New Mexico Mule Deer Elk Elk Javelina

Unit 23 (San Andres Mountains)

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk, Elk, Javelina

Unit 23 covers the San Andres Mountains of south-central New Mexico. Mule deer tags are allocated through the NMDGF pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Consult the NMDGF big-game hunt booklet for current hunt codes.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 23

Unit 23 mule deer use the San Andres mountain habitat of south-central New Mexico. Use NMDGF GMU maps and land-ownership overlays to identify accessible ground — much of the unit is restricted by White Sands Missile Range.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 23

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

Unit 23 mule deer success rates vary by hunt code, weapon, and season. Refer to NMDGF harvest reports for the most recent unit-level figures.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	1012	1,384	73.1%
Rifle— Draw	84	180	46.7%
Archery— Draw	169	61	100.0%
Archery— Draw	416	341	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	133	61	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	258	153	100.0%

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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New Mexico uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Unit 23 mule deer tags are drawn on chance alone each year.

Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 in south-central New Mexico covers the San Mateo Mountains and adjacent terrain of the Cibola National Forest. Elk in this unit inhabit ponderosa pine and mixed-conifer slopes from 7,000 to 10,000 feet, offering quality bull hunting in one of southern New Mexico's most productive elk units.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

Unit 23 elk are concentrated in San Mateo Mountains ponderosa and mixed-conifer habitat.

San Mateo Crest Timber

Mixed conifer and spruce-fir along the San Mateo crest provide primary summer and early fall elk habitat. Bulls use this high-country timber during the rut, bugling from ridge tops in September.

Ponderosa Parks and Meadows

Mid-elevation ponderosa parks are key feeding areas. Glass these openings from surrounding ridgelines at dawn and dusk.

Water Tanks and Springs

Cibola NF manages stock tanks in Unit 23 that attract elk during dry periods. Scout tank locations pre-season for ambush site selection.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

Unit 23 elk hunting in the San Mateo Mountains rewards callers and patient glassers.

Rut Calling on the Crest

Mid-September rut action is most productive along the San Mateo crest. Set up downwind of active bugling and use aggressive cow calls or challenge bugles to bring bulls into range.

Ponderosa Park Glassing

Rifle season success comes from systematic glassing of ponderosa parks at first and last light. Use elevated ridge positions to maximize your view angle into parks and adjacent timber edges.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Archery15%

Muzzleloader18%

Unit 23 elk rifle success typically runs 18-25%. Archery success is lower at 8-12%. The San Mateo Mountains produce consistent quality bulls. Verify current data in the NMDGF harvest report.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	83	221	37.6%
Archery— Draw	168	172	97.7%
Muzzleloader— Draw	63	33	100.0%
Rifle— Draw	63	184	34.2%
Rifle— Draw	40	91	44.0%
Archery— Draw	13	5	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	63	35	100.0%

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 Unit 23 elk.

Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 covers the San Mateo Mountains of west-central New Mexico. We see roughly 1,982 applicants for 1,093 tags over three years, making it one of the more drawable NM elk units. Ponderosa and oak-mahogany habitat in the Cibola NF produces solid bull opportunity with reasonable access.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

San Mateo elk use ponderosa benches, oak-mahogany brush, and aspen pockets.

Ponderosa Benches

Open pine parks hold feeding elk — glass at first and last light.

Oak-Mahogany Brush

Thick browse provides bedding and late-season feed.

Aspen Pockets

Scattered aspen stands above 8,500 ft produce September rut action.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

We hunt 23 like we hunt the adjacent Datils — calling and glassing.

Timber-Edge Calling

Set up on meadow-timber transitions in darkness for rut vocalization.

Glassing Ridgelines

Rim-glass opposite slopes of major drainages from high ridges.

Water Ambush

Dry-year sits over active water produce consistent encounters.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Archery15%

Muzzleloader18%

1,982 applicants vs 1,093 tags — about 55% overall odds. Rifle success typically runs 20–30%.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	83	221	37.6%
Archery— Draw	168	172	97.7%
Muzzleloader— Draw	63	33	100.0%
Rifle— Draw	63	184	34.2%
Rifle— Draw	40	91	44.0%
Archery— Draw	13	5	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	63	35	100.0%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random. Nonresident 6% plus 10% outfitter-guided pools. Unit 23 is among the easier NM elk draws.

Javelina Hunting in Unit 23

Unit 23 covers the Pyramid Mountains and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert terrain in Hidalgo County — New Mexico's southwest corner near the Arizona and Mexico borders. Javelina (collared peccary) are well-established here in classic desert scrub, prickly pear flats, and rocky canyon habitat. Draw odds are relatively good compared to big game sheep and oryx tags — typically 15–30% for residents.

