overview of NM GMU 16D Hunting Facts

New Mexico Unit 16D is best known for its large elk herd. 90% of this unit is public ground with some of the ground being parts of the Tularosa Mountains and the Gila National Forest. Although this unit is known for the elk it produces, there has been great success for antelope as well. Check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 16D section on the right.

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NM Unit 16D Species Hunting Info

INFO: Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 16D

If you are planning to hunt the rifle seasons in unit 16D, there are some things to keep in mind. The end of the rut is coming up and the early rifle season begins. With that being said, it is not uncommon to find a few bugling bulls during this time. By the time the later rifle seasons begin, the rut is over and it is a little bit more difficult to locate bulls. Most of the bigger bulls will have moved into a more remote location. Set up by dense cover in steep and rocky locations for your best bet at success.
SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 16D
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 1 40.00%
Archery 2 38.00%
Rifle 1 58.00%
Rifle 2 55.00%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 16D New Mexico
Average Elk Quality 320″ – 350″
NM Area 16D Trophy Elk Potential 360″+
GMU 16D Bull-to-Cow Ratio 34:100
New Mexico Unit 16D Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

Available Hunts for New Mexico Unit 16D

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Cities Near NM Unit 16D

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New Mexico Unit 16D Topo Map

Total Acreage: 300,000 acres over 469 square miles

Total Public Land: 266,000 acres or 88%

Land Ownership Mix: 12% Private; 88% Public; USFS: 243,200 acres; BLM: 15,232 acres; State: 8,320 acres

Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Sheep

Elevation Variances: 6,000 ft. to 10,000 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: Land cover includes 73% evergreen forest, 17% shrub/scrub and 9% grassland/herbaceous

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Lay of the Land in NM Unit 16D

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Terrain in GMU 16D NM

The elevation in unit 16D ranges from 7,500-9,000 feet. The terrain in this unit is mild for the most part. You will see canyons the unit as well as sandstone cliffs and basalt cliffs.
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Vegetation in GMU Unit 16D NM

Unit 16D consists of mostly ponderosa pines, junipers, and pinyon pines. Although most of the areas in this unit are thick in shrubs, you will see some clear openings throughout that are perfect for spotting an elk.
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Access Points in NM GMU 16D

The majority of public land can be reached by dirt roads in unit 16D. Once you get off the main roads and backroads, ATVs are not allowed on some of the trails. We recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle for traveling from place to place.