Desert basins and isolated mountain ranges north of Deming—the Cooks Range, Florida Mountains, and surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. Elevations run 4,200 feet on the valley floors to about 7,800 feet on the higher peaks. The lowlands are classic creosote-mesquite desert with cholla, yucca, and sparse grass. Mountain slopes carry juniper, pinon, and scattered oak brush, with a few lonely ponderosa on the highest north-facing slopes. Water is extremly scarce outside of stock tanks and windmill-fed troughs—find the water, find the game. No national forest land in this unit—it's all BLM, state trust, and private ranches. I-10 crosses the southern edge, NM 26, NM 27, and county roads provide access. Deming is your town. Cell service works along I-10 and near Deming but vanishes in the backcountry. This is pronghorn, mule deer, and javelina country. Early-season hunts are extremely hot—carry at least a gallon of water per person per day and plan to be off exposed ground by midday. Late-season hunts can be pleasant but cold at night. The desert looks empty from the highway but there's more life out there than you'd expect. Cooks Range and Florida Mountains near Deming. Desert terrain, no national forest. Mostly BLM, state trust, and private ranch land. I-10, NM 26, and NM 27 provide access. This is mule deer, javelina, and oryx country — no significant elk. Deming has full services. Very hot during early seasons.