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 23

Unit 23 javelina are found throughout the desert scrub and rocky terrain of the Pyramid Mountains and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Key habitat features include prickly pear and cholla cactus patches, rocky desert hillsides, and brushy desert washes.

Prickly Pear Flats

Javelina are heavily dependent on prickly pear cactus as a primary food and water source. Locate dense prickly pear stands on rocky flats and gentle slopes — these are the core feeding areas. Fresh chewed pads and droppings confirm active use.

Rocky Desert Washes

Desert wash corridors are travel routes for javelina moving between feeding and bedding areas. Look for fresh tracks in the sandy wash bottoms and listen for the distinctive musky odor that marks javelina territories.

Morning Water Sources

In the January–March season, javelina rely on cactus moisture but will visit water sources during warm spells. Locating any active water in the unit gives you another anchor point for javelina activity.

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 23

Javelina hunting in the Pyramid Mountains is a spot-and-stalk and calling game in classic Chihuahuan Desert terrain. Herds of 5–15 animals are common — locating a herd early in the morning sets up the day's hunt.

Morning Glassing

Set up on a rocky ridge or elevated desert bench before sunrise. As the sun rises, glass the prickly pear flats and brush below for feeding javelina. Herds move 1–2 miles from bedding areas to feed and are most visible in the first two hours of daylight.

Calling

Javelina respond well to distress calls and peccary vocalizations. Use a hand call or electronic caller from a downwind position. Javelina have poor eyesight but exceptional hearing and a strong sense of smell — stay downwind and call from behind cover.

Wind Awareness

Scent control is critical with javelina. They will detect human odor at 50–100 yards and immediately flee. Keep the wind in your face at all times and approach bedded or feeding herds from a downwind angle, using brush and terrain for cover.

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Javelina Success Rates

See the Draw Odds chart for Unit 23 javelina tag quota and harvest data. New Mexico javelina hunts see good success rates of 50–70% for prepared hunters — the key challenge is drawing the tag and locating herds, not the harvest itself.

Javelina Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

Search New-mexico Draw Odds

Unit 23 javelina tags are among the more accessible draws in New Mexico. Residents typically draw within 1–3 years of preference points; nonresidents within 3–5 years. The season runs January–March. See the live Draw Odds chart for current tag numbers and applicant data by hunt code.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are Unit 23 mule deer tags allocated?

Through the NMDGF pure random draw. Every applicant has equal odds each year with no preference or bonus points.

Where do I find Unit 23 season dates?

The NMDGF Big Game Hunt Booklet lists all Unit 23 mule deer hunt codes, season dates, and tag quotas.

What mountains are in Unit 23?

Unit 23 includes the San Mateo Mountains within the Cibola National Forest, ranging from roughly 7,000 to 10,000 feet in south-central New Mexico.

Is Unit 23 a good first-time NM elk unit?

Yes. The better-than-average draw odds and solid public access make it a practical choice for a first NM elk tag.

How does Unit 23 compare to adjacent 16B/22?

Similar habitat and tactics, slightly better drawability, and marginally easier access. Bull quality is comparable.

What is the best time of day to hunt javelina in Unit 23?

Early morning is the most productive time — javelina are most active in the first 2–3 hours after sunrise, feeding on prickly pear and moving between bedding and feeding areas. They often bed in thick brush or under rock overhangs during midday and resume activity in the late afternoon.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

NMDGF Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Overview of New Mexico hunting programs, Agency hub for licenses and seasons · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Hunting by Species — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species-specific management info, Season framework by animal · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Big Game Hunt Booklet — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt codes and GMU boundaries, Tag quotas and season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Info (RIB) — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit 23 elk boundary, Season dates, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Elk Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Elk management overview, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-17
Cibola National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Forest access, Magdalena Ranger District info · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Big Game Hunting — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit boundaries, Season dates, License quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
NMDGF Big Game Draw — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Draw odds, Application process · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 23 (San Andres Mountains)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 23

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 23

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

San Mateo Crest Timber

Ponderosa Parks and Meadows

Water Tanks and Springs

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Elk in Unit 23

Ponderosa Benches

Oak-Mahogany Brush

Aspen Pockets

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 23

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Javelina Hunting in Unit 23

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 23

Prickly Pear Flats

Rocky Desert Washes

Morning Water Sources

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 23

Javelina Success Rates

Javelina Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 23 — Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification