Most New Mexico elk hunts take place in Pinyon pine and juniper thickets at fairly high elevation. In most units, a 330 inch or better bull is the goal, but in the best units (such as Gila elk hunts), you can have a decent chance at 370-400+ inch monsters! The terrain in New Mexico isn’t usually all that strenuous, especially when you compare it to some other elk hunting destinations such as Idaho or British Columbia.
You can have a decent chance at true monster bulls in New Mexico if you have the right tag in your pocket.
Elk hunting in New Mexico:
- New Mexico archery elk season takes place in September and will go for a period of six days
- Rifle and muzzleloader seasons in NM are from October 1st through December 31st.
- Later season New Mexico elk hunts are available upon elk tag availability, and cow hunts are available in January (3-day hunts).
- If you are unable to draw a tag there are almost always landowner tags available.
- Most hunters have the opportunity to harvest mature bulls with our NM outfitters.
- Typically, you’ll take an ATV to get to the hunting area, and then you will proceed on foot.
- We also offer a wilderness drop camp setup in New Mexico.
Outfitters: BLUMO3, BHO1, QR1
New Mexico Elk Hunts on Private Ground
We have a number of elk hunts on some great ranches in New Mexico, with landowner tags.
Hunting in New Mexico can be a challenge without knowing where to put in for tags, and where to hunt. Our outfitters have access to good elk hunting on private land across the state. On most ranches, you can expect trophy quality from 5×5 to average 6×6 bulls, but we do have some ranches that have tremendous trophy quality. Prices go up accordingly. 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.
- New Mexico landowner tags are available.
- Gila elk hunts go quickly, but be sure to ask about them.
- Each individual ranch has different lodging and trophy quality.
- Contact us for details.
If you’re looking for 5-star accommodations, options for a large group or a corporate retreat, we have you covered!
With over 17,000 acres of stunning scenery and big game, a trip to this hunting lodge will be one of the signature experiences of your hunting lifetime.
This lodge sits right in the center of the migration path of the entire Southern Colorado-San Juan elk herd. With over 17,000 acres of stunning scenery and big game, a trip to this hunting lodge will be one of the signature experiences of your hunting lifetime.
Convenience, comfort, great food, and spectacular views.
The grand room is elegantly comfortable, encircled by picture windows with spectacular views and furnished with large leather chairs and sofas perfect for relaxing after a long day of elk hunting. The river rock fireplace turns the room into a warm refuge on our cool nights. The gaming table and large screen satellite television round out one of the most social areas of the cabin. Wireless internet service is available throughout the lodge, and the cell reception is typically excellent.
Generally a hunting day starts before the sun comes up with a pot of coffee and a breakfast before the pickup ride out to start glassing or get set up in a blind. Depending on the ranch and the hunting plan, lunches will be brought along to eat in the field or you may head back to the ranch house to make lunch or run into town to a restaurant for an afternoon break. Once the light is gone and elk hunting is done for the day you’ll head back to a warm room to clean up, throw on some clean clothes and you can determine with the guides if you go out to a nice dinner at a choice of good local restaurants or stay on the ranch for a good home cooked meal.
Hunts: BLUMO3, BHO1
Archery Elk Hunts in New Mexico
A massive New Mexico archery bull.
New Mexico gives archery hunters a good opportunity at a mature bull.
The archery elk hunts in New Mexico take place during the last few weeks of September, and the 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.
- We have both backcountry and private ground archery hunts.
- Gila elk hunts go quickly, but be sure to ask about them.
- Landowner tags are available.
Outfitters: BLUMO3, BHO1
Backcountry New Mexico Elk Hunts
Our backcountry elk hunts in New Mexico can be VERY good.
If you want a true wild, free ranging monster elk this outfitter and his crew and his guides can make it happen!
This outfitter offers hunts on public National Forest Ground or private land. There is little to no elk hunting pressure in this area, because they limit the number of tags. 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 Gila elk hunts every year, but they go quickly, so be sure to ask about them.
Wall Tent Accommodations
The outfitter will provide a place for you to stay and three meals a day with other snacks and drinks. If you choose the wall tent setup you will be provided with a comfortable cot, lantern, and heater. They make sure you are taken care of. However if you choose to go the other route and stay in town. Your meals may be a little different in that you will have lunch out on the trail and dinner at a local restaurant.
