Unit A

The Bisti Badlands and adjacent badland systems provide dramatic visual anchors and reliable navigation references across the open country. Conger Mesa, Anselmo Bench, and Pot Mesa offer commanding terrain for glassing across multiple drainages. Major arroyos including La Jara Wash, Williams Arroyo, and Shumway Arroyo function as travel corridors and water-finding zones.

Named springs like Ojo Alamo, Delnazini, and Naashoibito mark reliable water locations critical for hunting strategy. The various rock formations—Lion Rock, Molar Rock, Pagoda Rock—serve as recognizable reference points for route-finding across the expansive country.

Terrain climbs from low desert flats through juniper-studded benches into sparse ponderosa forest on the higher mesas. The landscape transitions gradually rather than dramatically, with open grasslands and brush flats dominating lower elevations and timber becoming more consistent above 7,000 feet. Much of the mid-elevation country consists of pinyon-juniper woodland interspersed with open areas.

Forest cover remains sparse throughout, leaving extensive visibility across the badlands, mesa tops, and canyon rims. Vegetation patterns follow water availability—denser growth near arroyos and springs, open country in the drier benches and flats.

The zone benefits from a fair road network providing reasonable access across much of the territory. Established roads penetrate major drainages and reach most mesa systems, though road quality varies. Access concentrates around populated areas like Kirtland, Lake Valley, and Seven Lakes.

Despite fair accessibility, the zone's vast size and sparse forest mean pressure distributes across considerable country. Most casual hunters stick to accessible roads and canyon mouths, leaving the open badlands and higher mesas less visited. Hunters willing to leave vehicles and glass systematically can find solitude in the expansive terrain.

Cougar Management Zone A encompasses the composite of Units 7, 2A, 2B, and 2C across the San Juan Basin region. The zone sprawls across high-desert terrain with elevations ranging from just under 5,000 feet in the lower basins to over 8,100 feet on the higher mesas. Landmarks like the Bisti Badlands, Gobernador Canyon, and various named springs anchor the geography.

The zone's vast size and relatively moderate terrain complexity offer substantial country to cover, though most hunters focus on accessible areas near canyon systems and established water sources.

Water is limited but concentrated in predictable locations. The major washes—La Jara, Williams, Shumway, and Alamo—hold seasonal to perennial flow depending on recent precipitation. Named springs and water sources cluster throughout the zone: Ojo Alamo, Delnazini, Naashoibito, and others represent reliable stock tanks and natural seeps.

Reservoirs and tanks like Becenti Lake, Black Lake, and various smaller tanks provide additional water points. The aridity of the country means understanding water availability is essential—cats follow prey to these sources, and hunters must plan routes accordingly.

This is mountain lion country shaped by sparse vegetation and open terrain. Cats use canyon systems and drainages as highways, hunting mule deer and other prey drawn to water sources. Early morning and late afternoon glassing from mesa rims and elevated benches offers the best visibility in open country.

Work along major washes and drainages where vegetation provides cover for lions and prey converges around water. Spring and fall move cats through elevation transitions—understanding seasonal patterns is critical. Water locations become focal points: scout springs and tanks during off-season, then hunt their approaches.

The open terrain rewards patience and steady glassing discipline over road hunting.