New Mexico Unit 12 Elk Hunt

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. WTA’s choice outfitter here possesses over 20 years’ experience within the unit and truly understands the elk herd and how to provide you with the highest chance of success on quality bulls.

All hunts will be pre-scouted utilizing trail cameras as well as boots on the ground efforts. The unit contains large expanses of public lands, and the outfitter has access to land-locked public areas that are accessible through the private ranches he leases within the unit.

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 although the average trophy size does dimmish.

Lodging for this hunt will vary based on pre-scouting, a very nice tent camp, cabins, or hotel could be utilized. Regardless of the option selected by the outfitter you can be assured a cook will be in camp (except hotel option- meals are ate at local cafes) preparing delicious meals and ensuring a healthy dose of western hospitality is 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.