New Mexico is widely regarded as the best trophy bull elk state in the country, and for good reason — these herds consistently produce 325-class bulls with real potential at 350 inches and beyond. Whether you’re chasing screaming rut bulls with a bow, hunting late-season giants on private ranches, or drawing a coveted public land tag in some of the most storied units in the West, this is where the biggest bulls live.
We offer two distinct elk hunting experiences in New Mexico — both fully outfitted with seasoned guides who know every canyon, water hole, and bedding area. Choose private ranch hunts in Unit 46 for guaranteed tags and excellent success rates, or a public land trophy hunt in Units 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, or 34 through the special outfitter pool draw. For hunters after a premium September bow hunt, we also offer a fully guided archery elk hunt in Unit 48.
Unit 46 — Private Ranch Hunts
The majority of our private land elk hunting takes place in Unit 46 outside the small town of Ocate in northeast New Mexico — the only unit in the state that is 100% private. The terrain is classic cedar-juniper canyon country where the Rocky Mountains transition into the plains, with elevations averaging 6,800 feet. Mild compared to the high country, with excellent glassing opportunities and a healthy resident elk population year-round.
Archery season runs September 1 through September 24 — hunters book any five consecutive days within that window. Being further north, the rut typically kicks in around the end of the first week of September and rolls through October, giving you nearly non-stop bugling action. Rifle bull and cow hunts run October 1 through December 31, also five-day windows. All private land tags are either-sex, and a select few ranches are enrolled in a January cow elk program for affordable freezer-filling hunts. We can also pair an elk hunt with a New Mexico mule deer combo in late October and mid-November.
Unit 12 — Public Land Trophy Hunts
Our public land hunts take place in some of the most legendary elk units in the country — Units 12, 13, 15, 17, 16A, 16D, 16E, and 34. We hunt the famed Gila National Forest in southwest New Mexico, the Lincoln National Forest in south-central, and the Cibola National Forest in the west. Success rates on trophy bulls are very high in this country.
Non-resident draw odds for New Mexico are notoriously tough, but 10% of available tags are reserved for an outfitter pool that only an outfitter can enter you in. We handle the application paperwork and dramatically improve your odds of pulling a tag in one of these premier units. Rifle, muzzleloader, and archery options are all available — hunts typically start in mid-October. Looking for other premier western options? Check out our New Mexico antelope hunt or our Colorado guided elk hunts.
The Hunt
Rifle hunters can expect spot-and-stalk and ambush hunting, with shots ranging from 200 to 400 yards. Archery hunters work close — 20 to 40 yards with opportunities out to 60. Our guides have years of experience patterning trophy bulls and know exactly where the big ones live during every phase of the season. Lodging is in cozy ranch houses and cabins with home-cooked meals, and guide-only packages are available for hunters who prefer to bring their own gear and groceries.
Pricing
- Unit 46 Archery — 2×1 guided: $12,500 USD
- Unit 46 Archery — 1×1 guided: $13,500 USD
- Unit 46 Private Land Rifle — 1×1 guided: $13,500 USD
- Unit 12 Public Land — 2×1 guided: $19,000 USD
- Unit 12 Public Land — 1×1 guided: $20,000 USD
- Unit 48 Archery — 2×1 guided: $13,800 USD
- Unit 48 Archery — 1×1 guided: $14,800 USD
What’s Included
- 5 hunting days
- Fully guided hunt (1×1 or 2×1 per package selected)
- Lodging in ranch houses or cabins
- Home-cooked meals during the hunt
- Field prep of trophy and meat
- Outfitter pool application service (Unit 12 hunts)
- Transportation to and from the hunting area
What’s Not Included
- New Mexico hunting license and elk tag
- Travel to and from camp
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Trophy fees for any additional animals taken
- Taxidermy and meat processing/shipping
- Hunting gear, ammunition, and personal items
WO Trip Protection
For 5% of your trip cost, we guarantee your hunt. If the outfitter cancels, goes out of business, or a wildfire shuts down the area — we rebook you on a comparable hunt at no extra cost.
Ask your consultant about adding trip protection when you book.
Talk to a Consultant
