Hunting Trips
Montana Elk Hunts
Rifle and Archery Hunting At Its BestYour private, guided Elk
hunt will on Bauer Ranch in Philipsburg Montana. The B-H is a
working cattle ranch along the headwaters of Rock Creek. The ranch
has 14,000 deeded acres bordered by forest service land. Due to
large family ranches and small rural population, this area has been
virtually undiscovered by hunters and recreationalists.
The ranch has only been outfitted since 1994 and has been posted
and patrolled for the last 29 years. We accept only a very limited
number of hunts each year. Our licensed outfitter and guides have
take 12 hunters and harvested 10 bulls over the past two years.
Your unique opportunity to hunt here will be even more enjoyable
with the comfortable lodging in a modern 4-bedroom lodge and
excellent meals.
Hunts are seven days including travel time. Transportation will
be provided to and from the Butte or Missoula airport.
Open Hunts
These are 5-day semi-guided hunts on our unfenced properties. If
season and lodge availability allow, hunters may continue hunting
for an additional $400 per day. To be eligible for this hunt you
must successfully draw an Iowa hunting license. We walk all of our
hunters through the application process and like to have all of the
information by the end of April.
Cost: Archery - $2,900
Cost: Gun -
$3,500
(Price does not include your Iowa hunting license - $321)
All hunt costs include meals, logding, trophy prep, and airport
shuttle. Non-hunting guests welcome at $200 per day.
Preserve Hunts
Select Hunts
These are 3 day/4 night hunt packages for mature management
bucks. Hunt can be upgraded to hunt for mature management bucks up
to 160 SCI.
Cost: $3,500
1x1 guiding for management bucks scoring
up to 140 SCI
Cost: $1,500
2 x1 guiding for management bucks scoring
up to 125 SCI
All hunt costs include meals, lodging, trophy prep, and airport
shuttle. Non-hunting guests welcome at $200 per day.
Trophy Hunts
These are 4 day/5 night hunts for mature trophy bucks. While over
50% of our hunters harvest bucks over 170 SCI, our goal is for every
hunter to have an opportunity at harvesting a 160+ SCI buck. If you
fail to harvest a buck, or don't have an opportunity at a buck you
are looking for, we will refund 75% of the hunt cost.
Cost: $8,500 - 11,500 depending on time of year
All hunt costs include meals, lodging, trophy prep, and airport
shuttle. Non-hunting guests welcome at $200 per day.
General Information
What can I expect on this
hunt?
Iowa hunting is not about quantity, it is about
quality. Our region of Iowa produces countless Pope and Young and
several Boone and Crockett deer each year. You should not expect to
see large numbers of animals, but we tell our hunters if they want
to harvest a buck they should shoot the first 140 class buck they
see. The great thing in Iowa is that the first buck you see could be
over 200.
What kind of success rates do you have?
If we can
provide a hunter a shot opportunity at a 140 or better buck we have
successfully done our job. Our archery and gun hunters enjoy a very
similar success rate of 70-85%. We have had as low as a 50% success
rate and as high as a 100% success rate in our past seasons.
Lodging Information
We spent years visiting other ranches in order to experience what
worked best and what was missing at other lodges. This is probably
the only lodge built exclusively for hunters, by a traveled hunter.
Situated on the hills overlooking the ranch our 12,000 square foot
lodge offers a relaxing, secluded environment. With 17 luxury rooms
with private bath, 2500 square feet game room, our guests have
plenty of room to unwind. We also have a private business office for
those people who just can't seem to leave work behind.
You will be able to relax as our lodge staff looks to your every
need, and our chef ensures that no one goes hungry. While we know
you are visiting us for our deer hunting, we also know that you will
appreciate the sincere hospitality and care you receive while in the
lodge. Non-hunting guests are welcome at a price of $150.00 per day.
We also accept a limited number of private parties/corporate
retreats each year. Please call for pricing availability.
Quetico Country Hunts - Canada
Bud's Quetico Country Hunts is located on the northern boundary
of Quetico Park in Atikokan, Ontario. Atikokan is on hwy. 11, 90
miles east of International Falls, Minnesota and 120 miles west of
Thunder Bay, Ontario. Quetico Country Hunts was formed in 1973 and
has been owned and operated by Jim Clark and Bud Dickson since that
time. Bud is in charge of the hunts and is capably assisted by
several top-notch guides. For over 35 years Bud has been trapping
and guiding in the Quetico area and worked with moose, deer and bear
hunters. This invaluable experience is a great asset to his guests.
When you arrive at the base, you'll be greeted by Bud, who will
welcome you and issue your licenses. You will be briefed with the
aid of large-scale topographical maps, taken to your hunting area,
and shown your accommodations and baits. We will remain in close
contact with you during your hunt.
Bear Hunts
Drop Camp Bear Hunts
For Drop Camp Hunts, each hunter will be camped in the vicinity
of his baits. Price includes: campsite, active baits for each
hunter, extra baits, canoe, locker service, showers at main base.
per person $995 US
Cabin Bear Hunts
For Cabin Hunts, the hunter will stay in a drive-in cabin at a
lake location. Price includes: light housekeeping cabin, active
baits for each hunter, boat and motor, locker service. We will
assist you in skinning your bear.
per person $1495 US
Fly-in Bear Hunt
The Fly-in Bear Hunt provides the hunter with a remote lake,
accessible by floatplane only. You get your own lake and your own
cabin - you will be the only hunters on this remote lake!! The hunt
includes air travel to and from base and cabin, boats and Yamaha
motors, gas, fully equipped cabin, flight check and flying bear out.
Weight limit of 100 pounds of gear per person. You have to skin your
own bear on this hunt.
per person $1895 US
Guided Bear Hunt
For the Guided Hunt, the hunter will be briefed and guides will
take hunters to and from baits each evening. This is a great hunt
for the first time hunter, or if you have previously had an
unsuccessful hunt. Price includes: Guides, all your transportation
to and from baits, active baits, meals, cabin, boats and Yamaha
motors, fuel, skinning and bear preparation. Skilled tracking and
hunting techniques provided by out staff. You will also experience
world-class fishing on this trip.
per person $2495
Moose Hunt
We are proud of the World Record Eastern Canada Moose that was
harvested by bowhunter Jim Gianladis in the fall of 2003. The
official SCI score of 417 2/8 and with a B&C score of 185 5/8,
it presently ranks Number One in the world taken with a bow by SCI.
Jim's Moose has recently been ranked #3 for the 2003-2004 SCI
Master Award for North American Bow Kill!
Fly-in Moose Hunt
The Fly-in Hunts are located in Wildlife Unit 11A, 12A and 12B.
Every year our hunters successfully harvest trophy moose with racks
of 50" or better. Our guests have also harvested many Pope and Young
bull with compound and long bows. The hunt includes: Outpost cabin,
boats, Yamaha motors and gas, canoe, limited guide service (detailed
maps, moose hunting techniques and calling instructions), flying
moose out, cold storage of game and flight checks. Bow hunters
recieve 1 adult tag per hunter. Rifle Hunters receive 1 tag per two
hunters. Guides are available for both the Fly-In and the Drive-In
hunts at a rate of $150/day.
per person $3295 US
Drive-in Moose Hunt
Our Drive-in Hunts are located in Wildlife Management units 11A
or 12B from one of our drive-in locations at Price Creek or Nym
Lake. This is a very successful hunt, as you will be hunting old cut
overs and small lakes. Boats, Yamaha motors and canoes are supplied.
Hunters need to provide their own ground transportation and
groceries. Guides are available for both the Fly-In and the Drive-In
hunts at a rate of $150/day.
per person $2895
Fully Guided Moose Hunt
The Fully Guided One-on-One Moose hunt is also available. They
include everything offered in our drive-in or fly-in hunts, all
meals, accommodations, one guide for one hunter, land and water
transportation. Each hunter receives one adult tag. Guides are
available for both the Fly-In and the Drive-In hunts at a rate of
$150/day.
per person $7495 US
Combination Moose/Bear Hunts
Archery Only! This hunt is offered in WMU 11A and 12B. The price
includes fully equipped housekeeping cabins, boats, Yamaha motors,
canoes, and gas. One guide per 2 hunters. Hunters provide their own
transportation and guides will show you your baits upon arrival.
Minimum 4 people, per person $5295 US
Accomodations
The Nym Lake cabins sleep from 6 to 13 people and have flush
toilets, running water, and electricity. The Price Creek cabins are
solar powered, with a central shower house and outdoor privies. The
outpost cabins are solar powered with shower and outdoor privies.
All cabins offer complete housekeeping facilities.
Aoudad Sheep Hunting - New Mexico
Aoudad sheep, also known as Barbary sheep, were introduced into
the Desert Mountains of west Texas and southern New Mexico from
their native habitat in the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa
during the late 1940’s.
These hearty, desert sheep are well adapted to the rough, Desert
Mountains of west Texas and are an elusive trophy to hunt. These
sheep are free ranging and occupy a large home range due to their
nomadic nature. Aoudads have the ability to obtain water from dew
and the sparse vegetation of the desert, which greatly expands their
range due to their independence on surface water.
Realize that easier Aoudad sheep hunts exist on many high-fenced,
exotics ranches. But, if you’re after an affordable, challenging,
free ranging, sheep hunt then this ranch will provide it. Hunting
licenses are guaranteed without having to go through the draw.
Elite hunts the elusive Aoudad sheep in the rugged mountains of
west Texas. Aoudad sheep are one of the most challenging species of
big game to hunt. They thrive in the roughest country they can find
and possess an extraordinary sixth sense at detecting danger. Due to
the openness of the terrain, the numbers of sheep usually present in
the herds, and their incredible eyesight, it is most difficult to
stalk within rifle range without getting busted. Aoudad sheep are
the best-kept hunting secret in America.
