New Mexico Elk Mule Deer Pronghorn

Unit 15 (Quemado)

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn

Unit 15 covers the Quemado area in west-central New Mexico near the Arizona border. Rolling plains of pinon-juniper transition into ponderosa parklands between 6,000 and 8,000 feet, with scattered mesas and volcanic formations breaking up the terrain. The unit straddles Catron County ranch country where private land intermixes with Gila NF and state trust sections. Elk congregate around water sources and meadow openings in the higher-elevation timber, and the unit's moderate terrain makes for accessible hunting compared to the rugged Gila units to the south.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 15

Where to Find Elk in Unit 15 (Quemado)

Elk in Unit 15 use the ponderosa and mixed-conifer pockets at the upper end of the unit's elevation range, dropping into PJ and grassland flats to feed.

Ponderosa Parklands (7,000–8,000 ft)

The highest-elevation timber in the unit holds the best elk numbers. Scattered ponderosa stands with grassy understory provide bedding and calving habitat. Look for elk along the edges where timber meets open meadows, particularly in early morning and late evening.

Pinon-Juniper Breaks (6,000–7,000 ft)

Mid-elevation PJ woodland covers most of the unit. Elk move through this zone between bedding timber and feeding areas. Drainages cutting through the PJ concentrate travel, and stock tanks in this zone pull elk from surrounding country during dry spells.

Mesa Tops and Grassland Flats

Open grassland benches and mesa tops provide feeding habitat. Elk move onto these flats after dark and linger through early morning. Glass from elevated PJ edges at first light to catch elk transitioning back toward timber cover.

Gila NF Boundary Sections

Where Unit 15 borders the Gila National Forest, elk move freely between the two areas. These boundary zones often hold animals pushed off private ranchland during other activity, and the mix of public forest and state trust land provides huntable access.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 15

Unit 15's moderate terrain and open character make it one of the more accessible elk hunts in western New Mexico.

Glassing the Grasslands

The open mesa tops and grassland flats allow long-range glassing. Set up on PJ-covered ridges overlooking meadow openings at first and last light. Elk feed in the open and are visible at distance — spot them at dawn, plan a stalk while they move toward timber, and close the gap before they bed.

Water Source Ambush

Stock tanks and windmills scattered across the unit's ranch country are reliable elk magnets, especially during dry autumn conditions. Identify active tanks by fresh sign, then set up downwind within rifle range. Afternoon sits produce the most consistent action as elk water before evening feeding.

Timber Edge Calling

During the rut, work the edges where ponderosa timber meets open parks. Bulls hold cows in the timber and respond to cow calls and bugles from the meadow edges. The relatively open understory in the ponderosa zone allows shots that denser habitat would not.

Private Land Access

Significant private ranchland in Unit 15 means knocking on doors can open quality hunting. Some ranches allow access by permission, and the elk that move between private and public ground are often less pressured than those on walk-in public tracts.

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Elk Success Rates

Archery15%

Muzzleloader18%

Unit 15 produces impressive numbers across all weapon types: 28% rifle, 14% archery, and 20% muzzleloader. The combination of high elk density, 75% public land, and diverse habitat makes this New Mexico's most productive large-acreage elk unit. The 30:100 bull-to-cow ratio with 22% mature bulls means quality and quantity coexist here.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Archery— Draw	504	2,036	24.8%
Muzzleloader— Draw	1081	2,943	36.7%
Muzzleloader— Draw	584	1,629	35.9%
Muzzleloader— Draw	499	518	96.3%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

New Mexico's pure random draw applies. Unit 15 is one of the state's most applied-for elk units due to its combination of success rates and trophy quality. The random system means every applicant has equal odds — a first-time hunter is just as likely to draw as a 20-year veteran. Apply every year for your best cumulative odds.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 15

Unit 15 provides solid mule deer hunting across the Quemado area's pinon-juniper mesas and grassland breaks near the Arizona border. The rolling terrain between 6,000 and 7,500 feet offers classic southwestern mule deer habitat where bucks bed in rocky PJ breaks and feed on open flats. A mix of private ranchland, state trust, and Gila NF sections creates a patchwork access pattern that rewards hunters who scout land status carefully.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 15

Mule deer in Unit 15 favor the PJ breaks and mesa edges where cover meets open feeding ground.

