Game Management Unit 9 (35.2868, -107.2554)
© OpenStreetMap contributorsGame Management Unit 9
Cibola County around Mount Taylor (highest peak in the Cibola NF, part of the San Mateo Mountains), ~5,000-11,000 ft: flat desert grasslands at the base rising through pinyon-juniper and ponderosa mesas to aspen, fir and grassy meadows on the upper mountain.
Elk, mule deer and pronghorn are managed by NMDGF through its draw with a license required; turkey is present (notably on Mount Taylor), black bear is huntable (Unit 9 lies in an NMDGF bear management zone), and cougar is huntable statewide. See NMDGF for current season dates.
Predominantly private and tribal land (~75%) with ~25% public; public acreage is mostly higher-elevation Forest Service (Cibola NF, including Mount Taylor) and BLM. Verify access carefully.
Data from New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. Conditions change — verify with the managing agency before you go.