New Mexico Lodge Based Elk Hunt- Unit 12

Each year New Mexico’s unit 12 produces some of the biggest bulls in the state. This vast unit covers thousands of square miles, primarily below 8,000 feet in elevation. The unit is largely dominated by pinyon and juniper cover with intermittent canyons and washes. Overall, this area is ideal for those seeking a hunt for larger bulls that does not involve steep and rugged mountainous terrain. This outfitters boasts 30+ years of experience and lives within the unit. They hold numerous leases on private property which affords additional access to public lands that would otherwise be inaccessible or extremely difficult to access.

Archers can expect to use a mixture of hunting techniques to include spot and stalk, calling, and sitting over water holes where big bulls are present. Unit 12 offers two archery hunts- September 1-14 or September 15-24. Bulls are extremely receptive to calling in the area. Rifle hunters are offered four separate seasons starting in early October and running intermittently through early November. One can expect to spot and stalk bulls in conjunction with a small amount of calling. The rut is typically going strong into the first rifle hunt that takes place in early October, allowing for the rare opportunity to hunt rutting bulls with a gun. Subsequent rifle hunts will find hunters searching the vast pinon and juniper flats for bachelor groups and lone bulls that have returned to their winter grounds to recoup from the rut. These later hunts should not be overlooked as draw odds greatly increase and overall success is still extremely high.

Lodging for this hunt will consist of a comfortable three bedroom lodge, one bunk style room containing six beds, one room containing two beds and one room with a single room. A full time cook/caretaker will be present to ensure quality meals are served daily.

If you have questions regarding this hunt, have drawn a tag and now with to locate the right outfitter, or would like assistance applying into the New Mexico elk draw- please contact WTA TAGS at 1-800-755-TAGS (8247) or email us at TAGS@trophyadventures.com. Landowner voucher do exist for both archery and rifle hunts for those of you looking to bypass the draw system.