New Mexico Unit 2C Hunting Information

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Overview of NM GMU 2C Hunting Facts

Among the expansive canyons of San Juan and Rio Arriba counties in the northwestern quadrant of New Mexico, Game Management Unit 2C is one of the most sought-after mule deer tags in the state. Its proximity to the Jicarilla Indian Reservation and southern Colorado allows hunters to take full advantage of the mature size bucks that migrate out of these areas into the unit. Unit 2C is managed for quality so the numbers may be lower, but the quality is higher! Find your next trophy and reason to brag in this unit!. For more New Mexico Unit 2C hunting information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 2C section on the right.

Table of Contents

NM Unit 2C Species Hunting Info

INFO: Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 2C

This quality unit includes elk of resident and migratory herds. Much like mule deer, the elk herds in the early seasons search for ways to beat the heat. Water sources are a popular spot to look, as well as cool, dense thickets for them to bed during the heat of the day. Glassing at first and last light will improve your chances of seeing elk moving from their bedding areas to water and food sources.
SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 2C
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 1 20%
Archery 2 20%
Muzzleloader 40%
Rifle 48%

Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 2C New Mexico
Average Quality 290″ – 320″
Trophy Potential 330″+
Bull to Cow Ratio 34:100
New Mexico Unit 2C Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 2C

This quality unit includes elk of resident and migratory herds. Much like mule deer, the elk herds in the early seasons search for ways to beat the heat. Water sources are a popular spot to look, as well as cool, dense thickets for them to bed during the heat of the day. Glassing at first and last light will improve your chances of seeing elk moving from their bedding areas to water and food sources.
SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 2C
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 1 20%
Archery 2 20%
Muzzleloader 40%
Rifle 48%

Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 2C New Mexico
Average Quality 290″ – 320″
Trophy Potential 330″+
Bull to Cow Ratio 34:100
New Mexico Unit 2C Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

INFO: Antelope Hunting New Mexico Unit 2C

The dry climate and flat terrain allow antelope space to graze and inhabit. Sources of water should be concentrated on as a profound location for antelope activity, especially in the warmer months. Antelope tags for this unit are also valid in other units so be sure to stay up to date on the current year’s guidelines.
SUCCESS RATES for Antelope Hunting in New Mexico Unit 2C
5 Year Estimated Average for Antelope
Archery 80%
Rifle 75%
Rifle (Youth Only) Unavailable

Antelope TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 2C New Mexico
Average Quality 65″ – 75″
Trophy Potential 75″+
Buck to Doe Ratio 23:100
New Mexico Unit 2C Antelope Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

Available Hunts for New Mexico Unit 2C

Unit 2C Hunting Information Video

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Cities Near NM Unit 2C

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New Mexico Unit 2C Topo Map

Total Acreage: 516,000 acres over 806 square miles

Total Public Land: 462,000 acres or 89%

Land Ownership Mix: 11% Private; 89% Public; US Forest Service: 13,568 acres; BLM: 403,072 acres; State: 46,976 acres; Other Govt Owned: 25,408 acres

Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Sheep

Elevation Variances: 5,500 ft. to 7,300 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: Land cover includes 80% shrub/scrub, 13% grassland/herbaceous and 5% evergreen forest

Unit 2C Boundaries: The portion of Game Management Unit 2 south and west of the following line: From the junction of United States Highway 550 and the San Juan River at Bloomfield, then east along the San Juan River to its junction with Largo Canyon, then south and east along the central wash of Largo Canyon to its junction with Cereza Canyon, then south and east along the central wash of Cereza Canyon to the Jicarilla Apache Indian Reservation boundary.

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Lay of the Land in NM Unit 2C

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Terrain in GMU 2C NM

The ease of the terrain in Unit 2C allows hunters of all physical abilities to book a hunting trip and be confident in their decision. Primarily flat scrubland, there are mild elevated regions with sandstone hills and dried up river bottoms. The arid climate has dominated this area into a semi-desert environment. In the northwestern portion of the unit in the Cereza Canyon and Largo Canyon areas, hunters should expect higher ridges, but still these mesas are not densely populated and can be avoided, if needed. Among the mesas, rocky formations stand prominently upon mountains and hillsides. Oilfield lands occupy a large percentage of the land in Unit 2C. Some hunters have talked to oilfield workers as a resource on locating water sources throughout the unit.
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Vegetation in GMU Unit 2C NM

Considering the majority of the unit, desert shrubbery covers the ground with sagebrush, bitterbrush and oak brush. These plants provide vegetative nutrition to the wildlife that inhabits the region. If concentrating your hunt near the San Juan River, expect to see vegetation of the riparian variety, including small willows and tamarisks.
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Access Points in NM GMU 2C

Highway 550 bounds the West with New Mexico Highway 57, cutting into the southwestern chunk. In fact, there are several county roads that weave throughout the unit. The Jicarilla Reservation borders New Mexico Unit 2C on the eastern side. United States Highway 64 meets Hwy 550 in the northeast corner of the unit in Bloomfield. Private and tribal land are checkerboarded throughout the unit.