The Gila National Forest in southwestern New Mexico is legendary elk country. With 3.3 million acres of rugged wilderness, it consistently produces mature 300+ class bulls. But not every unit is created equal. Here's our guide to the best units for trophy elk—based on 20+ years of guiding experience on this ground.
Unit 16A – The Crown Jewel
Unit 16A sits in the heart of the Gila Wilderness and routinely produces the biggest bulls in the state. The trade-off? It's some of the most brutal terrain you'll ever hunt. Deep canyons, thick timber, and limited access make this a unit where physical fitness and a committed guide matter.
Draw odds for nonresidents are tough, but applying through the outfitter pool can improve your chances significantly.
Unit 16B – Rugged and Remote
Just west of 16A, Unit 16B offers more accessible terrain but still produces quality bulls. The Mogollon Range provides excellent glassing opportunities, and elk concentrate around water sources in the early fall. This is a solid choice for both rifle and archery hunters.
Unit 15 – High Elk Density
Unit 15 borders the Aldo Leopold Wilderness and offers some of the highest elk densities in the Gila. While average bull size is slightly smaller than 16A, the sheer number of animals means more encounters and excellent odds of filling your tag. Great for first-time Gila hunters.
Unit 23 – The Sleeper Pick
On the southern edge of the Gila, Unit 23 flies under the radar. Lower elevations and mixed juniper-pine habitat attract elk from surrounding units. Draw odds are more favorable here, making it a strong option for hunters building preference points.
What We Recommend
For trophy potential, 16A and 16B are the top choices. For a more realistic draw and still excellent hunting, Units 15 and 23 are strong alternatives. We scout these units year-round and can advise you on the best strategy based on your preference points and hunting style.
Check out our Rifle Elk and Archery Elk hunt pages for pricing and available dates in these units.
Hunt Trophy Elk in the Gila
We guide in these units every season. Let us put you on a mature bull in some of the best elk country in North America.
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