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New MexicoElk

NM Elk Unit 42

Total Acres
2,748,338
Public Land
10%
Elevation
3,676–7,028 ft

Season Dates

YearWeaponDatesTag TypeSex
2026Archery (Elk-2-411) — Elk-2-411Sep 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026either
2026Archery (Elk-2-412) — Elk-2-412Sep 15, 2026Sep 24, 2026either
2026Rifle (Elk-1-413) — Elk-1-413Oct 1, 2026Oct 5, 2026either

AI Scout Analysis

# NM 42 Tactical Analysis ## Terrain & Access Unit 42 spans 2.75 million acres across a wide elevation range (3,676–7,028 ft), but only 10% is public land—heavily private. Forum reports note abundant ATV traffic and cold high-country conditions near the unit 52 boundary. Low public-land availability severely constrains DIY hunting; outfitter access to private land is a practical advantage here. ## Herd Quality & Population No wildlife survey data (bull:cow ratios or population estimates) is...

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

YearWeaponResidencyApplicantsTags issued
18 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023Rifle (Elk-1-413)resident18011
2023Rifle (Elk-1-413)nonresident161
2023Rifle (Elk-1-413)outfitter141
2023Archery (Elk-2-411)resident4611
2023Archery (Elk-2-411)nonresident81
2023Archery (Elk-2-411)outfitter21
2023Archery (Elk-2-412)resident4811
2023Archery (Elk-2-412)nonresident91
2023Archery (Elk-2-412)outfitter21

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Harvest Data

YearWeaponHuntersHarvestSuccess
6 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
2022Archery (Elk-2-375)10220.0%
2022Archery (Elk-2-376)10113.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-377)10450.0%