New Mexico Gila Wilderness Elk Hunts – Units 16B, 16E, 21A

Western New Mexico is arguably one of the top producing areas for trophy bull elk in the country. If you are fortunate enough to draw one of these tags, you’d be hunting with a premier outfitter that is local to the area and possesses years of experience within each unit.

See below for unit specific information…

Unit 16B

Elevation: 5,000-10,895 feet

General information: This is a rugged unit comprised of flat ridges and mesas that are surrounded by steep canyons along with the densely timbered wilderness lending itself well to physically capable hunters and those seeking larger bulls. Due to the lack of road access these hunts will be conducted with a mixture of hiking from tent camps or on horseback to more remote areas. Archery season will consist of calling, spot and stalk and sitting over water. In the gun seasons bulls move into more densely timbered cover; glassing from high vantage points will be the primary method of locating bulls.

Trophy Expectations: 300-330+

Seasons: Archery 1 (Sept 1-14), Archery 2- (Sept 15-24), Rifle 1- (Oct 8-12), Rifle 2- (Oct 15-19), Rifle 3- (Oct 22-26)

Lodging: Wall tent

Unit 16E

Elevation: 6,500 – 9,500 feet

General information: These hunts will be conducted from a tent camp only accessible through the use of horses. The landscape will vary from treeless flats to mountainous areas containing low brush, ponderosa pine and juniper. Horses will only be used to transport hunters and gear into camp or pack-out animals during the archery seasons. Muzzleloader and rifle hunters can expect to hike from camp as well as ride horses from camp.

Trophy Expectations:300-330+

Seasons: Archery 1 (Sept 1-14), Archery 2- (Sept 15-24), Muzz- (Oct 15-19), Rifle- (Oct 22-26), Rifle youth- (Oct 8-12)

Lodging: Wall tents

Unit 21A

Elevation: 6,400-8,872 feet

General information: This is a rugged, mountainous unit that lends itself well to physically capable hunters. The lower elevations consist of yucca and mesquite covered hills then turning into pinyon and ponderosa pine in the higher country. The archery seasons will consist of calling, spot and stalk and sitting over water with a mixture of hiking and riding out on horseback. Subsequent rifle hunts will be on horseback where hunters will be searching the pine covered ridges and wide valleys for bachelor groups and lone bulls that have returned to their winter grounds to recoup from the rut.

Trophy Expectations: 300-330+

Seasons: Archery 1 (Sept 1-14), Archery 2- (Sept 15-24), Rifle 1- (Oct 8-12), Rifle 2- (Oct 15-19), Rifle 3- (Oct 22-26)

Lodging: Wall tents/Cabin/Spike camps

If you have questions regarding this hunt, have drawn a tag and now wish 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.