The sheep country must be accessed by foot, as there is virtually
no road access. These mountains are as steep and rough as any you've
ever seen. As a result, the area harbors a large number of sheep
that are shielded from the hordes of hunters looking for an easy
hunt.
Spot-and-stalk tactics with binoculars and spotting scopes will
be used to locate the herds. Once spotted, the approach is
determined and the stalk is on. Patient hunters should be rewarded
with an opportunity at a trophy ram. Mountain lions may be taken at
no extra charge if encountered during the hunt.
Elite took seven hunters during the spring of 2002 The hunts
produced 100% success with the best ram measuring 30 inches in
length with awesome 12 1/2 inch bases. During the 2003 season, Elite
took six hunters with 100% success on good rams. The best ram was a
32-inch brute with 12 3/4 inch bases. Another broomed ram from the
2003 season stretched the tape at 31 inches to finish a close
second. Elite took six guided hunters in 2004 with 100% shot
opportunities and 86% success. The best ram of 2004 was a 30-inch
ram with 12 1/2 inch bases. Elite took 4 hunters in 2005 with 100%
success. The best ram of 2005 was a 31-inch bruiser with 12 1/2 inch
bases.
Field transportation and all meals will be provided. Airport
service is available into Midland or El Paso, TX.
Professional Elk-Hunting School - New Mexico
Elite offers an exceptional learning experience to anyone who
dreams of possessing the elk-hunting skills necessary to
professionally guide elk hunters. Or, if you have hunting experience
but have never successfully hunted elk and would like to learn
first-hand how Elite achieves it's success, then invest a week of
your life into this course.
In Elite's opinion, most "guide schools" emphasize how to be
packers, wranglers, and cooks more than they teach you to hunt
anything, much less elk. This is where Elite separates itself from
the rest. Elite's guides are part of the family because of their
character and their superior elk-hunting abilities, not because of
their superior packing or wrangling talents. Those talents are the
packer's and wrangler's jobs. Elite will give you the basics on
mule-packing, orienteering, and wilderness survival but the emphasis
of the course will focus on teaching you the necessary skills to
hunt elk anywhere on the continent.
Gila Elk Hunting
Elite Outfitters is excited to be offering both archery and
muzzleloader elk hunts for 2006 in the famed Gila region of western
New Mexico. The Gila hunts will be conducted in a primitive weapon
only unit where rifle hunting hasn’t been allowed in over 20 years.
Archery and muzzleloaders are the only way to hunt this unit.
Tags for these hunts are available through the New Mexico Draw
System. Landowner permits are also available that can be purchased
to allow you to obtain a guaranteed tag should you be unsuccessful
in the draw.
The majority of the hunting area ranges in elevation from 6,000
to 7,500 feet. The terrain is mountainous but not nearly as tough
and steep as the White Mountain Wilderness. The vegetation consists
predominantly of juniper, pinon and ponderosa pine. Pockets of oak
brush and meadows are interspersed within the abundant tree cover.
This area of the Gila does not contain the sheer numbers of elk
as compared to the Wilderness, but there are some exceptional bulls
roaming these woods. It is remotely possible to hunt a complete day
and not even see an elk. However, the majority of the bulls seen
here are typically in the 300 to 400-class. These hunts offer
exceptional chances at the upper-tier bulls. Multiple sightings of
350 to 400-class bulls during a 5-day hunt are very realistic.
All hunts will be conducted out of town and vehicles will be used
to access the hunting areas. Meals are included.
The Gila elk hunts will be offered on a fully guided basis only.
Both 2 on 1 and 1 on 1 hunts will be offered.
Gila Archery Elk Hunts
Elite will offer 6-day archery hunts for trophy bulls in the
northern Gila region of New Mexico for the 2006 season.
The primary hunting tactics will involve intercepting and
shadowing the bulls and their herds during the early morning as they
move from their feeding areas to their bedding areas. Subtle calling
and simple spot-and-stalk techniques will be used to get within bow
range. The afternoons will be mostly spent hunting over water. Water
is sparse in this region, and the water holes create great natural
funnels to get within bow range of the bulls.
In 2004, three of Elite's guides drew tags for this hunt and
hunted the last five days of the season. One of the hunters took a
beautiful 340-class bull off a water hole. The second hunter missed
a shot on a 350-class bull and later harvested a 310-class bull. The
third hunter missed a shot on a good bull that was well over the
300-class. In 2005, Elite took two archery hunters with both hunters
getting shot opportunities at 300+ bulls.
Anticipated draw success for the Gila archery hunts is 1 out of 3
applicants.
2006 Prices
6-Day Gila Archery Elk Hunts
$3500 (2 on 1)
$4500 (1 on 1)
2006 Draw License
Bull Elk - $766
Gila Muzzleloader Elk Hunt
Elite will offer a 5-day hunt the first week of the firearms
season during mid-October. This hunt will be the only firearm season
conducted by Elite in this area.
