At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Landownership maps are reccomended
- Hike to find isolated parts of public grasslands along the Canadian River
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
Hunters engaging with New Mexico's Unit 47 and its surrounding units reflect a keen interest in navigating both public and private lands effectively. The consensus highlights a substantial portion of accessible public lands within these units, especially for those not tied to a specific ranch, necessitating diligent research and planning. While some hunters suggest hiring an outfitter can enhance chances for trophy animals, especially when prioritizing the highest potential, others emphasize the possibility of success through self-guided efforts, particularly if trophy size is less of a priority. For private land hunts, obtaining written permission is crucial, and exploring trespass fees and guides with established land connections might be beneficial. As additional hunting opportunities, Barbary sheep hunts in Units 42 and 47 emerge as alternatives, favoring rifle over archery due to their long-range nature, although some suggest prioritizing units bordering limited draw areas for optimal outcomes.
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | Dummy | Dummy |
Elk | Dummy | Dummy |
Antelope | Dummy | Dummy |
South of Springer, east of Wagon Mound and north of the Canadian and Mora rivers, this unit is mostly private but includes a few larger pieces of public land, especially in the northern half. Hunters will find opportunities for a number of species although game desnities tend to be fairly low.
Most of this unit is either private land or public tracts that are mostly landlocked by private property. The state offers few tags. Hunters take a few representative antelope bucks and mule deer. Trophy size animals are rare, but do happen. Hunters on private land take more deer. Pronghorn hunters have high success.
Most land is flat to rolling. The Canadian River starts as a stream in a shallow canyon in the north part of the unit and gets bigger and cuts through deeper canyons as it runs south. Many side canyons flow into it, and also have steep sides in places. A hill called Wagon Mound is just east of the town by the same name on the western edge of the unit. East of there are several higher mounds, hills and mesas.
A network of public and private roads provide access to ranches, state trust sections and Forest Service land that is part of the Kiowa National Grasslands. Most of the Kiowa grasslands are along the Canadian River and offshoot canyons. The largest tracts of U.S. Forest Service land in the grasslands are at the end of public roads.
Most of the unit consists of grasslands covered in short grasses. Low bushes, some cottonwoods, willows and pinyons and junipers grow along streams. Pinyons, junipers and cottonwoods grow in the Canadian River canyon and in the many smaller canyons that drain into it.
Camping is allowed at Mills Rim Campground along the Canadian River in the Kiowa National Grasslands. It is shown as Mills Canyon Campground on some maps. Motels are in Springer, Wagon Mound and Roy. No camping is allowed on state trust lands unless posted otherwise.
Roughly 1,206 square miles
23.6% public land
Elevations range from 4,400-7,300 feet