This sweepstakes has so much going for it, I don’t know where to start. Should I begin with the elk hunt on a well-known New Mexico ranch, or the fully-loaded Mathews Phase4, or the chance to share hunting camp with Mathews Archery ambassador and expert bowhunter Chris Bee?
Archery Elk Hunt
Let’s start with the hunt. You can expect to see mature bulls in the 270–300″ range, with the possibility of some 300+ bulls. There is a good, healthy resident elk population on this 30,000-acre south-central New Mexico ranch. The ranch borders other large private and public tracts with plenty of room for elk to roam. It’s elky, let me put it that way.
This iconic bull elk hunt will take place from September 8–12, 2023. It’s the beginning of the rut and you can expect bugling and other vocal activity, particularly during key hunting times in the morning and evening. And, with a guaranteed landowner tag, you don’t have to worry about drawing.
It’s gentle, rolling pinion pine country, so it’s a good fit for a wide range of physically-active people. You should be prepared to hike three to four miles a day to sneak into and out of your hunting area, and you’ll likely be sitting near waterholes in the afternoons.
You should be comfortable and practiced with 30–50-yard shots. Mental preparation is as important as physical preparation for archery. You need to be able to make the decision about when to shoot, and be able to hold and draw your bow even when adrenaline is pumping. This is where practice is essential. When a big bull is in front of you, it’s not like hitting a pie plate at 30 yards. It takes mental strength as well as physical strength. That’s where mental preparation and a high comfort level with your bow and equipment come in.
The hunt is 1×1 guided, with a knowledgeable, passionate elk guide who knows the ropes. We’ve worked with this outfitter for more than 30 years. In my opinion, they’re one of the best in the West, and we have been pleased with their results and we’re comfortable recommending their operation. Shot opportunities should be very high. Remember, shot opportunities for bowhunters are different than for rifle hunters. Last season, archery hunters had 100% opportunities and a success rate of 65–70%, which is high for archery hunting.
Mathews Phase 4
Plus, the winner will receive a fully-loaded Mathews Phase4 bow, the most advanced and adaptable hunting system Mathews has ever designed. Mathews packed the Phase4 with innovative hunter-designed features, including resistance phase damping and their new Bridge-Lock Stabilizer system. It’s the most silent and stealthy hunting bow they’ve ever created, and that’s saying something.
Share Camp with Chris Bee
As a kicker, the winner will share camp with Mathews Archery Ambassador, Chris Bee. Chris is both a competitive archer and a passionate hunter. You can find him on YouTube where he talks about hunting, gives archery tips, and reviews equipment. Chris is a good guy, very knowledgeable, and down-to-earth. And he’s one of the best archers I’ve ever seen.
If you’re the winner, accommodations will include a rustic, comfortable cabin with home-cooked meals waiting for you at the end of the day.
The value of the whole prize package is $13,600. If I were eligible to win, I’d be grabbing tickets!
The sweepstakes ends June 5, 2023. Don’t procrastinate and miss your chance for this extraordinary prize package. For every dollar you spend on tickets, you’ll earn one Bonus Buck. (You can buy up to 10 tickets.) Bonus Bucks are valid for one year from purchase to cash in on your next WTA adventure or your TAGS portfolio not already paid in full.
The sweepstakes winner will be responsible for travel to New Mexico, license (approximately $700), and gratuities. The winner must be a resident of a qualifying U.S. state and have a hunter-education card if born after January 1, 1965.
Good Luck!