The bulls are working the end of the rut and some bugling is
expected during this time. Some of the bulls are already solitary
and heading into their winter patterns. Much of the hunting will be
spot-and-stalk with the bugling being more of a locator tool to show
where to start looking. Calling will be utilized where opportunities
present themselves.
Elite took several hunters on this hunt last year to get the hunt
off the ground. Although the overall results were not as impressive
as the archery hunt, big bulls abounded during the hunt. A 360-class
freak bull was harvested, and everyone saw several top bulls. One
guide reported seeing only 7 bulls for the week, but the smallest
was in the 310-class. The other guide reported seeing 10 bulls for
the week with all but 2 being over 300-class. The best bulls seen
were in the 380-class. Several of these bulls presented 300 to 400
yard rifle shots, but managed to escape without presenting a
muzzleloader shot.
The anticipated draw success for the Gila muzzleloader hunt is 1
out of 4 applicants.
2006 Prices
5-Day Gila Muzzleloader Elk Hunt
$3500 (2 on 1)
$4500 (1 on 1)
2006 Draw License
Bull Elk - $766
Mobility-Impaired Elk Hunting
A special season has been set aside in New Mexico for
mobility-impaired rifle elk hunting. To be eligible for a
mobility-impaired license, each applicant must apply for a
Mobility-Impaired Card. To qualify, hunters must provide proof of a
permanent impairment that limits their mobility to a walker,
wheelchair, crutches, or severely restricts the movements in both
arms.
Call the New Mexico G&F at 505-476-8096 to request a Form MI
and instructions. The Form MI must be certified by a physician and
sent to the New Mexico G&F by March 15 for processing prior to
the April draw deadline.
Draw success was 33% last year for guided, non-resident
applicants.
The hunt occurs during the last week of September in the peak of
the rut. This hunt is the first firearm hunt of the season. The
mobility-impaired hunt takes place in the southern Sacramento
Mountains, immediately south of the Mescalero Apache Indian
Reservation. The terrain is mountainous with elevations ranging from
7,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. Road access is good and the hunt will
not be too strenuous or arduous.
2006 Prices
$4500 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
2006 Draw License
Bull Elk - $541
Mountain Trail Rides
Elite Outfitters offers beautiful high-country trail rides in the
Sacramento Mountains near Ruidoso, NM. A variety of ride lengths are
offered to appeal to families or anyone who desires to see the
majesty of this mountain paradise. Elite’s goal is to provide
quality outdoor opportunities for people of all experience levels to
enjoy the magnificent New Mexico backcountry.
If you’re looking for a mountain trail ride that is a step (or
two) above the rest, you’ve found it. Mountain peaks, panoramic
views and an abundance of forest life await you on these first-class
rides. Elite uses experienced riding stock, accustomed to mountain
travel, to ensure you an enjoyable experience. Elite specializes in
small, personalized rides of 2 to 6 people, although larger groups
of up to 10 riders can be accommodated upon request.
Take the Challenge!
Elite’s trail rides will surpass not only every trail ride in
this area, these rides will rival the best rides anywhere in the
Rocky Mountains! Elite rides in the best mountain terrain with the
most awesome views, rides the best mountain riding-stock on the
planet and has the best stable area around. Visit the other stables
in the area and see the difference yourself. Once you've done this
ride, the rest will pale in comparison. If you want to impress your
family or friends with your activity planning, book this ride.
You'll be the hero of the day. It's a promise!
Private Land Elk Hunting
Alan Ranch
Elite will be offering archery, muzzleloader and rifle elk hunts
in 2006 on almost 8,000 acres of prime elk real estate in the edge
of the Sacramento Mountains. The Alan Ranch borders the Mescalero
Apache Indian Reservation for over 7 miles.
The Alan Ranch has produced near 100% shot opportunities at 300+
bulls for Elite's hunters over the last five years. There is no
finer free-ranging trophy elk hunt in the country. No high fences
and no releasing of elk. Just a solid, fair-chase trophy elk hunt. A
maximum of only two hunters per hunt will be booked on this ranch.
The terrain consists of juniper, pinon pine, oak brush and grass
covered hills and mountains. Food plots and 10 water tanks have been
maintained exclusively for the elk. The country is rough and thick
in places, which is why the elk like it. It also makes it a
challenge to hunt. Access to the hunting areas will be with 4-wheel
drive vehicles and ATV's. After that, the hunt will require you to
cover the hunting grounds on foot to locate the bulls.
The primary hunting tactics for the archery hunts will be waiting
for the elk near water and calling. The calling techniques are used
primarily when the bulls are active and bugling.
The rifle hunts are conducted during October through December.
The rifle hunts will be a spot and stalk game. The bulls feed on the
slopes of the canyons at night and during first and last light.
