The rifle elk hunts are in unit 16 B and are towards the end of New Mexico’s elk rut and bulls are usually still bugling here in the Gila and Aldo Leopold.
Mild weather can be expected this time of year here in southwest New Mexico. Our lows are in the upper 20’s and low 30’s with the highs in the upper 60’s and low 70’s.
These hunts are on a lottery system through the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish. You can apply through their website at www.wildlife.state.nm.us. The deadline for applying is MARCH 20, 2024.
** Our wilderness rifle elk hunts are VERY physical. You need to be in good shape, not overweight, and able to walk a minimum of 6 miles in mountainous terrain. Please take the time to get in shape for your hunt.**
ELK ADVANTAGE
Elk Advantage is designed for the very serious “do it yourself” hunter.
What is Elk Advantage? It’s basically where we pack your equipment, food, or whatever your needs are into the wilderness prior to your hunt. Pick your destination or use our expertise to help you find a good destination to hunt from. Sometimes just being a few miles in will make all the difference. Gear will be hung to prevent varmints from getting your stuff. Hunters can hike into their camp whenever they want to do some early scouting or just go in to hunt. A packer will be on standby to pack out your elk. When you’re done hunting let us know and we will pack out your camp.
THINGS TO KNOW:
1. You must be able to walk a minimum of 6 miles a day in mountainous terrain. The more country you can cover, the better success you will enjoy. (If you are not in physical condition for this type of hunt, you should consider a non-wilderness unit.)
2. You need to know how to skin and quarter an elk.
3. You will need to have or have access to a Garmin In-Reach unit or a similar device that allows you to send text messages via satellite. These devises also have mapping and GPS features. (Detailed information and route to your camp will be provided)
4. You will need to get us your gear weeks ahead of your hunt. You can bring it by to us personally or send it UPS with a return label. When we pack it out, you will be notified. You can set up a time and date to pick it up personally or have it shipped back to you via UPS.
$2,000.00 minimum per licensed hunter.
Price includes 1 mule load of gear and your elk packed out from your camp. (4 quarters, backstraps, tenderloins, neck meat, cape, and antlers)
$600.00 for additional mule load
**1 Mule load of gear is 150 pounds maximum. Bulkiness of equipment is also a consideration to how many mule loads you require**
$700.00 additional charge for packing your elk from your kill site.
ELK ADVANTAGE PLUS
This hunt is for the very serious “do it yourself hunter”. Very similar to the Elk Advantage hunt except you will be able to use our outfitter number to increase your chances of drawing an elk tag. One of our guides will stay with you for 2 days to help you get started and to also fulfill the legal requirement to use our outfitter number.
THINGS TO KNOW:
1. You must be able to walk a minimum of 6 miles a day in mountainous terrain. The more country you can cover, the better success you will enjoy. (If you are not in physical condition for this type of hunt, you should consider a non-wilderness unit.)
2. You need to know how to skin and quarter an elk.
3. You will need to have or have access to a Garmin In-Reach unit or a similar device that allows you to send text messages via satellite. These devises also have mapping and GPS features. (Detailed information and route to your camp will be provided)
4. You will need to get us your gear weeks ahead of your hunt. You can bring it by to us personally or send it UPS with a return label. When we pack it out, you will be notified. You can set up a time and date to pick it up personally or have it shipped back to you via UPS.
$3,000.00 minimum per licensed hunter.
$2,500.00 minimum per licensed hunter for parties of 2 or more.
Prices include 1 mule load of gear and an elk pack out from your camp. (4 quarters, backstraps, tenderlions, neck meat, cape and antlers)
$600.00 per additional mule load.
**1 Mule load of gear is 150 pounds maximum. Bulkiness of equipment is also a consideration to how many mule loads you require**
$700.00 additional charge for packing your elk from your kill site