The Definitive Guide to Elk Hunting in New Mexico

If you polled a group of elk hunters on where they’d like to hunt, you’d no doubt hear states like Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. But another that ranks high on many lists is New Mexico.

This southwestern state gives hunters plenty of reasons to want to hunt here. The terrain is varied, the hunting styles are diverse and the chance at a good bull is real. It’s a place that offers something for just about every type of elk hunter, which is a big part of its appeal.

Another unique factor is New Mexico’s lack of a preference or bonus point system, something nearly every other Western state uses, besides Idaho. Each applicant has the same chance of drawing, at least within their residency status (more on that later). Every year is a clean slate, meaning everyone, from first-timers to those who religiously apply, all have an equal shot.

That kind of randomness drives some people crazy, but it also means anyone could pull one of the best tags in the country with a little luck. I know nobody probably cares what I think, but after 20 years of playing the point game all over the West, I much prefer New Mexico’s system.

The Landscape and the Seasons

The Land of Enchantment offers a diversity of landscapes and terrain that few places can match. If you like to glass big country for spot-and-stalk hunts, there’s plenty of that. If chasing bugles through thick timber is more your style, that’s an option too. From sweeping aspen stands to desolate deserts to high alpine basins and everything in between, there’s something for every elk hunter.

Just like the variety of terrain, New Mexico offers a wide range of seasons and weapon choices to apply for. Archery hunters get two chances in September, the first season runs from Sept. 1-14, and the second runs from Sept. 15-24. Opinions vary on which is better, so it’s worth knowing your own preferences and doing some research before you apply.

For muzzleloader hunters, there are plenty of options as well, with five-day hunts scattered throughout October and a few running into November. Rifle seasons generally take place with various openers in October and run for five days. Depending on the hunt and timing, some hunters may still find bulls bugling and in the rut, while others will be glassing for post-rut bulls preparing for winter. Each season offers its own challenges and excitement.

What are your Options?

We touched on this earlier, but it’s worth expanding on so it’s clear. New Mexico tags are issued through a completely random draw, meaning there is no preference or bonus point system in place.

The state allocates 84 percent of its special draw tags to residents, with the remaining 16 percent going to nonresidents. Of that 16 percent, 10 percent are issued to applicants who apply with an outfitter’s ID number, and the remaining 6 percent go to those applying on their own.

The list of available units to apply for can be very intimidating for those unfamiliar with the state. Due to this, it may be a good idea to reach out to the folks at companies like The Draw (The Draw - Hunting License Application Service) The Hunting Fool Huntin' Fool - The World's Foremost Hunting Resource, and Epic Outdoors - A Serious Hunter's Guide to Western Big Game for one on one consultation or get a subscription to GoHunt GOHUNT // The Hunting Company if you want to do some extensive research on your own.

At a high level, most hunters will group New Mexico units into different “tiers.” The top tier—or “holy grail” hunts for many, are in the Gila units like 16D, 16A, 16B and the surrounding area, such as Unit 15. Two other famous trophy destinations are Unit 55 (the Valle Vidal) and Unit 6B (the Valles Caldera). As you’d expect, odds on these hunts are extremely low, with many under 1 percent. The good news is your first three choices are all considered before the next applicant is drawn, so it makes sense to swing for the fence on at least one pick. If you do get lucky, you could find yourself hunting some of the best bulls in the state.

The next tier includes too many units to list, but examples include 6A, 6C, 13, 16C, 17, 36 and 45. These hunts still offer great opportunities and the chance at solid bulls, but they don’t typically have the same top-end trophy potential as the top-tier units.

The final tier is the largest and worth researching closely before applying. It's not because these units don’t provide good hunting, but to ensure you have realistic expectations about elk numbers and bull size. Units like 49, 51, 52, 2 and 10 fall into this group. Some of these have high elk populations but smaller bulls, while others have fewer elk overall but the potential for better antlers.

