Archery Elk and Deer Hunting

New Mexico offers it's residents unlimited recreational activities.  It's numerous national forests , monuments, and resorts provide endless opportunities for the outdoorsman and sportsman.  The Gila National Forest is comprised of more than three million acres of beautiful rugged landscape, and more wilderness than in any other national forest of the Southwest.  From the high spruce-fir reaches of an eleven thousand foot peak in the Mogollon Mountains where golden eagles play with the wind, down to the semi-arid four thousand two hundred foot elevation, vibrant with antelope and Chihuahuan and Upper Sonoran desert cacti, there are six distinct "plant communities."  This superb example of pristine mountains, forests, range land, and protected desert, is the first ever designated wilderness area in the world.  The Gila National Forest has three lakes.  The New Mexico Department of Game and Fish stock all three with rainbow trout in fall, winter, and spring months.

Quemado Lake

The 800 acre Quemado Lake Recreation Area is located approximately 20 miles south of Quemado.  The recreation area includes the 131 acre man made trout lake with two ADA fishing piers, two boat ramps, seven developed campgrounds, one private campground, and links to more than seven miles of hiking trails.  The lake is nestled between pinon-juniper woodland and pine forests at an elevation of 7,860 feet.  The lake offers year round fishing and warm water fishing for trout and muskie.  The lake also has an overlook trail that leads through stands of ponderosa pines.  From the overlook, panoramic view of El Caso Peak, Castle Rock, and Quemado Lake provide excellent photographic opportunities.  Many types of birds inhabit the area.

NM Outfitters

The trophy genetics of the elk population in southwestern New Mexico makes hunting in and around the areas of Magdalena, Datil, Pie Town, and Quemado, an exceptional experience.

Archery elk season takes place in September when the bulls are typically in the rut and numerous record book bulls have been taken in both the Catron and Socorro County areas.  Muzzleloader and rifle seasons for elk primarily take place in October and Safari Club International's number one typical elk was taken south of Magdalena in Socorro County.