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New Mexico Elk

Unit 16B,22

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Elk

The combined Unit 16B,22 hunt area covers the Black Range and adjacent canyons of the Gila National Forest in south-central New Mexico. This compound unit is managed with joint elk hunt codes in forested terrain ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, producing quality bull hunting with moderate access and diverse habitat.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 16B,22

The combined Unit 16B,22 hunt area covers the Black Range and adjacent canyons of the Gila National Forest in south-central New Mexico. This compound unit is managed with joint elk hunt codes in forested terrain ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet, producing quality bull hunting with moderate access and diverse habitat.

Where to Find Elk in Units 16B,22

Units 16B and 22 elk inhabit the Black Range mountains and Gila National Forest terrain in south-central New Mexico.

Black Range Timber (8,000-10,000 ft)

Dense mixed conifer and spruce-fir on the Black Range crest holds elk through summer and into archery season. Bulls bugle from ridge tops in September and move through saddles connecting drainages.

Ponderosa Pine Parks

Mid-elevation ponderosa parks at 7,000-8,500 feet are active feeding areas. Glass large parks from adjacent ridgelines at first and last light.

Lower Canyon Drainages

Canyon bottoms with permanent water hold elk during summer heat and drought years. Scout for active wallows and water sources in these drainages during pre-season.

How to Hunt Elk in Units 16B,22

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%
Archery15%
Units 16B,22 combined elk hunts produce moderate success rates in quality Black Range habitat. Refer to the NMDGF harvest report for current unit-level figures.

Elk Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Draw27082832.6% 0
Archery— Draw32843076.3% 0
Rifle— Draw27074936.0% 0

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
New Mexico uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Every applicant has equal odds each year regardless of past applications. Check the NMDGF Drawing Odds Summary Report for current applicant-to-tag ratios for Units 16B,22 combined elk.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black Range in Units 16B and 22?
Yes. The Black Range mountains in the Gila National Forest make up a significant portion of the combined Unit 16B,22 hunt area, with terrain ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 feet.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-16.

  1. NMDGF Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt unit overview, Season structure, License requirements · accessed 2026-04-16
  2. NMDGF Hunting by Species — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species management, GMU eligibility, Season summary · accessed 2026-04-16
  3. 2024 Big Game Hunt Booklet — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt codes, Tag quotas, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-16