New Mexico Unit 48 Hunting Information

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Overview of NM GMU 48 Hunting Facts

Although unit 48 is a smaller unit, it still has a great population of elk. The majority of the east half of this unit is private ground. To find a bigger section of public ground, you will need to move toward the western part of the unit. Private land does tend to have more success but if you are willing to put in the work and stay aware, you can have great success on public land as well. For more information, check out the Info for Cities Near Unit 48 section on the right.

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Available Hunts for New Mexico Unit 48

INFO: Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 48

If you are hunting during the early archery season, set up close to watering sources for a better chance of success. The spot and stalk method has proven to be helpful during this season. As the later archery season comes in, the bull will be more vocal. Calling in bulls will be easier during this season as it will be in the middle of the rut. During muzzleloader season, you can still find some bulls bugling but be aware that they will start to break away from the herds. When rifle season comes around, the rut will be over and the bulls will be keeping to themselves for the most part. Try getting away from any busy or main roads. The elk will be taking cover close to watering holes. Your best bet at success during this season is at first and last light.
SUCCESS RATES for Elk Hunting in New Mexico Unit 48
5 Year Estimated Average for Elk
Archery 1 20.00%
Archery 2 30.00%
Archery 3 8.00%
Muzzleloader 30.00%
Rifle 45.00%
Elk TROPHY QUALITY for Unit 48 New Mexico
Average Elk Quality 260″ – 300″
NM Area 48 Trophy Elk Potential 300″+
GMU 48 Bull to Cow Ratio 32:100
New Mexico Unit 48 Elk Hunting FORUM Coming Soon!

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Cities Near NM Unit 48

New Mexico Unit 48 Topo Map

Total Acreage: 242,000 acres over 378 square miles

Total Public Land: 70,000 acres or 28%

Land Ownership Mix: 72% Private; 28% Public; BLM: 768 acres; State: 69,632 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 59% grassland/herbaceous, 28% evergreen forest and 9% shrub/scrub

Unit 48 Boundaries: Unit 48 begins at the intersection of Interstate 25 and New Mexico Highway 120. To the northwest of the intersection is NM 120. You will also come across I-25.

Lay of the Land in NM Unit 48

Terrain in GMU 48 NM

The eastern half of unit 48 is relatively flat. Once you get to the southern end of the unit, you will start to see larger mesas. For the most part, covering ground in unit 48 is fairly easy. There are some cliffs and rocky spots to watch out for, but overall the unit has pretty good terrain for any age.

Vegetation in GMU Unit 48 NM

The eastern part of unit 48 consists of grassy pastures, pinyon pines, and junipers. Moving towards the western half of the unit, you will find pinyon-juniper, and ponderosa pine forests. You can find ponds throughout the unit as well, but keep in mind that some of the ponds tend to dry up in the summer leaving you with open land.

Access Points in NM GMU 48

Private ranches consume most of this unit. There is public access but almost all of it is owned by the state of New Mexico. When allowed, four-wheel-drive vehicles or ATVs are recommended when traveling from destination to destination.