Glassing extensively in the low-light hours to locate the bulls is
the primary tactic. Once spotted, it's a matter of closing ground to
get within shooting range.
You can expect to see more bulls during many hunts than cows, and
good bulls.
The licenses are guaranteed without having to go through the
draw. Accommodations will be provided either in a cabin located on
the ranch or in Elite's new, modern lodge. When staying at the
lodge, your guide will drive you to the ranch each day. All meals
and field transportation will be provided. Airport service is
available into El Paso, TX or Albuquerque, NM.
Statistics
Out of 36 rifle hunters over 5 years:
* 27 (75%) harvested a
300 or better bull
Out of 6 rifle hunters in 2001:
* 6 (100%) harvested a 300 or
better bull
* 4 (67%) harvested a 320 or better bull
Out of 11 rifle hunters in 2002:
* 8 (73%) harvested a 300 or
better bull
* 6 (55%) harvested a 320 or better bull
Out of 3 rifle hunters in 2003:
* 3 (100%) harvested a 300 or
better bull
* 2 (67%) harvested a 320 or better bull
Out of 7 rifle hunters in 2004:
* 7 (100%) had shot opps at
300+ bulls
* 3 (43%) harvested a 300 or better bull
Out of 9 rifle hunters in 2005:
* 9 (100%) harvested a 280 or
better bull
* 7 (78%) harvested a 300 or better bull
2006 Prices
6-Day Archery Elk Hunt $6500 (1 on 1) Price
includes a landowner permit for a guaranteed tag.
5-Day Rifle Elk Hunt $8500 (1 on 1) Price includes a landowner
permit for a guaranteed tag.
2006 Guaranteed License $550
Gordon Ranch
Elite has secured the elk-hunting rights to approximately 10,000
acres of prime elk country in the Sacramento Mountains of central
New Mexico. The terrain consists primarily of large meadows
interspersed with stands of pinon pine and juniper. Water is
strategically located throughout the ranch and contributes to the
quality of the habitat.
Elite plans to take only one hunter per hunt on this ranch in
2006.
Elite hunted the Gordon Ranch for the first time in 2005 with
excellent results. An archery hunter and a rifle hunter each killed
broken-tined 6-points that would have scored in the 320-class and
350-class, respectively.
Statistics
Out of 2 archery hunters in 2005:
· 1 (50%) harvested a 300+
bull
Out of 3 rifle/mz hunters in 2005:
*3 (100%) had shot opps at
5 or 6-points.
*2 (67%) harvested a 5-point or better
*1
(33%) harvested a 300+ bull
Accommodations will be provided in Elite's new, modern lodge. We
will drive to the ranch each day. All meals and field transportation
will be provided. Airport service is available into El Paso, TX or
Albuquerque, NM.
2006 Prices
6-Day Archery Elk Hunt $4900 (1 on 1) Price includes a landowner
permit for a guaranteed tag.
5-Day Rifle Elk Hunt $6900 (1 on 1) Price includes a landowner
permit for a guaranteed tag.
2006 Guaranteed License $550
Valles Caldera Elk Hunting
The Valles Caldera Trust was created by the Valles Caldera
Preservation Act of 2000 to preserve and protect the historic Baca
Ranch of New Mexico’s Jemez Mountains. The groundbreaking
legislation that provided for the federal purchase of this
89,000-acre ranch nestled inside an ancient, volcanic caldera also
created a unique experiment in public land management.
As a result, a high-quality, elk-hunting opportunity was created
for the public. Elite Outfitters has the capability to assist you in
applying for this unique hunt along with providing professional
guiding services. You may apply for any combination of archery,
muzzleloader and/or rifle tags each season. You may also apply
concurrently for any other public elk drawings in New Mexico such as
the Wilderness and Gila elk hunts offered by Elite.
Elk tags for the Valles Caldera hunt are issued through a
national lottery with an April 9 deadline. Lottery chances are sold
for $25 apiece to residents and nonresidents alike. You can purchase
up to 20 chances per hunt date offered on the Valles Caldera. There
are no party applications. Each hunter must apply as an individual.
The drawing for the Valles Caldera hunts will take place before the
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish's regular public elk draw.
Applicants who successfully draw a Valles Caldera tag will then be
removed from the regular New Mexico public elk drawing as you cannot
hold two elk tags for any given hunt year in the state.
Realistically, if you draw a Valles Caldera tag, you can expect
shot opportunities at 300 to 350-class bulls on any hunt. Elite can
provide horseback hunts or vehicle-access hunts. All hunts will be
guided 1 on 1.
Elite’s advice is not to spend a lot of money on the Valles
Caldera elk, but to buy 2 to 4 chances in addition to applying for
the regular New Mexico draw hunts. It's worth applying for this
hunt, as your odds of drawing a New Mexico elk tag are increased.
