The northern Tularosa Mountains in the Gila NF. A mountain spine running roughly north-south sits mostly between 7,500 and 9,000 feet, with ridges descending gradually east and west, cut by steep arroyos and rugged side canyons. By Gila standards this is mild to moderate terrain—you can actually hunt from a truck-based camp outside the wilderness boundaries and not feel like you're cheating. Ponderosa and mixed conifer on the ridges, PJ and oak brush on the lower slopes, and grassland parks on the mesa tops where elk feed in the early morining. About 90 percent public ground on the Gila NF, which makes 16D one of the more accessible subunits in the complex. NM 12, NM 32, and forest roads provide a decent road network for the northern and western portions. Reserve and Glenwood are your supply towns. Cell service is extremely limited. The eastern edge approaches the Gila Wilderness boundary, so you can push as deep as you want. Late-season weather demands winter preparedness, but the moderate terrain makes this subunit attractive for hunters who want to hunt the Gila without selling their horse-less soul to a multi-day pack-in. The most hyped elk unit in New Mexico and arguably the hardest draw in the state. This is where the record-book bulls live — more B&C entries come from 16D than any other NM unit. The unit is full of elk from one end to the other with very little hunting pressure. If you draw 16D, you have a legitimate shot at a 340-360 class bull. Most guided hunts in this unit run $5,000-$10,000+. It is a hunt of a lifetime and the draw reflects it.