How many elk tags are issued in New Mexico?

Even though roughly 22,000 tags a year go into the draw, there simply aren't enough to meet demand. At the same time, however, private landowners receive more than 13,000 tags through the program known as EPLUS – the Elk Private Land Use System.

How many elk are in New Mexico?

Today the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish estimates the statewide elk population at 70,000 to 90,000. Roughly 7,000 live in the Jemez Mountains, including an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 in Valles Caldera National Preserve.

What unit has the most elk in New Mexico?

Unit 17 Is known to hold some of the biggest bull elk in New Mexico.

What is the best unit to hunt elk in New Mexico?

South central New Mexico is home to some of the states best elk hunting with units 34 & 36 leading the way. The two units have been consistent producers of quality bulls (300+) with truly giant bulls (370+) being taken out of both units every year.

Where are the biggest elk in New Mexico?

What are Your Chances of Hunting Elk in New Mexico?

How much are New Mexico landowner elk tags?

Tags for mediocre hunting units can cost far less than tags in premium units. In the units that we hunt, landowner tags for elk generally range from about $4,000 to around $7,500. The purchase of a landowner tag is also subject to New Mexico sales tax.

Does New Mexico have over the counter elk tags?

California, Nevada and New Mexico do not offer any OTC Elk tags, so all elk tags in these states are limited entry only. Some of the OTC tags are not limited except in certain units, while other tags may be limited state-wide.

How much is a elk hunt in New Mexico?

Hunters who draw a tag can expect between $555 and $780 for the cost of their tag, depending on the unit and season they draw. For those who don't draw a tag but want the opportunity to hunt, we also offer guaranteed landowner tags. Landowner tags generally run from $4,000 to $7,500.

Where are the elk herds in New Mexico?

Some portions of the state where elk are relatively abundant include: The San Juan Mountains near Chama, in Game Management Unit 4; the Jemez and Sierra Nacimiento of Unit 6; Mount Taylor in Unit 9; Gila National Forest in Unit 16; Carson National Forest in Units 52 and 53.

What state has the highest population of elk?

Colorado is home to the largest elk population in the world. Currently, the majority of elk herds in the state are either at or near target levels.

What state has the best elk hunting?

Are moose in New Mexico?

Moose are not very common in New Mexico but in areas like the Four Corners they do tend to wander from Colorado, but it doesn't mean that they are not protected if they are shot and or killed.

How does the New Mexico elk draw work?

After all deer and elk applications have been examined, a second drawing distributes any remaining deer and elk licenses to those who designate a fourth choice on their application. Only those willing to accept ANY deer or elk license should indicate a fourth choice.

Why are there oryx in New Mexico?

Wild oryx were brought from the Kalahari Desert in Africa to an experimental range at Red Rock, New Mexico. Federal law prohibits introducing wild animals from other countries into the wild, so offspring were obtained from these first oryx to introduce onto the missile range.

How much does a trophy elk hunt cost?

Price distribution

Depending on location and trip length, most cow elk hunts are in $1,000-$2,000 range, and a 5-day trophy bull elk hunt will set you back around $5,000 and up.

What is required to hunt elk in New Mexico?

First, all hunters must purchase a New Mexico Game Hunting License. This is $65 for nonresidents. This is the prerequisite for all big game hunting in New Mexico. In New Mexico there are two tiers of elk licenses.

How much does it cost for a guided elk hunt?

The Guided Hunt

How much does an elk hunt cost? Elk hunts go for as little as $2,000 to well over $10,000. The area, style of hunting, caliber of bulls and accommodations, all influence how much you will pay.

What state is the easiest to get an elk tag?

Wyoming is the most predictable of the “five year plan” states. Once you accumulate preference points, it is fairly certain that you will be going on a really good elk hunt. In my opinion, Wyoming has the best combination of quality elk, public lands, accessibility to tags and harvest success of any western state.

Where is the cheapest place to hunt elk?

How much do you tip an elk guide?

The general consensus is 10 percent, and it does depend on the service. If the guide busts his but, he's savvy, and works hard, then tip him accordingly.

How do New Mexico landowner elk tags work?

An authorization is then used by hunters to buy a private-land elk license. Private-land elk licenses in the Secondary Zone are unlimited and available over-the-counter by means of a Ranch Code received from a landowner who is registered through the EPLUS program.

How do I get a landowner elk tag in New Mexico?

Guaranteed NM Elk Tags

For the elk hunting season, public land tags are no longer available so you will need to go through a private land outfitter New Mexico elk We offer guaranteed landowner tags for Elk, Mule Deer and Antelope in New Mexico.

Can I hunt deer on my own land in New Mexico?

Hunters in New Mexico must obtain written permission from a landowner first. Serious penalties can be incurred for being present after permission has been denied or revoked. Hunting, capturing, or taking or attempting to take a protected species on private property without permission is considered criminal activity.