2006 Prices
5-Day Valles Caldera Elk Hunt
$3900 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
2006 Lottery Chance
Bull Elk - $25
Wilderness Elk Hunting
Featured on outdoor-television shows such as "Whitewater's Just
Hunting", "Outdoors in the Heartland", "Betterbuilt's World of
Hunting" and "Bushnell's Secrets of the Hunt". This hunt was also
featured in the July 2005 issue of Outdoor Life in the article, "5
Toughest Hunts in the World".
The Sacramento Mountains of central New Mexico are the setting
for the most exciting Wilderness elk hunting available in the west.
The Wilderness ranges in elevation from 7,000 feet to over 11,500
feet. The terrain consists of deep canyons and ridges of black
timber, aspens and oaks mixed with alpine meadows. These mountains
are contiguous with the renowned Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation
and comprise the southernmost Rocky Mountains.
2006 will be Elite’s ninth year hunting the Wilderness. Elite has
experienced tremendous success simply by finding good guides and
hunting the roughest, nastiest country in the Wilderness. As a
result, these hunts are very physically demanding.
Lodge Camp vs. Pack-In Camp
The 2006 elk hunts will be conducted out of both the Lodge Camp
and the Pack-In Camp.
The Lodge Camp is used during the archery, muzzleloader and rifle
seasons. These hunts are conducted out of a hunting lodge at the
edge of the Wilderness. If you want a hot shower and all the modern
conveniences of home awaiting you at the end of the day, then the
lodge camp is the way to go. The lodge is not fancy, just a clean,
modern, comfortable place to rest at the end of a hard hunting day.
Vehicles are used to access the hunting areas and then all hunting
takes place on foot. However, you cannot rely on the vehicles as a
substitute for getting in top shape. At some point you must get out
and do your hunting on foot. The primary advantages of this camp
over the pack-in camp include access to a much larger area of the
Wilderness; lower hunting elevations and no tents.
The Pack-In Camp is situated in the middle of the Wilderness in
an area that cannot be accessed from the lodge camp. This camp is
conducted out of a comfortable tent camp used during archery,
muzzleloader and rifle seasons. You will be packed into camp on the
day before your hunt begins. Your gear will be packed-in to the camp
at the beginning of the hunt and packed-out to the trailhead at the
conclusion. This camp is located in the roughest, steepest part of
the Wilderness and is by far the most physically demanding area to
hunt. The advantages of this camp are solitude and a true wilderness
experience.
Riding Mule Option
If you would like the use of a riding mule during your hunt,
Elite will provide you and your guide riding mules to use each day.
Riding mules can be chosen for either the Pack-in Camp or the Lodge
Camp. The use of a riding mule during the pack-in to the Pack-in
Camp is included in the hunt price. Realize, very little actual
hunting can take place off the mules, especially during the archery
and muzzleloader hunts. The mules are primarily a vehicle to use as
access to and from the hunting grounds. They are not a substitute
for getting in shape, just a tool to take some of the sting out of
getting to and from the hunting areas.
Wilderness Archery Elk Hunting
The Wilderness archery elk hunts are conducted throughout the
first three weeks of September and are the most physically demanding
of all the hunts. Elite’s guides are aggressive in locating and
pursuing bugling bulls and you need to be able to go where the bulls
are if you are going to be successful. Previous hunters will attest
to the steepness and magnitude of our terrain, but can also tell you
about the quality of the elk that reside in these mountains. Come
prepared and you will experience the hunt of a lifetime.
The primary hunting tactics are calling, spot and stalk, and
hunting over water.
Hunters who show up in shape can generally expect to get shot
opportunities at P&Y caliber bulls. Although any bull is a
trophy with a bow, the 260 to 360-class bulls are the object of this
hunt. On the average, 4 out of every 5 prepared hunters will get
that opportunity.
The Wilderness archery hunts are conducted out of both the lodge
camp and the pack-in camp.
Anticipated draw success for the Wilderness archery elk hunt is 1
out of 2 applicants. These draw odds are phenomenal considering the
quality of this hunt.
The Best Time to Hunt
The most common question asked about archery elk hunting is,
"Which time is the best?" The truth is there is no "best" time. The
first week occurs during the pre-rut and the majority of the bulls
are generally by themselves and fairly quiet. The bulls are mobile
at this time locating cowherds and just waiting for the first cows
to come into estrus. Overall, you will generally hear less bugling
during this week and the bulls are less aggressive at coming to the
calls. However, there are advantages also. The bulls are typically
by themselves which makes it easier to spot and stalk without all
the cows. Some bulls respond to calling very passively at this time
and just slip in quietly to see what's going on. Most hunters who
hunt the first week always seem to wish they had come later thinking
the hunting would be easier if the bulls were bugling more. The
proverbial "grass-is-greener wherever I'm not" theory. In reality,
over the last five years, the most shot opportunities at big bulls
have occurred during the early seasons. It seems you are working
harder for the shot opportunity since you are not hearing as much
bugling, but the opportunities seem to always come.
