Unit 21A is the Mimbres Valley and surrounding mountains northeast of Silver City, 5,500 to 8,800 feet. The low country is flat-to-rolling yucca and mesquite hills rising into juniper and scrub-oak draws. Mid-elevations are PJ mountains and canyons with ponderosa on wetter bottoms and north slopes. The high country is ponderosa-covered mesas and valleys rising to Doug fir and aspen on the coolest north-facing aspects. Meadows and small valleys scattered through the high timber create the kind of openings where you glass up elk feeding at first light. Land ownership is a mix of Gila NF, BLM, state trust, and private ranches. NM 35 and NM 61 are paved; forest roads require 4WD and branch into the backcountry. The Mimbres Valley has scattered residences but limited services; Silver City is your supply point. Cell service is spotty along highways and absent in the forest. NM 152 from Mimbres to Kingston crosses the southern quarter and leads to dirt forest roads and trails. This is solid elk, deer, and turkey country with enough road access to be manageable for truck-based hunting—you don't need pack horses here, just decent tires and a willingness to get up before dawn. 98% public land — one of the highest public land percentages in the state. Contains a portion of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness. Mainly roadless country favored by hunters willing to pack into the Gila NF backcountry. Highway 59 crosses the northern unit and Highway 152 from Mimbres to Kingston crosses the southern quarter. Both lead to dirt forest roads and trail access. This is excellent elk and mule deer country if you're willing to work for it.