New Mexico elk hunting can be a challenge without knowing where to put in for tags, and where to hunt. In addition to backcountry and wilderness areas, our outfitters have access to good elk hunting on private land across the state. Most New Mexico elk hunts take place in Pinyon pine and juniper thickets at fairly high elevation. Another great thing about New Mexico elk hunts is that the terrain isn’t typically all that strenuous. Especially when you compare it to some other elk hunting destinations such as Idaho or British Columbia.
New Mexico elk hunting can be truly spectacular.
In most units you can expect 5×5 or 6×6’s, with a 330 inch bull being a fairly reasonable goal. However, we do have some ranches that have tremendous trophy quality, and prices will go up accordingly. In the best units (such as Gila elk hunts), you can have a decent chance at a truly giant bull of a lifetime!
Early Season
The archery elk hunts in New Mexico take place during the last few weeks of September, and the early rifle hunts are scheduled during the first few weeks of October. This is an excellent time to hunt elk while they are still bugling in the rut and post rut, providing our customers with the best opportunity at harvesting a big mature bull.
Regular Season
Rifle and muzzleloader seasons in NM are from October 1st through December 31st.
Late Season
Later season New Mexico elk hunts are available upon elk tag availability, and cow hunts are available in January.
Ask about Elk Hunting in New Mexico WE can help with applications
TROPHY ELK HUNTS IN NEW MEXICO
On these New Mexico elk hunts a 370-400+ inch monster is possible!
- Rifle, Archery or Muzzleloader hunts are available.
- New Mexico Unit 34 – We have guaranteed tags that can either be on a specific ranch OR unit-wide.
- New Mexico Unit 36 – Ranch specific tags & unit-wide tags/guided hunts are available.
- New Mexico Unit 37 – Ranch specific tags & unit-wide tags/guided hunts are available.
- Most hunts are spot and stalk/calling style, but early season waterhole hunts are also available.
New Mexico Hunting Lodge
If you’re looking for a New Mexico hunting lodge with 5-star accommodations and options for a large group or a corporate retreat, we have you covered! With over 17,000 acres of stunning scenery and spectacular big game hunting, a trip here will be one of the signature experiences of your hunting lifetime.
Getting a New Mexico Elk Tag is Key!
It is important to contact us before you put in for the draw as we can help you locate the proper units to increase your odds. And remember, we have a number of elk hunts on some great ranches in New Mexico, with hunting vouchers included.
Ask about Elk Hunting in New Mexico WE can help with applications
TROPHY ELK HUNTS ON PRIVATE GROUND IN NEW MEXICO
These hunts take place in Wildlife Management Units (WMU) #2, 5B, 6A, 6C, and 7, located in northwest New Mexico, near the town of Cuba.
Offering a mix of private and public land hunting, these New Mexico elk hunts include private land vouchers as part of the package. The primary hunting method is spot-and-stalk, with plenty of hiking and glassing involved. During archery season, some still hunting around waterholes and food sources is also utilized.
The terrain features a rugged mix of sagebrush canyons and pinon/juniper-covered mesas, with elevations around 7,000 feet. The hunts provide a realistic opportunity to harvest a trophy bull elk, with expected sizes ranging from 280 to 320 in Units 5B, 6A, 6C, and 7, and between 260 and 300 in Unit 2. Units 5B, 6A, and 6C also hold the potential for even larger bulls. Keep in mind that hunts in Unit 6C are the most physically demanding, so excellent physical fitness is essential for success in this area.
These fully guided hunts are conducted on a 2×1 guide-to-hunter ratio, with the option to upgrade to a 1×1 experience for an additional fee. Lodging and meals are included in the hunt package, with accommodations ranging from ranch house-style camps to wall tent setups in certain areas. You can drive directly to the camp, or if flying in, you can arrive at Albuquerque, rent a vehicle, and make the 1.5-hour drive to the camp.
We can help you with your applications, but the outfitter also has some Outfitter Allocated Tags available.
It is important to contact us before you put in for the draw as we can help you locate the proper units to increase your odds. And remember, we have a number of elk hunts on some great ranches in New Mexico, with hunting vouchers included.
Ask about a NM Elk Hunt WE can help with applications
GILA NATIONAL FOREST NEW MEXICO ELK HUNTING TRIPS
The Gila National Forest in New Mexico spans around 3.3 million acres, ranking as the sixth largest national forest in the U.S. Situated entirely within Catron County, this vast wilderness is renowned for its exceptional elk hunting opportunities. Each year, trophy bull elk harvested in this region frequently find their way into the Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young, and SCI record books, highlighting Catron County’s reputation as a prime destination for avid hunters.
With decades of experience elk hunting in Southwestern New Mexico, our Gila New Mexico elk hunting outfitters know how to get it done. You can expect mature 5×5 and 6×6 bulls, and every year a few lucky hunters take a true monster.
- The New Mexico elk hunting season on the Gila is from September to November, depending on the weapon you are hunting with. Archery, rifle and muzzleloader hunts available.
- Gila elk hunting New Mexico is a fairly hard to draw hunt, but landowner tags are available.
- Trophy quality is good with mature 5×5 and 6×6 bulls being the norm.
- Elk hunting in New Mexico can be a challenge without knowing where to put in for tags and where to hunt, so it is important to contact us before you put in for the draw as we can help you locate the proper units to increase your odds.
Backcountry New Mexico Elk Hunting Outfitters
Our backcountry New Mexico elk hunting outfitters have had VERY good success over the years. Operating on public National Forest ground as well private land, there is little to no elk hunting pressure because they limit the number of tags.
- If you choose the backcountry wall tent setup you will be provided with a comfortable cot, lantern, and heater.
- They also offer an in-town option, where you’ll leave from town to the hunting area each day.
- We do have a limited number of backcountry Gila New Mexico elk hunts every year, but they go quickly, so be sure to ask about them.
New Mexico Drop Camp Elk Hunts
If you’re looking for DIY, New Mexico drop camp elk hunts, our outfitter is now offering an unguided trip into the wilderness! These drop camps are in some of the best elk hunting areas in New Mexico.
The outfitter will drop you off in prime New Mexico elk hunting country!
They will pack you and your gear into camp when you first arrive and will also pack you out of camp along with your elk. No need to go long distances to find animals because you will be right in the heart of you hunting area on our New Mexico drop camp elk hunts. With camps located within easy range of your hunting area, this hunt offers the simplicity most hunters dream of. This allows you to hunt on foot from camp, eliminating the need for horses or long hikes to get into good hunting.
- Archery New Mexico elk hunting Season takes place in September and your hunt will go for a period of six days.
- Rifle and Muzzleloader season are from October 1st through December 31st. Your hunt will last for five days (add a day to both ends of your hunt for packing in and out)
- Most hunters have the opportunity to harvest mature bulls.
- This is a wilderness hunt so make sure you get yourself in the proper shape.
- This hunt is unguided, no-one will be there to help you hunt but you will be dropped off in camp.
Book Your New Mexico Elk Hunt
New Mexico Elk Hunting Outfitters:
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Cole Damuth –
Our elk hunt in New Mexico was fun. Good people, good food, good housing. Saw some nice bulls, not a ton of elk, I think possibly due to weather. This part of New Mexico is easily huntable by people of any age as long as you can shoot a good distance. All in all a good fun elk hunt. The group missed a 350 bull, passed a 320 bull day 1, and killed a stud 300 bull on day 4.
Mitch Beeson –
We both took nice bulls on Day 1. Our guide found the elk within 30 minutes of starting our hike.