Short answer: New Mexico’s best elk units fall into two regions — the Gila in the southwest (units like 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24), which is legendary trophy country, and the northern high country (6A, 6B, 6C and nearby units) with big bulls closer to the Colorado line. Which one is right for you depends on whether you’re hunting a public-draw tag or an EPLUS landowner tag.
The Gila region (southwest New Mexico)
The Gila is what makes New Mexico famous for elk. This vast, rugged country holds mature bulls and low road density, and it consistently produces some of the biggest elk in North America. Units such as 15, 16, 17, 23, and 24 are the names you’ll hear most. It’s remote, physical hunting — and the payoff is trophy potential you won’t find in many places. Both public-draw and EPLUS tags exist here, though quality EPLUS tags in the Gila are highly sought after.
The northern units (north-central New Mexico)
Up north, units like 6A, 6B, and 6C and the surrounding high country offer excellent elk hunting nearer the Colorado border. The terrain runs from high timber to open parks, and these units are a strong option for hunters who want quality bulls with slightly more accessible country than the deep Gila.
How to choose your unit
Don’t start with the unit — start with your tag path. If you’re hunting an EPLUS landowner tag, your unit is largely determined by which ranch or unit-wide tag you secure. If you’re applying in the public draw, you’ll weigh trophy quality against draw odds. Either way, the smart move is to match the unit to the tag you can actually get, not the other way around.
Rather than chase specific draw-odds numbers that shift every year, tell us the experience you want — deep-wilderness trophy hunt or a more accessible quality hunt — and we’ll point you to the right unit and tag.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best unit for elk in New Mexico?
The Gila region units (15, 16, 17, 23, and 24) are widely regarded as New Mexico’s premier trophy elk units. The northern units (6A, 6B, 6C) are also excellent and offer quality bulls closer to the Colorado border.
Where are the biggest bulls in New Mexico?
The Gila in southwestern New Mexico is the state’s most famous trophy elk country, consistently producing some of the largest bulls in North America.
Should I pick a unit based on the draw or EPLUS?
Start with your tag path. With an EPLUS landowner tag, your unit is largely set by the tag you secure. With a public-draw tag, you balance trophy quality against draw odds. Match the unit to the tag you can realistically get.
This guide is part of our complete resource on New Mexico elk hunting.
