New Mexico Mule Deer Mule Deer Javelina Pronghorn Antelope

Unit 25

New Mexico Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Mule Deer, Javelina, Pronghorn Antelope

Unit 25 covers the Sacramento Mountains foothills and Guadalupe Mountains margins in south-central New Mexico east of the White Sands area. Mule deer inhabit terrain from desert grassland at 4,500 feet to ponderosa pine at 8,000 feet in the Lincoln National Forest. The unit offers accessible hunting with a mix of public and private land.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 25

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 25

Unit 25 mule deer range across a broad elevation gradient from desert grassland to ponderosa pine in the Sacramento Mountain foothills.

Ponderosa and Mixed-Conifer Slopes (7,000-8,500 ft)

Higher elevation ponderosa and mixed-conifer slopes in Lincoln National Forest hold bucks through summer and into early fall. These areas cool earlier and receive more moisture than lower zones.

Juniper-Oak Transition (5,500-7,000 ft)

Mid-elevation juniper and scrub oak hillsides are primary mule deer habitat across much of Unit 25. Bucks bed on north-facing slopes and feed on adjacent open terrain at dawn and dusk.

Desert Grassland and Yucca Flats

Lower elevation grassland and yucca flats hold deer during early season. Glass these open areas from vehicle or low hills at dawn and dusk.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 25

Unit 25 rewards hunters who systematically work the elevation gradient from desert to ponderosa.

Elevation-Based Glassing Strategy

Start your hunt at the ponderosa transition during early archery season. As temperatures drop, work progressively lower through juniper-oak terrain. The rut in late October-November pushes bucks to all elevations.

Canyon Ambush

Sacramento Mountain foothills are cut by canyons that funnel deer movement. Identify active travel corridors in canyon bottoms and set up ambushes at natural pinch points during morning and evening movement.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

Unit 25 mule deer rifle success typically runs 20-30%. Lincoln National Forest ponderosa and juniper terrain produces consistent deer populations. Verify current figures in the NMDGF harvest report.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	188	493	38.1%
Archery— Draw	42	5	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	42	21	100.0%
Rifle— Draw	183	268	68.3%
Archery— Draw	64	56	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	17	9	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 25 mule deer.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 25

Unit 25 covers southwestern New Mexico around the Gila National Forest's Pinos Altos Range. We see roughly 1,504 applicants for 927 tags over three years. Mule deer use ponderosa, oak-mahogany, and mixed conifer habitat with strong tag density.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 25

Unit 25 deer use a full habitat gradient.

Oak-Mahogany Brush (6,000–7,500 ft)

Thick browse on lower slopes holds most mature bucks.

Ponderosa Benches (7,500–8,500 ft)

Mid-elevation pine benches concentrate feeding activity.

Mixed Conifer (8,500–9,500 ft)

Upper slopes hold bucks during early rifle seasons.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 25

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

1,504 applicants vs 927 tags — about 62% overall odds. Rifle success typically 20–30%.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	188	493	38.1%
Archery— Draw	42	5	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	42	21	100.0%
Rifle— Draw	183	268	68.3%
Archery— Draw	64	56	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	17	9	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 25 is among the more drawable Gila-region deer units.

Javelina Hunting in Unit 25

Unit 25 covers the Florida Mountains and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert terrain in Luna County near Deming, New Mexico. The Floridas are a compact rocky range rising abruptly from the desert — excellent javelina habitat with prickly pear flats, desert scrub, and rocky canyon terrain. Deming provides convenient services nearby. Draw odds are good with residents often drawing within 1–2 preference-point years.

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 25

Unit 25 javelina are concentrated on the slopes and desert flats surrounding the Florida Mountains — a BLM-managed range with good public access east of Deming. The compact nature of the range means javelina herds are relatively easy to locate with thorough morning glassing.

Florida Mountains Slopes

The rocky lower slopes of the Floridas are prime javelina bedding and loafing habitat. Sheep-like rocky terrain provides escape cover while adjacent prickly pear flats offer feeding areas. Glass the slope base and rock outcrops from dawn.

Prickly Pear Desert Flats

The desert flats surrounding the Floridas on all sides support dense prickly pear — the primary javelina food source. Glass these flats from elevated positions in the morning and look for herds of 5–15 animals feeding on cactus pads.