By the last week of the season, the majority of the bulls are
with cows as the rut is in full swing. You now face an entirely
different animal and hunting conditions. The bulls are more vocal as
they move and communicate with their cows. The satellite bulls are
also more vocal as they shadow the herds and aggravate the herd
bulls. Seems like the hunting should now be easy. Not so fast my
friends. The herd bulls are becoming increasingly vocal but yet they
are now extremely apprehensive at leaving their herd and coming to
any type of call. They will talk more than they did in the first
week, but the chances of getting a shot are not any better. The
satellite bulls are easier to work at this time since they are still
by themselves, mobile and active. Don't think that just because a
bull is a satellite, they're little. Many satellites are 300+ bulls
and Elite’s guides have noticed a recent trend of big bulls staying
by themselves throughout the rut. It seems that these "rogue bulls”
have decided it is easier to let a lesser bull work and sweat over
keeping the cow herds and then when a cow comes into estrus, move in
and take care of the business at hand and then move off looking for
another. So the last week doesn't mean there are not chances at big
bulls. Again there is no "best time", just a different set of
obstacles to overcome.
Wilderness Archery Statistics
Out of 15 archery hunters in 1999:
* 13 (87%) had a P&Y
bull within 40 yards
* 10 (67%) had shot opps at 5-point or
better bulls
* 6 (40%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 4
(27%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 21 archery hunters in 2000:
* 18 (86%) had a P&Y
bull within 40 yards
* 17 (81%) had shot opps at 4-point or
better bulls
* 9 (43%) had shot opps at 6-point or better
bulls
* 7 (33%) harvested a 4-point or better bull
Out of 28 archery hunters in 2001:
* 22 (79%) had shot opps at
4-point or better bulls
* 16 (57%) had shot opps at 6-point or
better bulls
* 9 (43%) harvested a 4-point or better bull
* 6
(21%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 22 archery hunters in 2002:
* 16 (73%) had shot
opportunities at 4-point or better bulls
* 10 (46%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 7 (32%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 5 (23%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 14 archery hunters in 2003:
* 12 (86%) had shot
opportunities at 4-point or better bulls
* 7 (50%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 5 (36%) had shot
opportunities at 300+ bulls
* 3 (21%) harvested a 5-point or
better bull
Out of 15 archery hunters in 2004:
* 14 (93%) had shot
opportunities at 5-point or better bulls
* 7 (47%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 8 (53%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 3 (20%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 21 archery hunters in 2005:
* 18 (86%) had shot
opportunities at 4-point or better bulls
* 13 (62%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 6 (29%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 5 (24%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
2006 Prices
6-Day Wilderness Archery Elk Hunts
$3500
(fully-guided 2 on 1)
$4500 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
$500 Add
riding mule during your hunt
2006 License Draw Elk - $766
Wilderness Rifle Elk Hunting
The Wilderness rifle elk hunts take place throughout the second
and third weeks of October. The rifle hunts will be conducted out of
the lodge and pack-in camps.
The primary tactic is to rely on spot and stalk methods in the
meadows and the thick, steep canyons where the bulls will recover
from the rut and prepare for the upcoming winter. Spotting bulls a
mile or two away is not uncommon in some areas and you must be in
shape to be able to close the distance and get a shot before the
bull hits the timber.
Regardless, your guide will expect you to be able to cover lots
of steep terrain just to locate the right bull. Sometimes it will
seem easy, but you can’t count on it.
By mid October, many of the leaves have fallen off of the
abundant oak and aspen trees which allows you to see into much of
the cover on opposite sides of the canyons. Yet, the bulls still
feel concealed and often present good cross-canyon shot
opportunities that wouldn't be available with a muzzleloader.
The rifle hunts are usually the most consistent at producing shot
opportunities at bulls. As a rule, usually any hunter that can stick
with their guide will get an opportunity at a 5-point or better
bull. Hunters, who are in good enough shape to hunt five full days,
usually can get a shot opportunity at a good 6-point. Hunting for
300 to 360-class bulls is a very realistic expectation if you will
just hold off the lesser bulls and maintain your patience.
Anticipated draw success is 1 out of 4 for the rifle hunts.
Compare these odds to similar hunts elsewhere and you'll see that
they are actually pretty good draw odds.
