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New MexicoElk

NM Elk Unit 53

Total Acres
438,146
Public Land
73%
Wilderness
19%
Elevation
6,074–13,128 ft

Season Dates

YearWeaponDatesTag TypeSex
2026Archery (Elk-2-385) — Elk-2-385Sep 1, 2026Sep 14, 2026either
2026Archery (Elk-2-386) — Elk-2-386Sep 15, 2026Sep 24, 2026either
2026Muzzleloader (Elk-3-387) — Elk-3-387Oct 10, 2026Oct 14, 2026either
2026Rifle (Elk-1-127) — Elk-1-127Nov 28, 2026Dec 2, 2026female
2026Rifle (Elk-1-128) — Elk-1-128Dec 26, 2026Dec 30, 2026female
2026Rifle (Elk-1-388) — Elk-1-388Oct 17, 2026Oct 21, 2026male
2026Rifle (Elk-1-389) — Elk-1-389Oct 24, 2026Oct 28, 2026male
2026Rifle (Elk-1-390) — Elk-1-390Nov 14, 2026Nov 18, 2026female

Trophy Data

B&C Entries
3
Avg Score
396.5
Top Score
414
Recent (5yr)
0

AI Scout Analysis

# NM 53 Tactical Analysis **Terrain & Access** NM 53 spans 6,074–13,128 ft across 438,146 acres with strong public access (73.4%) and 19% designated wilderness. This high-elevation unit offers mixed terrain from lower ponderosa to alpine tundra, with significant backpacking opportunities for those willing to venture into remote country. **Herd Quality & Population** Trophy record data (Taos County overlap) shows historical production—including elite animals in the 1970s–90s—but recent entries...

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Tag Quotas & Applicant Volume

YearWeaponResidencyApplicantsTags issued
34 recent records available — Sign up to see current data
2023Archery (Elk-2-385)resident15755
2023Archery (Elk-2-385)nonresident764
2023Archery (Elk-2-385)outfitter156
2023Archery (Elk-2-386)resident21150
2023Archery (Elk-2-386)nonresident1074
2023Archery (Elk-2-386)outfitter296
2023Rifle (Elk-1-388)resident35767
2023Rifle (Elk-1-388)nonresident905
2023Rifle (Elk-1-388)outfitter118
2023Rifle (Elk-1-389)resident221110
2023Rifle (Elk-1-389)nonresident798
2023Rifle (Elk-1-389)outfitter1113
2023Rifle (Elk-1-390)resident29079
2023Rifle (Elk-1-390)nonresident06
2023Rifle (Elk-1-391)resident21279
2023Rifle (Elk-1-391)nonresident06
2023Muzzleloader (Elk-3-387)resident14942
2023Muzzleloader (Elk-3-387)nonresident693
2023Muzzleloader (Elk-3-387)outfitter185

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Harvest Data

YearWeaponHuntersHarvestSuccess
18 recent records available — Sign up to see current harvest data
2022Archery (Elk-2-348)6557.0%
2022Archery (Elk-2-349)6059.0%
2022Muzzleloader (Elk-3-350)501021.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-351)8045.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-352)1311411.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-353)9489.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-354)941415.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-355)4013.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-529)5946.0%
2022Rifle (Elk-1-530)5958.0%