For the Beginner

If you are new to New Mexico but not new to elk hunting, almost any unit could provide a good hunt, though your experience may vary. For this section, I want to focus on those who are new to elk hunting entirely and want to hunt in New Mexico. If that’s you, I would focus on applying to units with high elk populations, regardless of the tier.

From experience, some units in New Mexico can be frustrating, even for seasoned elk hunters. But don’t let that discourage you. If you want to see elk and have encounters, do your research and make sure the areas you choose have healthy populations. If your hunt doesn’t fall during the rut, look for units that offer open country and glassing opportunities instead of thick, flat areas where local knowledge matters most.

No matter what unit you draw, stay mobile. Cover ground while spotting and looking for sign, and don’t be afraid to move if elk aren’t where you expect. New Mexico elk seasons tend to be short, so it’s important to use your time wisely. With patience, persistence and some luck, even a beginner can come away with a memorable hunt and plenty of elk sightings.

For the Experienced Elk Hunter

If you’ve hunted elk elsewhere, New Mexico will still throw you some curveballs. The elk here often behave differently depending on weather, terrain and pressure, and the biggest bulls rarely do what you expect. At this point, hunting isn’t just about finding elk; it’s about finding the right bull. Experienced hunters must decide between pursuing a top-tier unit for the hunt of a lifetime or opting for an area with fewer elk but decent trophy potential. Both approaches have risks and rewards.

Top units like the Gila or the Valle Vidal hold some of the best bulls in the state. Hunting pressure isn’t intense because the state limits the number of tags to keep the areas productive. Even so, hunting these units isn’t always easy. It’s crucial to be realistic with your expectations, or you could end up disappointed if the hunt doesn’t go as planned. A top unit doesn’t guarantee success or even an opportunity at a big bull. Success requires preparation, patience, timing and hard work. When it all comes together, the bulls you encounter can make it worth the effort.

Units with fewer elk can also be appealing. You won’t see a lot of big bulls, but with careful scouting, willingness to adapt, patience and hard work, it may be possible to find one. Hunting these areas often means focusing less on the prominent drainages and slopes and more on overlooked or less-traveled terrain off the beaten path.

When it comes to calling, sometimes less is more. Use cow calls and quiet approaches rather than a bugle contest, unless the situation begs you to ramp it up. The goal is to work with how the bulls are acting and read the situation carefully, thus increasing your chance for success.

If you’re hunting outside the rut, calling takes a back seat. Focus instead on finding hidden pockets where bulls might be holding and getting healthy for winter. Patience, careful scouting, and glassing from a good vantage point become even more critical. In some areas, broken terrain lets you spot elk from a distance. If this is the situation, move from vantage point to vantage point and spend your time diligently using your optics to spot elk.

No matter which path you choose, preparation is key. Understanding the terrain, reading the sign, and being willing to move if elk aren’t where you expect them to be are critical for a successful hunt.

The Reality of New Mexico Elk Hunting

When you beat the odds and draw a tag, it’s easy to get caught up in the big bull photos you see on social media and the promise of a giant bull. No matter what unit you draw, success is far from guaranteed. You can have a plan and still get thrown a curveball. Bulls might go quiet, herds seemingly vanish overnight or the weather might turn 80 degrees at any time. It’s hard to explain, but hunting elk in Southwestern states like New Mexico feels different from hunting in other states. The country is vast, rugged and unpredictable, and the bulls don’t always behave the way you expect.

Odds to draw are long, nonresident tags aren’t cheap and guided hunts are expensive. For some hunters, though, hiring a guide might be the best option. They know the country, understand elk behavior, and can help make a challenging hunt more productive and rewarding. Still, for many, the chance to chase elk across New Mexico’s mix of wild landscapes is worth every penny, draw odds and all.

New Mexico elk hunting isn’t easy, and that’s exactly why it’s worth doing. Whether you want to go on your first elk hunt or have a wall full of elk racks, the state offers something for you. Success here is never guaranteed; even seasoned hunters get humbled. Regardless of whether you go home with your first bull, bull of a lifetime or just great memories, a trip to New Mexico is worth the effort and price of admission.

---

---