Wilderness Rifle Statistics
Out of 8 rifle hunters in 1999:
* 8 (100%) had shot opps at
5-points or better
* 7 (88%) had shot opps at a 6-points or
better
* 5 (63%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 3 (38%)
harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 21 rifle hunters in 2000:
* 19 (90%) had shot opps at
5-points or better
* 16 (76%) harvested a 5-point or better
bull
* 10 (48%) had shot opps at 6-points or better
* 7 (33%)
harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 16 rifle hunters in 2001:
* 14 (88%) had shot opps at
4-points or better
* 11 (69%) harvested a 4-point or better
bull
* 10 (63%) had shot opps at 6-points or better
* 8 (50%)
harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 8 rifle hunters in 2002:
* 8 (100%) had shot opps at
5-poits or better
* 7 (88%) harvested a 5-point or better
bull
* 5 (63%) had shot opps at 6-points or better
* 5 (63%)
harvested a 6-point or better bull
Out of 3 rifle hunters in 2003:
* 1 (33%) quit hunting due to
poor conditioning on the first morning
* 1 (33%) harvested a
5-point bull on the 1st afternoon of the hunt
* 1 (33%) quit
hunting due to poor conditioning after the third day of the hunt
Out of 7 rifle hunters in 2004:
* 7 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 4-point or better bulls
* 7 (100%) harvested a
4-point or better bull
* 4 (57%) had shot opportunities at
6-point or better bulls
* 3 (43%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 11 rifle hunters in 2005:
* 11 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 5-point or better bulls
* 9 (82%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 8 (73%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 6 (55%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
* 5 (45%) harvested a 300+ bull
2006 Prices
5-Day Wilderness Rifle Elk Hunt
$3500 (fully-guided 2 on 1)
$4500 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
$500 Add riding mule during your
hunt
2006 Draw License
$766
Wilderness Muzzleloader Elk Hunting
The muzzleloader hunt begins almost two weeks after the archery
season has ended and is the first firearms elk season in the
wilderness.
The Wilderness muzzleloader hunts will be conducted out of the
lodge and pack-in camps.
The muzzleloader hunt generally requires a level of physical
conditioning equivalent to the archery hunt, especially if the bulls
are talking. Most years, rutting activity is still high during this
hunt and the guides rely on glassing, stalking and calling
techniques similar to the archery hunt. If the bulls aren’t talking,
the guides like to concentrate on spot and stalk tactics in the
roughest, nastiest canyons in the wilderness.
In-line muzzleloaders and scopes are legal in New Mexico and
contribute to the trophy potential of this hunt. The muzzleloader
hunt is a high-success hunt that will always produce shot
opportunities at 5-point and better bulls for the hunters prepared
to go into the canyons and hunt. The majority of hunters who can get
around in this country will get shots at good 6-points if they are
patient enough to turn down some of the lesser bulls. The 300 to
380-class bulls are the objective of this hunt.
Anticipated draw success for the Wilderness muzzleloader elk hunt
is 1 out of 5 applicants. You’ll look far and wide for another
muzzleloader hunt that offers realistic chances at 300 to 380-class
bulls and has better than 20% draw success.
Wilderness Muzzleloader Statistics
Out of 3 muzzleloader hunters in 1999:
* 3 (100%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 2 (67%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 10 muzzleloader hunters in 2000:
* 8 (80%) had shot
opportunities at 4-point or better bulls
* 6 (60%) harvested a
4-point or better bull
* 3 (30%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 3 muzzleloader hunters in 2001:
* 3 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 1 (33%) harvested a
6-point or better bull
Out of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2002:
* 4 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 5-point or better bulls
* 3 (75%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 2 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
Out of 7 muzzleloader hunters in 2003:
* 7 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 6 (86%) harvested a
6-point or better bull
Out of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2004:
* 4 (100%) had shot
opportunities at 6-point or better bulls
* 2 (50%) harvested a
6-point or better bull
Out of 15 muzzleloader hunters in 2005:
* 14 (93%) had shot
opportunities at 5-point or better bulls
* 12 (80%) harvested a
5-point or better bull
* 8 (53%) harvested a 6-point or better
bull
2006 Prices
5-Day Wilderness Muzzleloader Elk Hunt
$3500 (fully-guided 2 on 1)
$4500 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
$500 Add riding mule during your hunt
2006 Draw License
$766
Youth-Only Elk Hunting
A special season has been set aside in New Mexico for youth-only
rifle elk hunting. To be eligible for a youth-only license, each
applicant must be younger than 18 years on the beginning date of the
hunt. The licenses are available through the New Mexico Draw System.
Draw success was 100% last year for guided, non-resident applicants.
The hunt occurs during the last week of September in the peak of
the rut. This hunt is the first firearm hunt of the season. The
youth hunt takes place in the southern Sacramento Mountains,
immediately south of the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation. The
terrain is mountainous with elevations ranging from 7,000 feet to
over 9,000 feet. Road access is good and the hunt will not be too
strenuous or arduous. The slopes are relatively easy compared to the
Wilderness area.
Elite had one youth hunter last year, 13-year old Kara Espinosa.
She is the daughter of Kenny Espinosa, a guide with Elite. Kara
dropped a nice 6x6 on the first morning of the hunt. Her hunt will
be featured on the Men’s Channel on Whitewater's Just Hunting during
the spring of 2006.
Success rates should be near 100% every year on this hunt. If the
youth hunter will prepare properly for the hunt, they will get their
bull.
2006 Prices
$3900 (fully-guided 1 on 1)
2006 Draw License
Bull Elk - $541
| 
