Is elk hunting good in New Mexico?

New Mexico offers great elk hunting opportunities across the state. With multiple weapon choices, types of terrain, season dates, and a healthy population of elk, you will have plenty of options to choose from when applying for hunts that fit your preferred style of hunting.

Does New Mexico have good elk hunting?

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 is the best elk hunting in New Mexico?

Where are the most elk in New Mexico?

The jewel of elk hunting on the Carson National Forest is the Valle Vidal Unit on the Questa Ranger District. This unit contains one of the largest herds in New Mexico and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity of harvesting a world-class trophy bull.

How much is a elk hunt in New Mexico?

As of the time of this blog post, our 2020 prices are $5,749 for a 2-on-1 elk hunt and $7,749 for a 1-on-1 elk hunt. This includes the fully guided hunt, meals and accommodations.

What are Your Chances of Hunting Elk in New Mexico?

Can non residents hunt elk in New Mexico?

Elk Hunting Requirements for New Mexico

Before arriving for your big elk hunt, each non-resident hunter will need to apply with the state of New Mexico for the license, stamp and validation requirements for your hunt. Be sure to apply as soon as possible as these are subject to availability.

Are elk overpopulated in New Mexico?

In little more than a century, elk numbers in New Mexico rose from zero to at least 70,000, and perhaps as many as 95,000, according to the most recent population estimates from the Department of Game and Fish.

What is required to hunt elk in New Mexico?

Hunters must apply during this window to have a chance at drawing an elk license and you must have a New Mexico Game and Fish account, In New Mexico, 84% of the licenses are allocated to in-state residents. Only 6% are allocated to nonresidents.

What unit has the most elk in New Mexico?

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

Which state has the best elk hunting?

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.

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.

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.

How does 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.

Can you use a crossbow in New Mexico for elk?

Crossbow Regulations in New Mexico

It is lawful in New Mexico to use crossbows to harvest bear; cougar; elk; deer; javelin; pronghorn; Barbary sheep; oryx; Persian ibex; bighorn sheep; and turkey. Crossbows are legal for use in muzzleloader or any legal sporting arm seasons unless they have been otherwise restricted.

What game can you hunt in New Mexico?

Hunting in New Mexico is as diverse as the terrain. Big game species include elk, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, mountain lion, black bear, javelina, and pronghorn, and hunting for wild turkeys, small game, upland birds, and waterfowl also excellent.

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 big are elk in New Mexico?

Elk are one of the largest members of the deer family. Large males, called bulls, can weigh several hundred pounds and stand five feet at the shoulder. Females are called cows and are roughly half that size.

Are there wild oryx in New Mexico?

Statewide, according to the Department, there are 5,000 to 6,000 oryx. Most of New Mexico's oryx are not available for public viewing or photography since they live on White Sands Missile Range (WSMR).

Can you get over the counter elk tags in New Mexico?

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.