New Mexico Unit 45 Hunting Information

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Overview of NM GMU 45 Hunting Facts

Unit 45 is located northeast of Santa Fe. The Carson National Forest and the Pecos Wilderness Area make up a large portion of this unit. Unit 45 is known to be a physical hunt and rugged in most parts of the unit. For more information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 45 section on the right.

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NM Unit 45 Species Hunting Info

INFO: Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 45

When hunting during the early archery season, there are a few things to keep in mind. Although you might find a few bulls being vocal, glassing into the basins and canyons has proven to be a more successful hunt. When the second archery season comes around, the middle of the rut will be in effect. This would be a good time to call the bulls in. The muzzleloader season will begin towards the end of the rut which means that it might be a little more difficult to find vocal activity, but not impossible. By the time the rifle seasons get here, the elk will tend to be off by themselves or in small bachelor groups. Setting up near their feeding locations and water sources will be your best bet to find a good bull.
SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 45
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 1 28.00%
Archery 2 30.00%
Muzzleloader 28.00%
Rifle 1 18.00%
Rifle 2 15.00%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 45 New Mexico
Average Elk Quality 300″ – 330″
NM Area 45 Trophy Elk Potential 340″+
GMU 45 Bull to Cow Ratio 29:100
New Mexico Unit 45 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

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New Mexico Unit 45 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 975,000 acres over 1,523 square miles

Total Public Land: 730,000 acres or 74%

Land Ownership Mix: 26% Private; 74% Public; USFS: 619,648 acres; USFS Wilderness: 221,696 acres; BLM: 87,296 acres; State: 13,824 acres; Other Govt Owned: 51,008 acres

Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn, Sheep

Elevation Variances: 5,795 ft. to 13,000 ft.

Terrain Difficulty Overall: Mild to Moderate

Land Coverage/Vegetation: Land cover includes 70% evergreen forest, 14% shrub/scrub and 10% grassland/herbaceous

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Lay of the Land in NM Unit 48

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Terrain in GMU 45 NM

The terrain of unit 45 is considered to be on the more difficult side. It is advised to be in good shape before heading out on your own. The elevations here range from 5,795 ft. to 13,000 ft. If you are up for the challenge, this can be a great hunt.
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Vegetation in GMU Unit 45 NM

The lower elevations of unit 45 consist of oak brush, scrub plants, pinyon, juniper, and ponderosa pine. Once you get into the higher elevations you will start to see aspens, engelmann spruce, and blue spruce.
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Access Points in NM GMU 45

Unit 45 has several primitive and well-maintained roads. Keep in mind that vehicles are not allowed in the wilderness. We recommend a four-wheel-drive vehicle when traveling the main roads. ATVs are allowed in some areas, just be aware of where those areas are. Having a map of private and public ground is helpful as well.