Elk options

[Colorado Cowboy]

I live in SW Colorado about 75 miles from Farmington. I've hunted elk here in Colorado and in Wyoming for years, but never NM. I am interested in hunting NM and need a little advice. I am not opposed to hunting with an outfitter, but do not have an unlimited budget as I am retired. Started looking at outfitters using the internet and don't really have a clue about any of them. I just got back from a wilderness, 30 mile packin hunt in Wyoming that was a bust for many reasons, mostly because of wrong choice on my part on which hunt I chose(not outfitters fault), weather and wolves.
Because of the tag limitations, it will probably be easier to hunt private land, so be it.

Looking for a little input. Thanks in advance.

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

CC,
I had a great experience hunting with San Juan River Outfitters out of Blanco, although I was hunting mule deer out of a drop camp. The outfitters name is John Jaquez and I talked to him about elk hunting opportunities since he is more of an elk outfitter than a mule deer guy. Anyway, his prices are reasonable and he has several good hunts depending on what you are looking for. His unit 34 and 36 hunts sound like they are pretty action packed and he recommends them to guys not dead-set on a 350"+ bull. These are relatively easy to draw with an outfitter endorsement. Hope this helps.

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

Thanks...I'm adding him to my list. Will get ahold of him.

 

[enysse]

I would give Vince Vigil of New Mexico Hunting Adventures a call, I have hunted with him and find his prices reasonable and he scouts and knows the areas like the back of his hand. I had a great hunt with him last year.

 

[sjsmallfield]

Hey CC,
My cousin went to NM about three years ago on an elk hunt with United States Outfitters. He had a great hunt and killed a 340 plus bull. My cousin is handicapped and has been back twice with the same outfitter for antelope. Both times taking 80 plus goats. He speaks very highly of this outfitter and said he would recomend them to anyone. I'm not sure what they charge but you may want to check them out. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[Colorado Cowboy]

I don't think I am going to use US Outfitters as there is a lot of negative views on them out there. I usually don't pay a lot of attention to things that are said in blogs, but based on my hunt this year, I am starting to pay more attention. Eastmans mentioned that the wolves were becoming a problem in NW Wyoming, I went ahead with my planning and literally paid for it. I have several good leads and am continueing to look, I have time as I am looking at a 2013 hunt.

 

[sjsmallfield]

That's good to know CC. The only review I had to go off of was my cousins. I didn't do much research myself though. I wish you good luck with who ever you choose.

 

[7mmsendero]

I thought US Outfitters was more of a "middle man" too, but maybe that has changed.

 

[Doe Nob]

I am using my elk hunt for father son time, and he rifle hunts. If I was going solo, I would be bowhunting most likely. My list of outfitters for my next NM elk hunt includes the following:

Compass West Outfitters
Trophy Ridge Outfitters
Black Mountain Outfitters
Kiowa Hunting Services