Desert Washes

The wash systems radiating from the Floridas are travel corridors for javelina. Check sandy wash bottoms for fresh tracks and follow active travel sign toward feeding areas.

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 25

Unit 25 is a beginner-friendly javelina unit — the compact Florida Mountains range is easy to access from Deming, and BLM public land access is straightforward. The open desert terrain facilitates long-range glassing and planned stalks.

BLM Road Network

A network of BLM two-track roads surrounds the Florida Mountains, giving hunters vehicle access to multiple glassing positions. Drive these slowly at first light with the windows down — you may hear or smell a nearby herd before you see it.

Systematic Herd Location

Establish 2–3 glassing positions that cover the major prickly pear flats around the mountain base. Note GPS locations of herds observed each morning and track their movement patterns over 2–3 days before attempting a stalk.

Close-Range Calling

Once a herd is located, move to within 150–200 yards on a downwind approach and use a distress call. Javelina often respond by moving toward the sound. Have a clear shooting lane and be prepared for a quick shot — disturbed herds scatter fast.

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Javelina Success Rates

See the Draw Odds chart for Unit 25 javelina tag quota and harvest data. The Florida Mountains unit is one of the more accessible and productive NM javelina units — hunters who locate herds early in the hunt typically achieve success.

Javelina Draw Odds

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

Search New-mexico Draw Odds

Unit 25 is one of the more accessible New Mexico javelina draws. Residents frequently draw with 0–2 preference points; nonresidents within 2–4 years. The BLM-managed Florida Mountains and Deming services base make this an attractive hunt. See the live Draw Odds chart for current tag counts by hunt code.

Pronghorn Antelope Hunting in Unit 25

Unit 25 covers the Tularosa Basin desert plains and the western Otero County rangeland in southern New Mexico. Pronghorn here inhabit the open desert grassland and desert shrub flats that stretch between the Sacramento Mountains and the Rio Grande Valley. This same geographic unit is notable for its desert bighorn sheep population in the adjacent mountain ranges. Pronghorn draw odds are more accessible than northern NM units, typically drawing with 1–3 preference points.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 25

Unit 25 pronghorn range across the broad Tularosa Basin desert grasslands and the open desert shrub country of western Otero County. The flat to gently rolling terrain makes glassing long distances straightforward — a key advantage in this wide-open country.

Tularosa Basin Grasslands

The classic desert grassland of the Tularosa Basin — tobosa, black grama, and desert shrubs — supports the core of the Unit 25 pronghorn population. Herds of 10–50 animals are regularly spotted across the open flats from elevated roads and mesa edges.

Western Otero County Desert Shrub

The western portion of the unit transitions to creosote-mesquite desert shrub habitat. Pronghorn use these areas in early morning when temperatures are cool, feeding on forbs and the foliage of desert shrubs. Look for animals on open flats with a clear 360-degree view — pronghorn don't tolerate cover that limits their sightlines.

Water Sources

Stock tanks and wildlife water developments are critical in this arid environment. NMDGF and BLM have developed water in key areas. Locate active tanks from satellite imagery and plan your approach accordingly — pronghorn visit water regularly in the August–September heat.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 25

Desert pronghorn hunting in Unit 25 is a test of glassing skill and patience. The extreme heat of late August temperatures in the Tularosa Basin can exceed 100°F — hunting focus shifts to early morning and late evening hours.

Heat-of-Day Water Ambush

The most reliable tactic in Unit 25 is a water hole ambush. Locate an active stock tank or wildlife water development on public land, set up a ground blind or natural brush hide 30–50 yards back on a downwind approach, and be in place before first light. Pronghorn often arrive at water between 8–10 AM after their morning feed.

Early Morning Spot-and-Stalk

Glass from elevated points or road pull-outs at first light across the desert flats. Once a buck is located, plan a stalk using any available terrain feature — dry washes, creosote clumps, or vehicle traffic concealment. Approaches on open desert require extreme patience and use of the sun angle to avoid being silhouetted.

Archery Decoy Tactic

During the late August rut, a pronghorn decoy combined with a bleat can pull dominant bucks in open desert country where sound carries far. This tactic requires total commitment once the buck locks on — freeze immediately if the buck looks your direction and wait for him to approach.

