Yes. We chose to hunt the Abert squirrels instead of the grey squirrels. They wanted the challenge of hunting the Abert’s squirrel. Although Unit 6A has an area called the “Experimental Forest” just North of the campground that we normally hunt. It is a fenced off area probably a 1/2 mile by 1 mile area where they planted a different kind of pine trees. Unlike the rest of the adjacent forest, the trees in the Experimental Forest are thick enough that sunlight doesn’t reach the forest floor. It is dark and cooler than the surrounding forest. In that area they have smaller grey squirrels that are very vocal. All you have to do is wait and listen for them arguing amongst themselves and follow the racket. Pretty easy hunt and I like to bring the beginner hunters there for two reasons. One, an easy successful hunt and two, fences on all 4 sides so a youngster can’t get lost. My instructions to the young is not to cross the fence and I’ll find you.
Funny thing is the grey squirrels never come out of the fenced area and the Abert’s squirrels never cross the fence into the Experimental Forest. I have seen both types just barely on their side of the fence. It’s like there is a wall there.
Abert's are supposed to be good to eat, I've heard they were an important food source for settlers. We have those in NM too, have seen them but never taken one.