NM Elk Unit 45

NM 45 — Terrain & Access NM 45 spans nearly 975,000 acres across high-elevation terrain, with elevations ranging from 5,590 to 13,042 ft. The unit is 82% public land, primarily national forest, offering substantial room to hunt without relying on private access. A quarter of the unit (23%) is designated wilderness—serious backcountry that demands pack stock to reach and navigate effectively. Forum users consistently emphasize that elk recovery from this remote terrain requires horses; attempting to pack out trophy animals without stock is impractical. The wilderness core is roadless and physically demanding, pushing hunters into genuine mountain country. Lower-elevation..