New Mexico Elk Hunting

Are you considering New Mexico Elk Hunting? Many avid hunters choose New Mexico for the elk hunting adventures. Elks are found throughout much of North America, but when you think of elk hunting the West always comes to mind. Nowadays, large populations of elks are only found in western North America, from Canada south to New Mexico.

Elk Hunting Season in New Mexico

Season dates vary by zone. New Mexico elk hunters can obtain a private-land hunt or public draw hunt permit, but not both in the same year. All licenses must be applied for by March each year. Permits for public land hunting (called elk draw licenses) have varying season dates. For more information, visit the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish website.

Any Weapon 1 Pvt.	Unit 4.	Oct 1 – Dec 31
Any Weapon 2 Pvt.	Unit 5A, 5B, 12, 16B / 22, 21A, 21B, 49, 50, 51	Oct 5 – Dec 31
Any Weapon 3 Pvt.	Unit 2, 10, 6A, 6C, 7, 16A, 16C, 16D, 36, 45, 48, 52, 53.	Oct 12 – Dec 31
Any Weapon 4 Pvt.	Unit 16E, 23, 24, 34.	Oct 19 – Dec 31
Bow Private Land	Unit 2, 4, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6C, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16A, 22, 16C, 16D, 16E, 17, 21A, 21B, 23, 24, 34, 36, 45, 48, 49, 50-53.	Sep 1-24
Muzzleloader 1 Private Land	Unit 2, 6A, 6C, 7, 10, 36, 45, 48, 52, 53	Oct 5 – Dec 31
Muzzleloader 2 Private Land	Unit 9, 13, 15, 16E, 17, 23, 24, 34	Oct 12 – Dec 31
Muzzleloader 3 Private Land	Unit 13.	Jan 1 – 31
Youth Any Weapon Private	Unit 16C, 16E, 23, 24, 34.	Oct 5 – 9
Youth Bow & Muzzleloader Private	Unit 13, 15, 17.	Oct 5 – 9
Premium Statewide Elk Hunt	Statewide.	Sep 1-Jan 31

Elk License in New Mexico

Standard Mature Bull License Special draw required. Nonresident: $550

Standard Either Sex License Special draw required. Nonresident: $550

Quality Mature Bull License Special draw required. Nonresident: $775

Quality Either Sex License Special draw required. Nonresident: $775

Where to Hunt Elk in New Mexico

Elk Hunting in New Mexico, both units 13 & 17 have the best draw odds. Both produce a portion of trophy bull elks every year. Both become the best-known places for big game hunting. GMU 13 is 7,500 feet height with rough terrain & Rocky Mountains.

Gila National Forest is located in the top trophy elks producing county and 6^thLargest National Forest in the US, (3.3 million) acres of public land Crocket & Boone, Pope & Young & SCI record-books are full of trophy elk taken from of these units. These areas within Forest consistently produce the best bulls in New Mexico.

Valles Caldera National Preserve / Santa Fe National Forest in Unit 5B, Unit 6A, Unit 6C, Archery, Rifle Hunts, Muzzleloader, Units are located in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico (89,000 acres) with limited access & licenses (H & A) Outfitters is licensed to hunt the Valles.

The Valles Caldera / Caldera National Hunting Preserve is a once in a lifetime hunting opportunity

Cibola National Forest Elk Hunts In Unit 13 & 17Primitive weapon units only – Archery & MuzzleloaderImpressive (370 to 400 inch) Pope & Young bulls can be found in this unit. These 2 units have some of the best draw odds in North America

Carson National Forest / Valle Vidal Elk Hunts in Valle Vidal (100,000 acres) of hunting in Valle Vidal and today home to the Valle Vidal one of North America top elk hunting destinations.

Good Gear List for Hunting in New Mexico

Hunting License & Other Id’s
New Mexico Guide if Non-Resident
Spotting Scope
Binoculars
Backpack Rain Cover
Trekking poles
Rifle or Bow
Sleeping bag
Cooking Stove
Water Cooler
Camera with Batteries
Gloves
Hat or Beanie
Pants and Underwear
Rain jacket
Vest
Boots
Socks
Hunting Knife