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Pronghorn Antelope Success Rates

Unit 25 pronghorn rifle success rates are generally 65–80% — southern NM desert pronghorn hunts tend toward consistent harvest success given the open terrain and visible herds. Heat management is the primary challenge. See the Draw Odds chart for current NMDGF quota data.

Pronghorn Antelope Draw Odds

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

Search New-mexico Draw Odds

Unit 25 pronghorn draw odds are more favorable than the northern NM grassland units — residents often draw with 0–2 preference points; nonresidents typically 1–3 years. Tag numbers are moderate to support sustainable harvest across the desert basin. See the live Draw Odds chart for current data by hunt code and weapon type.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Check road conditions to dispersed camping areas.

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Camp Sites

Lincoln National Forest campgrounds near Cloudcroft and dispersed USFS camping.

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Trailer Access

Moderate. Scout main roads before pulling a large rig.

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Water

Moderate at elevation. Limited in lower desert terrain. Carry water.

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Road Conditions

Mix of paved, gravel, and dirt roads. 4WD recommended for backcountry access.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate. Wide elevation range; steep canyon terrain in foothills.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Sacramento Mountains proximity to El Paso and Albuquerque draws hunters.

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Weather

Check forecast before departure. Conditions vary by elevation and season.

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Cell Service

Limited in remote areas. Satellite communicator recommended.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Cloudcroft or Alamogordo for fuel and basic supplies.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What national forest is in Unit 25?

Lincoln National Forest covers much of the public land in Unit 25, including Sacramento Mountains terrain ranging from ponderosa pine parks at 7,000-8,500 feet to lower juniper-oak slopes.

Is Unit 25 wilderness?

Parts fall within the Gila Wilderness. Plan for mechanized-transport restrictions there.

Best weapon season for Unit 25 deer?

Late rifle overlapping the rut produces the highest mature-buck opportunity.

What is the terrain like in the Florida Mountains?

The Florida Mountains (pronounced 'Flor-EE-da' locally) are a compact BLM-managed rocky range east of Deming rising to about 7,400 ft. The lower desert slopes and surrounding flats are the javelina core habitat — terrain is mostly walkable with some rocky technical sections on the mountain flanks. 2WD access is possible to most BLM roads in dry conditions.

Are there desert bighorn sheep in Unit 25?

Yes — Unit 25 encompasses mountain ranges within the Tularosa Basin region where NMDGF manages a desert bighorn sheep population. Bighorn sheep and pronghorn tags are separate licenses drawn through the same NMDGF system. Do not confuse the two; bighorn sheep tags are extremely limited and require separate application.

How hot does it get hunting pronghorn in Unit 25 in August?

Daytime temperatures in the Tularosa Basin regularly exceed 95–105°F in August. Plan all active hunting for the first two hours after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. Midday should be spent in shade near your vehicle. Carry at minimum 4 liters of water per person per hunting day.

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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: Hunt unit overview, Season structure, License requirements · accessed 2026-04-16
NMDGF Hunting by Species — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species management, GMU eligibility, Season summary · accessed 2026-04-16
2024 Big Game Hunt Booklet — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Hunt codes, Tag quotas, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-16
2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Info (RIB) — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit 25 deer boundary, Season dates, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Mule Deer Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Mule deer management overview, Season structure · accessed 2026-04-17
Gila National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Forest access, Travel management · 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 25

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 25

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 25

Ponderosa and Mixed-Conifer Slopes (7,000-8,500 ft)

Juniper-Oak Transition (5,500-7,000 ft)

Desert Grassland and Yucca Flats

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 25

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 25

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 25

Oak-Mahogany Brush (6,000–7,500 ft)

Ponderosa Benches (7,500–8,500 ft)

Mixed Conifer (8,500–9,500 ft)

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 25

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Javelina Hunting in Unit 25

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 25

Florida Mountains Slopes

Prickly Pear Desert Flats

Desert Washes

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 25

Javelina Success Rates

Javelina Draw Odds

Pronghorn Antelope Hunting in Unit 25

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 25

Tularosa Basin Grasslands

Western Otero County Desert Shrub

Water Sources

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 25

Pronghorn Antelope Success Rates

Pronghorn Antelope Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 27 — Mule Deer

Unit 26 — Pronghorn

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification