I hunted this ranch three years ago and shot an antelope with 17 ½-inch horns that scored 80 inches. So, yes, for $15 I would absolutely put my hat in the ring to win this New Mexico trophy antelope hunt.
I’m not trying to tip my hand but this is one of the most prestigious and historic ranches in east-central New Mexico, managed for more than 20 years by a name-brand outfitter well known in western big-game hunting. This is one of the most successful outfitters for producing trophy antelope.
The reason for such long-standing success is that the antelope on the ranch are carefully managed, with a limited number harvested each year. And the outfitter puts in serious effort to control predators, which is an ongoing challenge but well worth the effort, resulting in antelope herds that grow and prosper without continual threat from coyotes. In fact, the herds are relatively gentle and content, not spooked by every shadow or blowing brush. Great genetics have propagated through the herd for decades, adding to the potential for trophy heads. Of course, annual precipitation—an important factor on herd health and horn development—is beyond the outfitter’s control, but every aspect that can be managed is managed with great attention to detail.
In short, this is one of the top antelope hunts in New Mexico. This is what New Mexico is known for. And this is what this outfitter does as well or better than anyone. You’re likely to look over more than 200 antelope each day, looking for the trophy buck that trips your trigger, most likely something in the 76- to 80-inch range. It’s close to unbelievable, at least until you see it for yourself.
This sweepstakes provides the opportunity to rifle hunt an exclusive, private, trophy-quality ranch for a small investment. A guaranteed landowner tag is included; no draws to enter. The hunt will take place in August 2023, though exact dates are tentative. Each ticket costs only $15, though you’ll be responsible for travel to New Mexico, license purchase (about $350), and gratuity. I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but this hunt normally costs almost $10,000.
I don’t want to jinx your hunt, but it is relatively easy, suitable for virtually all levels of ability. If you’ve been on spot-and-stalk antelope hunts in areas with lots of antelope, you know what I’m talking about. You’ll glass the herds. Expect a lot of glassing. Then choose an attention-grabbing buck and make your move. What makes this particular hunt stand out from others is that many of the bucks you sort through are big, really big. As you can imagine, that’s a good problem to have.
Guides are professional and expert at field-judging animals. As I said the antelope are relatively gentle. They haven’t been chased or harassed and they’re protected from predators. Though they’re naturally wary, the guides are experienced at putting you in position to set up for a good, ethical shot.
It’s easy to get to the ranch, and accommodations are great in a traditional ranch house. Just a beautiful setup. And it includes home-cooked meals, personal one-on-one guide service. Like I said, a premier hunting opportunity.
It’s a unique hunt. I’m not trying to come off as a salesman but for 15 bucks you’re putting your name in the hat for a chance to win what many would consider the trip of a lifetime. High-end antelope hunts are very expensive and this is a minimal investment for a chance of winning an opportunity like this.
So, to me, the real question would not be if I’m going to enter, but how many chances should I buy? Especially knowing the sweepstakes ticket cost comes back to me as WTA Bonus Bucks. Let’s say you buy five tickets for a total of $75. You’ll receive $75 in Bonus Bucks which you can cash in on your next WTA booking or apply to your TAGS portfolio. Here’s the lawyer part. You can purchase up to 10 tickets. The Bonus Bucks are valid until December 31, 2022, and a maximum of 600 Bonus Bucks can be applied to any WTA trip or TAGS portfolio.
So, yes, $15 for a chance at a hunt worth $9,282 is an easy call to make.
Enter now. The sweepstakes ends at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on August 31, 2022.