Pinon-Juniper Breaks (6,000–7,000 ft)

Rocky breaks and shallow canyons cutting through the PJ woodland are prime bedding habitat. Bucks tuck into the shaded north-facing sides of draws where juniper cover is thickest, with good visibility downhill and multiple escape routes through the rocks.

Mesa Edges and Grassland Transitions

Where mesa tops drop off into draws or flats, mule deer travel the edges at dawn and dusk. These transitions between open grassland and PJ cover create predictable travel corridors that funnel deer movement along the terrain breaks.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 15

The Quemado area's open character and moderate terrain make for productive glassing and spot-and-stalk deer hunting.

Mesa-Edge Glassing

Set up on elevated points and glass mesa edges and draw bottoms at first light. The open PJ structure allows you to pick apart terrain at distance. Focus binoculars on the shaded sides of rocky breaks where bucks bed, and watch transition zones where deer move from open flats toward cover.

Stock Tank Sits

Windmill-fed tanks scattered across the ranch country draw deer reliably in dry conditions. Find tanks with fresh tracks and droppings, then set up downwind in the afternoon. Bucks often water before moving to evening feeding areas.

Draw and Drainage Stalks

Shallow drainages cutting across the unit provide natural stalk routes. Spot a buck from a high point, then use the draw systems to close distance below the skyline. The terrain is forgiving enough to allow quiet approaches through sandy wash bottoms.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

Gila mule deer success rates are strong: 22% rifle, 10% archery, and 15% muzzleloader. The vast acreage and diverse habitat support healthy deer numbers alongside the elk population.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Archery— Draw	88	140	62.9%
Muzzleloader— Draw	151	314	48.1%
Archery— Draw	84	229	36.7%
Muzzleloader— Draw	149	331	45.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	71	22	100.0%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

New Mexico's pure random draw applies. Gila deer tags receive fewer applications than elk, improving your random draw odds. An excellent choice for hunters wanting a New Mexico deer experience with strong public-land access.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 15

GMU 15 covers the Moreno Valley and Canadian River headwater terrain in northeast New Mexico near the Colorado border. Open grassland valleys surrounded by mountain ridges provide classic pronghorn habitat with a high-country backdrop. The unit's elevation (7,000–9,000 ft) produces cooler hunting conditions than most New Mexico pronghorn units, and the area's scenic character makes it a premium hunting experience.

Where to Find Pronghorn in GMU 15

Pronghorn in GMU 15 use the Moreno Valley floor and the open grassland benches bordering the surrounding mountain terrain. The valley's high elevation keeps pronghorn active later in the morning than lower desert units.

Moreno Valley Grassland Floor

The main valley floor holds the highest pronghorn concentrations. Glass from the valley edges at first light to locate herds before planning stalk approaches across the relatively open terrain.

Sage and Grassland Benches

The sage and native grassland benches on the valley margins hold additional pronghorn populations. Check these areas with binoculars from elevated road points before walking them.

How to Hunt GMU 15 Pronghorn

High-valley pronghorn in GMU 15 offer slightly different hunting conditions than desert units. The cooler temperatures extend the productive hunting window and the mountain backdrop provides more terrain features for stalk cover.

Valley Edge Glassing

Set up on the valley edge foothills before first light and glass the valley floor systematically. The surrounding mountain terrain creates better stalk cover than flat desert units — use creek corridors, sage banks, and terrain rolls for your approach.

Rut Tactics in August

Late August in the Moreno Valley brings the pronghorn rut. Dominant bucks actively chase does and challenge competitors. A doe decoy with a doe bleat on the open valley floor draws dominant bucks aggressively from long distances.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Rifle78%

Archery45%

Pronghorn rifle success in GMU 15 runs in the 55–70% range. The mountain valley setting concentrates pronghorn in predictable areas, making them easier to locate than in sprawling desert units.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	19	601	3.2%
Archery— Draw	17	100	17.0%
Rifle— Draw	18	795	2.3%
Archery— Draw	17	128	13.3%
Rifle— Draw	5	105	4.8%
Rifle— Draw	3	16	18.8%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

New Mexico's random draw gives all applicants equal odds. Unit 15 is moderately competitive. The scenic northeast New Mexico location draws above-average nonresident interest. Check NMDGF draw odds reports for current ratios.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

RV-capable pulloffs along NM-12 and NM-32. No formal RV parks in Quemado itself.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Gila NF and state trust sections. Limited developed campgrounds in the area — plan for self-contained camping.

