New Mexico Mule Deer Pronghorn Elk Javelina Oryx

Unit 28 (Unit 28 — Sacramento Mountains South)

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

Unit 28 spans the southern Sacramento Mountains and Otero County country. Ponderosa, mixed conifer, oak, and PJ from 5,000 to 9,500 feet. Over three cycles, 90 tags against 543 applicants — a competitive unit with quality bucks in the higher country. McGregor Range portions (military) are separate hunts.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 28

Three productive zones.

Sacramento High Country (8,500–9,500 ft)

Aspen/conifer benches along the Sacramento crest hold quality bucks.

Mid-Elevation Oak/Pine (6,500–8,500 ft)

Classic mule deer habitat with Gambel oak and ponderosa mix.

PJ Foothills (5,000–6,500 ft)

Lower country on the east and south slopes catches late-season migrants.

How to Hunt Unit 28 Mule Deer

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Rifle success 25–35%. 90 tags against 543 applicants over three cycles puts odds at ~17%.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	42	156	26.9%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random. NR capped at 6% (10% outfitter-guided). Resident rifle odds ~18–22%; note McGregor Range hunts draw separately.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 28

Unit 28 covers the Tularosa Basin pronghorn range in south-central New Mexico, including desert grassland and shrub-steppe around the western edge of the Sacramento Mountains. Three-year data shows 346 applicants chasing 52 tags, making it a lower-odds tag but a quality hunt on big public parcels and ranch allotments.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 28

Unit 28 pronghorn live in the basin grasslands between Alamogordo and the Oscura Mountains.

Desert Grassland Flats

Look for pronghorn on open basin flats with blue grama and tobosa grass. Larger herds gather on the flats at first and last light before bedding in shade or lying down in the wide-open prairie.

Mesquite-Creosote Transitions

The transition from grassland to creosote shrub holds single bucks. Bucks use scattered mesquite clumps as travel corridors when moving between water sources.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 28

Unit 28 is a big-country hunt where optics drive the whole day.

High-Point Glassing

We set up on small mesa breaks and hillside bumps with a spotting scope, cover 2-3 miles of grassland in a single sit, then plan the stalk based on movement patterns.

Water Ambushes

Mid-September pronghorn hit water daily. Sitting a blind 60-100 yards off an active stock tank on BLM land is a proven archery strategy and works for rifle hunters wanting a short shot.

Flagging Bucks in the Rut

Late-season rut hunters have success flagging from cover — a white handkerchief on a stick draws in territorial bucks over clean prairie.

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Muzzleloader55%

Tag allotment is lean — only about 52 tags over three years against 346 applicants (~15% draw odds). NM basin pronghorn hunts in this region typically return 65-80% rifle success on public/access ranch combinations.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Muzzleloader— Draw	12	181	6.6%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random draw — no points. With roughly 15% overall draw probability on three-year averages, Unit 28 sits at the harder end of NM pronghorn tags. Nonresident 6% (or 10% with a guide) caps apply.

Elk Hunting in Unit 28

Unit 28 elk hunting sits in the southern Sacramento Mountains and Tularosa Basin transition. Three-year draw data: 76 tags / 299 applicants — roughly 25% draw odds. Mixed public (Lincoln NF) and private-ranch access in a scenic desert-to-mountain unit.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 28

Unit 28 elk use the Sacramento Mountain timber and mesa-edge transitions.

Sacramento Timber

Ponderosa and mixed-conifer stands above 7,500 ft hold elk through archery and early rifle seasons.

Mesa Breaks

Transition zones between mountain timber and basin grassland concentrate elk during dry years when water and cover align.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 28

Unit 28 rewards meadow-edge calling during the rut and patient timber glassing afterward.

Rut Calling

Cow-call from meadow edges in early September. Respond to bugles with challenge bugles only after a satellite bull commits.

Late-Season Timber

By rifle season elk shift deeper into timber. Slow-hunt canyon heads with the wind in your face.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Three-year: 76 tags against 299 applicants (~25% draw odds). Archery success around 10%, rifle 18-22% based on Sacramento-region historical data.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	18	94	19.1%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random draw — no points. ~25% draw probability on three-year data. NR 6% / outfitter 10% caps apply.

Javelina Hunting in Unit 28

Unit 28 encompasses the Jornada del Muerto desert basin and the terrain surrounding White Sands National Park in Doña Ana and Sierra counties. Javelina inhabit the desert scrub, rocky arroyos, and prickly pear country on the edges of the gypsum dune complex. This unit sits adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range — precise boundary awareness is required. Draw odds are moderate with 15–25% success for resident applicants.

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 28

Unit 28 javelina occupy the Chihuahuan Desert scrub fringing the White Sands basin and the Jornada del Muerto plain — one of the harshest desert environments in New Mexico. The most consistent javelina habitat is in the rocky desert terrain away from the gypsum dune fields.

Rocky Arroyo Systems

Arroyos cutting through the desert flats are javelina travel highways. Fresh tracks in sandy arroyo bottoms reveal herd movement patterns. Follow active drainages uphill toward rocky terrain where herds bed during midday.

Prickly Pear and Desert Scrub

Locate dense prickly pear concentrations on the desert flats — these are the feeding anchors for all javelina activity in the unit. Glass these areas from elevated positions early and late in the day.

Foothill Terrain

The rocky foothills on the unit's mountain margins are the preferred bedding and escape terrain. Morning javelina move from the desert flat feeding areas uphill toward these rocky slopes as the day heats up.

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 28

Unit 28 demands careful attention to restricted area boundaries — the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) occupies a large portion of the broader area, and its closure boundaries must be known precisely. Hunt on confirmed BLM and state land only.

Boundary Verification

Download current WSMR closure boundaries and White Sands National Park boundaries onto your GPS/onX app before your hunt. The hunt unit boundaries follow specific legal lines that do not always align with obvious terrain features. Boundary violations on WSMR property are a federal offense.

Desert Heat Management

The Jornada del Muerto is one of the hottest and driest deserts in the Southwest even in January–March. Carry 3–4 liters of water daily and hunt only in the morning and late afternoon on warm days. The desert terrain here has minimal shade.

Spot-and-Stalk on Open Flats

The relatively flat Jornada terrain allows long-range spotting of javelina herds feeding in prickly pear. Glass from any slight elevation, locate a herd, then use arroyos and desert brush for cover on the approach. Stay 200+ yards from the herd until you identify the best individual and approach for a final stalk.

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Javelina Success Rates

Rifle30%

See the Draw Odds chart for Unit 28 javelina tag quota and harvest data. The flat, open desert terrain in this unit makes finding herds straightforward for prepared hunters — success rates track the New Mexico statewide average of 50–70%.

Javelina Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	167	289	57.8%	0
Rifle— Draw	10	202	5.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 28 is a moderately competitive javelina draw. Residents typically draw within 2–3 preference-point years. Nonresidents should plan for 4–6 years. Las Cruces (Doña Ana County seat) provides the nearest full-service base for this unit. See the live Draw Odds chart for current tag numbers by hunt code.

Oryx Hunting in Unit 28

Unit 28 covers the northern Tularosa Basin in south-central New Mexico, home to one of the world's most unusual big-game hunting opportunities: gemsbok (oryx) on public land. Introduced to White Sands Missile Range in 1969, oryx have thrived in the Chihuahuan Desert and expanded onto adjacent BLM lands. Civilian tags provide access to the White Sands area and surrounding desert basin, where herd sizes can reach several hundred animals. These large African antelope adapt perfectly to arid desert conditions and produce some of the most unique hunting experiences available in the United States.

Where to Find Oryx in Unit 28

Oryx in Unit 28 use the open desert terrain of the Tularosa Basin, preferring flat to gently rolling country with good visibility.

Open Desert Flats

Gemsbok are animals of open plains. In the Tularosa Basin, they use wide, open desert flats dominated by creosote, yucca, and scattered grasses. Unlike most North American big game, oryx are active throughout the day and don't require the same dawn-dusk pattern hunting strategy. Scan open terrain with binoculars from elevated vantage points.

Gypsum Sand Dune Edges
The western edges of the White Sands gypsum dunes provide unique habitat where oryx graze on sparse dune vegetation. These animals are adapted to standing out in the open — their coloration helps in Africa but makes them highly visible in white gypsum terrain.

Desert Washes and Arroyos

Dry washes and arroyos provide access to deeper water table areas and hold better browse. Oryx travel these corridors to move between feeding areas and will bed in the shade of arroyo banks during midday heat.

How to Hunt Oryx in Unit 28

Oryx hunting in the Tularosa Basin is unlike any other North American big-game experience — glassing open desert and stalking across flat terrain.

Glass and Stalk

Set up on any elevated position — even a small rise — and glass wide. Oryx stand 4 feet at the shoulder and their bold black-and-white facial markings make them visible at long distances in open desert. Once located, plan a direct stalk using terrain features (washes, ridges) to close distance. Oryx have excellent vision but tolerate human presence better than native deer species.

All-Day Hunting

Unlike elk or deer, oryx are active throughout the day in all weather. There is no magic hour. Some hunters prefer midday when the flat light makes glassing easier across the white desert floor.

Shot Distance and Caliber

Shots in open terrain average 200–400 yards with potential for longer ranges. A flat-shooting cartridge (.308 Win minimum, 7mm Rem Mag or .300 Win Mag preferred) and a stable shooting position are critical. Oryx are tough animals — precise shot placement behind the shoulder is essential.

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Oryx Success Rates

Rifle55%

Oryx hunter success in New Mexico typically runs 70–90% for those who draw tags — a remarkably high rate reflecting the open terrain and relatively tolerant behavior of this introduced species. The primary challenge is drawing the tag, not filling it once drawn.

Oryx Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Draw	84	1,877	4.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

New Mexico's pure random draw applies to oryx as well — no preference points, equal odds for all applicants each year. Oryx tags are competitive due to the unique nature of the hunt, but less contested than sheep or ibex. Resident odds are better than nonresident given the quota split. The unusual nature of this hunt draws a large applicant pool from across the country.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Cloudcroft RV parks.

⛺

Camp Sites

Lincoln NF dispersed and developed (Pines CG, Silver CG).

🛻

Trailer Access

Yes on US-82 and main FR; interior two-tracks high-clearance.

💧

Water

Fair — springs on the west side; carry in PJ country.

🛣️

Road Conditions

Paved US-82; gravel forest roads; snow closures possible.

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Moderate — well-developed trail/road network.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Moderate to high — popular unit.

🌦️

Weather

Cold at 8,500+ ft, early snow October; warm PJ country.

📱

Cell Service

Good in Cloudcroft/Alamogordo corridors; spotty interior.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Cloudcroft or Alamogordo for services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do Unit 28 tags allow McGregor Range hunting?

No. McGregor Range (Fort Bliss military reservation) is a separate hunt code and requires specific draw tags plus military range access coordination.

What are the draw odds for New Mexico Unit 28 pronghorn?

Three-year data shows roughly 15% overall draw odds — 52 tags issued against 346 applicants. New Mexico's pure random system means odds don't improve with application history.

Does Unit 28 have E-PLUS tags?

Many NM units participate in the E-PLUS (private-land) system. Check NMDGF's E-PLUS map for Unit 28 participating ranches and their allocated tags.

Can I hunt near White Sands National Park in Unit 28?

No — White Sands National Park is closed to hunting, as is the adjacent White Sands Missile Range. Unit 28 hunting is restricted to BLM and state land parcels within the unit boundary. Use onX Hunt with current land ownership layers to verify your location before hunting any area in this unit.

Are oryx tags hard to draw in New Mexico Unit 28?

Moderately competitive. New Mexico's pure random draw gives every applicant equal odds each year with no points system. Oryx tags are sought after due to the hunt's unique nature, but success rates once drawn are very high — 70–90%.

Where did New Mexico oryx come from?

Gemsbok (oryx) were introduced to White Sands Missile Range in 1969 as an experiment in non-native big game management. The herd thrived in the Chihuahuan Desert and expanded onto adjacent BLM lands, eventually requiring annual hunting seasons to manage population growth.

What caliber should I use for New Mexico oryx?

A minimum of .308 Winchester is recommended, with 7mm Rem Mag or .300 Win Mag preferred for open-country shots averaging 200–400 yards. Oryx are large, tough animals — precise shot placement is more important than caliber.

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Sources & Verification

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

2026-2027 NM Hunting Rules and Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Unit 28 boundary, Deer hunt codes, McGregor Range special hunts · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Deer Species Information — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Mule deer management · accessed 2026-04-17
Lincoln National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Sacramento Ranger District, Public access · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Pronghorn Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Pronghorn biology and management · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Applications and Draw Information — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Pure random draw, 6% / 10% NR caps · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF Elk Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Elk management · accessed 2026-04-17
NMDGF E-PLUS — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Private-land tag allocation rules · 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
NMDGF Oryx Species Info — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: Species management overview, GMU eligibility, Oryx herd background · accessed 2026-04-18
NMDGF Hunt Unit Maps — New Mexico Department of Game and Fish · supports: GMU boundary maps, Land ownership overlays · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 28 (Unit 28 — Sacramento Mountains South)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 28

Sacramento High Country (8,500–9,500 ft)

Mid-Elevation Oak/Pine (6,500–8,500 ft)

PJ Foothills (5,000–6,500 ft)

How to Hunt Unit 28 Mule Deer

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 28

Desert Grassland Flats

Mesquite-Creosote Transitions

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 28

Pronghorn Success Rates

Pronghorn Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Elk in Unit 28

Sacramento Timber

Mesa Breaks

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 28

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Javelina Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Javelina in Unit 28

Rocky Arroyo Systems

Prickly Pear and Desert Scrub

Foothill Terrain

How to Hunt Javelina in Unit 28

Javelina Success Rates

Javelina Draw Odds

Oryx Hunting in Unit 28

Where to Find Oryx in Unit 28

Open Desert Flats

Gypsum Sand Dune Edges The western edges of the White Sands gypsum dunes provide unique habitat where oryx graze on sparse dune vegetation. These animals are adapted to standing out in the open — their coloration helps in Africa but makes them highly visible in white gypsum terrain.

Desert Washes and Arroyos

How to Hunt Oryx in Unit 28

Oryx Success Rates

Oryx Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification

Gypsum Sand Dune Edges
The western edges of the White Sands gypsum dunes provide unique habitat where oryx graze on sparse dune vegetation. These animals are adapted to standing out in the open — their coloration helps in Africa but makes them highly visible in white gypsum terrain.