NM Outfitters for Fall 2016 Elk - Archery

acrook

New Member
Jan 27, 2016
8
0
I am looking for any suggestions on outfitters people have experience with and would recommend for using for applying as a non-resident. I am currently looking at San Juan River as the prices seem reasonable but am open for suggestions or experiences with them or other outfitters.

Thanks,
Andrew
 

Umpqua Hunter

Veteran member
May 26, 2011
3,576
88
60
North Umpqua, Oregon
I would first start with a unit that meets your goals, then determine who outfits that unit, particularly if you hope to draw in the outfitter pool. Realize some units have very poor draw odds.
 

Doe Nob

Very Active Member
Feb 21, 2011
565
0
Houston, TX
Umpqua Hunter is right on. How big a bull do you want a chance at? How much are you willing to pay for a landowner tag if you dont' draw? Those 2 questions are a starting point to figure out what units meet your criteria, THEN start looking at outfitters.

On the one you mentioned, there a mixed reviews out there. Its been my experience with NM outfitters you get what you pay for. Pay average prices get an average hunt. Get bargain prices, you might get lucky, but expect sub par results. There are exceptions to that but generally it is true.
 

acrook

New Member
Jan 27, 2016
8
0
Thanks for the advice. It looks like I am going to be putting my application in with an outfitter hunting the mid-northern part of the state. If I draw a tag later this year I will update with where I will be going and then hopefully updating on how the hunt went. I will be going during archery season so maybe I will hit the rut or a little ahead and have a chance at a nice animal.

In regards to the size of the bull I think 270-290 would be respectable but I will dream like most of a 320 or better. So hopefully those are not unrealistic expectations.
 

LR31

New Member
May 3, 2012
5
0
San Juan River outfitters is a first rate outfit. I used them for a deer hunt in 2b and muzzy elk hunt in unit 34. Call him and get his input for archery hunts but the quality and numbers of elk in unit 34 are exceptional. Highly recommend John Jaquez.
 

acrook

New Member
Jan 27, 2016
8
0
I leave for NM in 3 weeks marking my first attempt at elk hunting. I will be hunting with Mark Harper of Rancho Rojo Outfitters and based on conversations thus far should have a great time and hopeful some great hunting. Will be my Father and I out in the field with a 3rd friend coming to see the sites and hang around shooting the breeze. It will be a 25hr straight drive through but should be fun and I am definitely excited. I will update again after the hunt and hopefully have pictures to share.
 

acrook

New Member
Jan 27, 2016
8
0
IMG_0664.jpg

I have made it back from my first elk hunt and have nothing but good things to say about Mark Harper and the operation he runs. I will post more about the hunt later.
 

acrook

New Member
Jan 27, 2016
8
0
NM2016_ELK-Front_8.4.16.jpgNM2016_ELK-Side_8.4.16.jpg

Brief Summary:
Shot on the 4th evening of a 5 day hunt.
31 yard shot & 30 yard recovery.
First Elk Hunt, First Elk, First Bow Kill
5x5 with a small kicker on the right side
 

ElkTrout

Veteran member
Feb 2, 2012
2,443
50
Parker, CO
Congrats on your first elk! Pretty awesome that you had that much success on your first elk hunt! Way to go!


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