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Water

Limited. Stock tanks and windmills are the primary water sources. Carry your own supply.

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Road Conditions

NM-12 and NM-32 are paved. Ranch roads and forest spur routes are dirt, generally passable in dry weather. 4WD recommended after rain.

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Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Rolling terrain with gentle elevation changes. No sustained steep hiking required — this is accessible country compared to the Gila units.

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Hunting Pressure

Low to moderate. The unit draws fewer applicants than the Gila or Jemez units.

🌦️

Weather

25-60°F during season. Exposed terrain means wind is a constant factor. Snow possible from late October. Dry conditions are common early in the season.

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Cell Service

Spotty service in Quemado. Limited to none across most of the unit's hunting areas.

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Nearest Town

Quemado (gas, basic supplies, 15 min). Reserve (more services, 45 min south). Springerville AZ across the border for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gila the best elk unit in New Mexico?

Unit 15 is arguably New Mexico's best overall elk unit. It combines 28% rifle success, 30:100 bull-to-cow ratio, 22% mature bulls, and 75% public land across 750,000 acres. Few units anywhere in the West match this combination.

Do I need to hike into the wilderness to hunt Gila elk?

No. The Gila NF road system provides access to productive elk habitat outside the wilderness. However, the best bull quality is found in the wilderness interior where pressure is lowest.

What is the elk success rate in New Mexico Unit 15?

Rifle 28%, archery 14%, muzzleloader 20%. These are among the highest in New Mexico.

What is the mule deer success rate in the Gila?

Rifle 22%, archery 10%, muzzleloader 15%. Strong numbers supported by diverse habitat and large acreage.

What elevation is GMU 15 pronghorn hunting?

The Moreno Valley sits at approximately 7,500–8,000 feet elevation. This is significantly higher than most New Mexico pronghorn units. Plan for cooler temperatures, afternoon thunderstorms in late summer, and possible early snow. Altitude acclimation is not usually required at this elevation for most hunters.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Info (RIB) — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit boundaries and hunt codes, Season dates per species/weapon, Tag quotas per hunt code, License + stamp requirements · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF General and Big-Game Rules — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Carcass tag rules, Legal methods of take, Mandatory harvest reporting · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Elk Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species management overview, GMU eligibility, Season/structure summary · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Applications and Draw Information — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Draw application deadlines, Resident/nonresident/outfitter quotas, Draw odds reports · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF E-PLUS (Elk Private Land Use System) — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Landowner elk permits by ranch, Private-land unit participation, Tag allocation rules · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Hunt Unit Maps — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: GMU boundary maps, Land ownership overlays, Access restrictions · accessed 2026-04-16
New Mexico Elk Unit 15 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Mule Deer Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species management overview, GMU eligibility, Season/structure summary · accessed 2026-04-16
New Mexico Mule Deer Unit 15 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Historical draw odds snapshot, Public-access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, License quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Hunting by Species — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Pronghorn management overview, GMU eligibility, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-17
2024 Big Game Hunt Booklet — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt codes, Tag quotas by unit, Resident and nonresident limits · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 15 (Quemado)

Elk Hunting in Unit 15

Where to Find Elk in Unit 15 (Quemado)

Ponderosa Parklands (7,000–8,000 ft)

Pinon-Juniper Breaks (6,000–7,000 ft)

Mesa Tops and Grassland Flats

Gila NF Boundary Sections

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 15

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 15

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 15

Pinon-Juniper Breaks (6,000–7,000 ft)

Mesa Edges and Grassland Transitions

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 15

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 15

Where to Find Pronghorn in GMU 15

Moreno Valley Grassland Floor

Sage and Grassland Benches

How to Hunt GMU 15 Pronghorn

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 16D — Gila Elk

Unit 2B — San Juan Basin Elk

Unit 15 — Gila Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification