New Mexico Elk Mule Deer Elk Mule Deer

Unit 48

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

Unit 48 lies in the rolling caprock country and cedar breaks of eastern New Mexico. Elk are managed under limited tags in brushy canyon and cedar habitat in this unit, which is primarily known as mule deer and pronghorn country. The pure random draw gives every applicant equal odds for these limited tags.

View Draw Odds New Mexico Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Elk in Unit 48

Unit 48 elk are concentrated in cedar breaks and canyon country in eastern New Mexico.

Cedar Breaks and Rimrock

Dense cedar and pinon-juniper on caprock rims and breaks provide cover and browse for resident elk. These areas are primary bedding habitat during daylight hours.

Playa Margins and Draws

Seasonal playas and draws attract elk for water and lush forb growth. Glass these open areas early morning and late evening when animals leave heavy cover to feed.

Canyon Bottoms

Deeper canyon systems with permanent water draw elk especially during drought conditions. Scout drainages for fresh sign.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 48

Unit 48 elk hunting in cedar breaks requires different tactics than mountain elk hunting.

Glassing Rim Country

Position yourself on rimrock above cedar-filled canyons and glass the edges at first and last light. Elk feed on flats above the rims at dawn before retreating to heavy cedar cover.

Still Hunting in Cedar

Still-hunt through cedar breaks slowly during morning hours. Fresh tracks and droppings tell you when you are in active use areas. Move quietly and glass ahead through natural openings.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Archery15%

Muzzleloader18%

Unit 48 elk are uncommon compared to central and northern NM elk units — tag numbers are limited and success varies. Refer to the NMDGF harvest report for current unit-specific data.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	209	386	54.1%
Archery— Draw	136	109	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	42	91	46.2%
Rifle— Draw	117	228	51.3%
Rifle— Draw	104	204	51.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	51	57	89.5%

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 48 elk.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 48

Unit 48 covers the eastern New Mexico caprock country and cedar breaks near Roswell in the Pecos Valley. Mule deer inhabit cedar and juniper draws, grassland edges, and rocky canyon terrain from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. This eastern plains unit is accessible with a mix of private and BLM public land.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 48

Unit 48 mule deer concentrate in cedar breaks, juniper draws, and rocky caprock terrain in eastern New Mexico.

Cedar Breaks and Rimrock

Dense cedar juniper on caprock rims and breaks are the primary deer habitat. Bucks bed in heavy cedar during daylight and feed on adjacent grassland flats in low light. Glass rim edges carefully at dawn and dusk.

Juniper-Grassland Transitions

The edge zones between open grassland and juniper cover hold the highest deer concentrations. Most productive at dawn and dusk when animals move between bedding and feeding areas.

Rock Canyons and Drainages

Rocky drainages cutting through the caprock provide seasonal water, shelter, and travel corridors. Scout canyon bottoms for fresh sign to identify active use areas.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 48

Unit 48 mule deer hunting combines glassing cedar break edges with strategic canyon ambushes.

Rim Edge Glassing

Set up on caprock rim edges before first light and glass the cedar breaks below and the grassland flats above. Bucks feed into grassland before first light and retreat into cedar cover shortly after sunrise.

Rut Hunting on Grassland Flats

November rut pushes Unit 48 bucks into open grassland. Glass from road-accessible positions and intercept bucks crossing between cedar draws. Grunt calls work during active rut phases.

Canyon Water Ambush

Stock tanks and seasonal canyon water sources are reliable ambush locations during early season heat. Set up downwind in the evening for deer coming to drink in low light.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

Unit 48 mule deer rifle success runs 20-30% for hunters with good access to public and permitted private land. Verify current figures in the NMDGF annual harvest report.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	85	267	31.8%
Archery— Draw	39	79	49.4%
Muzzleloader— Draw	23	80	28.8%
Rifle— Draw	93	294	31.6%
Archery— Draw	38	102	37.3%
Muzzleloader— Draw	26	57	45.6%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Elk Hunting in Unit 48

Unit 48 covers the Sangre de Cristo country south of Taos — a mix of Carson NF timber and Pecos Wilderness alpine. We see roughly 2,138 applicants for 1,284 tags over three years, one of the better-drawable elk units in the state. Bull quality is decent with respectable mature-bull opportunity in wilderness sections.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 48

Sangre de Cristo elk use a full elevation band.

Aspen Parks (8,500–10,000 ft)

Meadow complexes in aspen hold cows and calling bulls during the rut.

Spruce-Fir Timber (9,500–11,500 ft)

Dense north-slope timber provides secure bedding.

Alpine Transition (11,500–12,500 ft)

High basin edges hold early-season bulls in Pecos Wilderness country.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 48

Unit 48 rewards hunters willing to work the wilderness.

Wilderness Backpack Hunts

Pack into the Pecos Wilderness for less pressure and better bull quality.

Roadside Calling

Front-country calling on forest roads still produces bulls in September.

Snow-Line Still-Hunts

As October snow pushes elk down, still-hunt timber transition zones.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Archery15%

Muzzleloader18%

2,138 applicants vs 1,284 tags — about 60% overall odds. Rifle success typically in the 20–25% range.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	209	386	54.1%
Archery— Draw	136	109	100.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	42	91	46.2%
Rifle— Draw	117	228	51.3%
Rifle— Draw	104	204	51.0%
Muzzleloader— Draw	51	57	89.5%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random. Nonresident 6% plus 10% outfitter-guided pools. Unit 48's generous tag count makes it one of the easier-to-draw NM elk units.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 48

Unit 48 mule deer share the Sangre de Cristo Carson NF country with the better-known elk hunt. We see roughly 1,283 applicants for 501 tags over three years. Aspen-oak edges and ponderosa benches hold solid buck densities at elevation.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 48

Unit 48 deer use mid- and high-elevation habitat bands.

Aspen-Oak Edges (8,000–9,500 ft)

Aspen stands with oak understory produce browse and bedding.

Ponderosa Benches (7,500–8,500 ft)

Open pine benches hold bucks during October rifle hunts.

Canyon Bottoms

Perennial creek bottoms pull deer late in the season.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 48

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Rifle25%

Archery16%

Muzzleloader20%

1,283 applicants vs 501 tags — about 39% overall odds. Rifle success typically 25–30%.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %
Rifle— Draw	85	267	31.8%
Archery— Draw	39	79	49.4%
Muzzleloader— Draw	23	80	28.8%
Rifle— Draw	93	294	31.6%
Archery— Draw	38	102	37.3%
Muzzleloader— Draw	26	57	45.6%

Data from 2021 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Pure random. Nonresident 6% plus 10% outfitter-guided pools. Unit 48 is reasonably drawable with good buck potential.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

🚐

RV Sites

Check road conditions to dispersed camping areas.

⛺

Camp Sites

Dispersed BLM/USFS camping throughout the unit.

🛻

Trailer Access

Moderate. Scout main roads before pulling a large rig.

💧

Water

Very limited. Stock tanks are primary water. Carry water.

🛣️

Road Conditions

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

🥾

Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Mostly flat with cedar breaks and shallow canyons.

👥

Hunting Pressure

Light for elk — primarily mule deer and pronghorn country.

🌦️

Weather

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

📱

Cell Service

Limited in remote areas. Satellite communicator recommended.

🏘️

Nearest Town

Roswell or Portales for full services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really elk in Unit 48 of eastern New Mexico?

Yes, a limited resident elk population exists in Unit 48 cedar break and canyon country. Tag numbers are very limited and draws are uncommon, but the opportunity exists through the random draw.

What is the terrain like for mule deer hunting in Unit 48?

Unit 48 is eastern New Mexico caprock country — flat to gently rolling grassland dissected by cedar breaks and shallow rock canyons. The terrain is easy to navigate and accessible for most hunters.

Is Unit 48 good for trophy mule deer?

Unit 48 produces respectable eastern NM mule deer bucks. The accessible terrain and consistent deer numbers make it a solid hunting destination.

Is Unit 48 good for DIY nonresidents?

Yes. The large Carson NF and Pecos Wilderness holdings provide extensive public access for DIY nonresidents who draw the standard 6% pool.

How tough is the Pecos Wilderness for elk?

Very remote, high altitude, and often steep. Plan for multi-day backcountry logistics and expect fewer hunters but tougher pack-outs.

Can I apply for Unit 48 elk and deer the same year?

Yes. Elk and deer are separate species draws with independent applications. Both are pure random.

How does Unit 48 deer compare to the elk hunt?

Similar terrain but lower pressure. Deer hunters often have the Pecos Wilderness backcountry largely to themselves.

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Sources & Verification

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

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 48 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
Carson National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Forest access, Pecos Wilderness info · 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

Unit 48

Elk Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Elk in Unit 48

Cedar Breaks and Rimrock

Playa Margins and Draws

Canyon Bottoms

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 48

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 48

Cedar Breaks and Rimrock

Juniper-Grassland Transitions

Rock Canyons and Drainages

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 48

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Elk in Unit 48

Aspen Parks (8,500–10,000 ft)

Spruce-Fir Timber (9,500–11,500 ft)

Alpine Transition (11,500–12,500 ft)

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 48

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 48

Aspen-Oak Edges (8,000–9,500 ft)

Ponderosa Benches (7,500–8,500 ft)

Canyon Bottoms

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 48

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 48 — Mule Deer

Unit 47 — Pronghorn

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification