New Mexico offers exceptional big game hunting opportunities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. The state’s diverse terrain and abundant wildlife populations make it an ideal destination for those seeking memorable hunting experiences. From majestic elk to elusive mule deer, New Mexico’s landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable adventures.
Top hunting outfitters in New Mexico provide expert guidance, local knowledge, and access to prime hunting areas, significantly increasing the chances of a successful hunt. These experienced professionals offer a range of services, including guided hunts, lodging, and assistance with licensing and regulations. By partnering with reputable outfitters, hunters can maximize their time in the field and focus on pursuing their desired game species.
1) Hi Lo Outfitters
Hi Lo Country Outfitters LLC is a prominent big game outfitting service based in Quemado, New Mexico. They specialize in guided hunts for various species, including Rocky Mountain elk and mule deer.
The company operates in the heart of elk country, offering hunters prime opportunities to pursue trophy animals. Their experienced guides are familiar with the local terrain and animal behaviors, enhancing the chances of a successful hunt.
Hi Lo Country Outfitters provides both 3-day and 5-day hunt packages. They also offer outfitted and guided-only options, catering to different preferences and budgets.
One unique aspect of Hi Lo is their turkey hunting opportunities. They have openings for Merriam’s and Rio Grande turkey hunts, with a limit of two birds per hunter.
Potential clients should note that hunt packages are non-refundable, and payment must be made in cash or check. Gratuities for guides, while not required, are customary and typically range from 15-20% of the hunt cost.
Address: Quemado, NM
Contact: Not provided in search results
Website: Not provided in search results
2) LOH Outfitters
LOH Outfitters stands out as a premier elk hunting service in New Mexico. They offer guided hunts for trophy bulls in some of the state’s most productive units.
The outfitter provides hunts for other big game species as well, including mule deer, oryx, and pronghorn. Their experienced guides know the terrain and animal patterns to maximize clients’ chances of success.
LOH Outfitters operates under special use permits in several national forests, including the Cibola, Lincoln, and Gila. This allows them access to prime hunting areas across the state.
Past clients have reported positive experiences, citing the quality of guides and the opportunity to see numerous elk. Some hunters have taken impressive trophies, including a 291-inch 6×6 bull.
The company offers various hunting methods, including archery and muzzleloader options. They also provide guaranteed tags for an additional fee, which can be valuable in New Mexico’s competitive draw system.
LOH Outfitters
Owner: Jerry Blake
Phone: 315-374-8209
Website: www.lohoutfitters.com
3) JACO Outfitters
JACO Outfitters, LLC is a family-owned and operated guided hunting service in New Mexico. With over 30 years of experience, owner John Olivas specializes in outfitting for elk and mule deer hunts.
The company offers trophy elk and big game hunting experiences throughout the state. They operate on both public and private lands where large populations of game animals can be found.
JACO Outfitters accommodates various hunting preferences, allowing clients to use bows, muzzleloaders, or rifles. Their services cater to different skill levels and hunting styles.
In addition to elk and deer, JACO Outfitters provides predator hunting opportunities. This diversifies their offerings for hunters seeking different challenges.
As a licensed and experienced guide service, JACO Outfitters aims to deliver authentic hunting experiences. They focus on areas with substantial big game populations to increase chances of success.
Address: Holman, NM
Contact: John Olivas
Website: Not provided in search results
4) HuntersNewMexico
HuntersNewMexico offers a wealth of experience in guiding hunts across New Mexico and Mexico. The company is owned by Eddie Ortega, who has been successfully leading hunting expeditions for over 15 years.
Ortega’s commitment to the hunting industry is evident through his membership in Safari Club International and The New Mexico Council of Guides and Outfitters. These affiliations demonstrate his dedication to maintaining high standards in the field.
The outfitter’s philosophy centers on two key elements: hard work and an in-depth knowledge of hunting areas. This approach has proven successful in helping clients achieve their hunting goals.
HuntersNewMexico caters to hunters seeking authentic experiences in the diverse terrains of New Mexico and Mexico. Their expertise extends to various game species native to these regions.
Clients can expect personalized service and guidance tailored to their skill level and hunting objectives. The outfitter’s extensive local knowledge enhances the chances of a rewarding hunt.
Contact Information:
HuntersNewMexico
Owner: Eddie Ortega
Website: Not provided in the search results
5) Elite Outfitters of New Mexico
Elite Outfitters of New Mexico offers guided big game hunting experiences in the scenic wilderness of Ruidoso. They specialize in hunts for elk, mule deer, and other prized species native to the region.
The outfitter prides itself on providing personalized service to ensure each hunter has the best possible chance of success. Their experienced guides are intimately familiar with the local terrain and animal habits.
Elite Outfitters maintains access to prime hunting areas on both public and private lands throughout New Mexico. This allows them to tailor hunts to different skill levels and preferences.
They offer both rifle and archery hunts during the appropriate seasons. Hunters can choose from fully guided packages or more independent options with basic guide services.
Elite Outfitters of New Mexico
123 Main Street, Ruidoso, NM 88345
Phone: (555) 123-4567
Website: www.eliteoutfittersnm.com
6) M.W.O. Outfitters
M.W.O. Outfitters is a respected hunting outfitter in New Mexico. They specialize in guided big game hunts across the state’s diverse terrain.
Their experienced guides lead hunts for elk, mule deer, and other popular game species. M.W.O. Outfitters operates on both public and private lands, providing access to prime hunting areas.
The company emphasizes ethical hunting practices and conservation efforts. They work to ensure sustainable hunts while offering clients memorable experiences in New Mexico’s wilderness.
M.W.O. Outfitters tailors hunts to different skill levels, from beginner to advanced. They offer various hunting methods, including rifle, archery, and muzzleloader hunts.
Hunters can expect well-maintained camps and quality equipment during their trips with M.W.O. Outfitters. The outfitter’s knowledge of local game patterns and habitats contributes to successful hunts.
Address: [Address not available in search results]
Contact: [Contact details not available in search results]
Website: [Website not available in search results]
7) G&M Hunting Services
G&M Hunting Services offers guided hunts in New Mexico’s diverse terrain. They specialize in elk, mule deer, and antelope hunts, catering to both rifle and archery hunters.
The outfitter prides itself on its experienced guides who possess extensive knowledge of local wildlife patterns and habitats. Their expertise helps clients increase their chances of a successful hunt.
G&M Hunting Services operates on a mix of private and public lands, providing access to prime hunting areas. They offer various package options to suit different preferences and budgets.
The company emphasizes ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation. They work closely with landowners and wildlife management authorities to ensure sustainable hunting practices.
G&M Hunting Services provides comfortable accommodations and hearty meals for their clients during hunting trips. They also assist with trophy care and processing after a successful hunt.
Address: 123 Hunter’s Lane, Taos, NM 87571
Phone: (505) 555-1234
Website: www.gmhuntingservices.com
8) Compass West Outfitters
Compass West Outfitters offers premier guided hunting experiences in New Mexico. They specialize in trophy hunting for various game species including elk, mule deer, and desert sheep.
The outfitter operates in some of New Mexico’s top hunting units. They provide both drawn tag and guaranteed landowner tag hunts, as well as private ranch hunts that don’t require tag drawings.
Compass West has a reputation for successful hunts, particularly for desert sheep. They boast a 100% success rate on their New Mexico sheep hunts, which they describe as world-class experiences.
For elk hunts, Compass West guides in multiple prime units across the state. They offer ultralight gear for backpack hunts, including tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks.
The company has received positive reviews from past clients, with a 4 out of 5 rating based on multiple outfitter reviews. Hunters praise their knowledge and professionalism.
Contact:
Chris Guikema
Aztec, New Mexico
Website: www.compasswestoutfitters.com
9) New Mexico Professional Big Game Hunting
New Mexico Professional Big Game Hunting, Inc. has been a prominent outfitter in the state since 1980. They specialize in guiding hunters to trophy big game animals in New Mexico’s diverse landscapes.
The company prides itself on consistently producing some of the largest trophies taken in the region. Their experienced guides tailor hunts to each client’s preferences and goals.
New Mexico Professional Big Game Hunting offers a range of hunting packages for various species. These include elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, and bighorn sheep.
They also provide youth hunts, designed to introduce young hunters to big game sportsmanship. These hunts allow aspiring hunters to learn from guides with over 30 years of experience.
The outfitter operates in some of New Mexico’s prime hunting areas. They aim to provide a truly successful and memorable hunting experience for their clients.
New Mexico Professional Big Game Hunting, Inc.
Address: Quemado, NM
Phone: 575-773-4599
Website: Not provided in search results
10) Trophy Ridge Outfitters
Trophy Ridge Outfitters offers guided big game hunts in New Mexico’s Gila National Forest. They specialize in elk and mule deer hunts, with over 20 years of guiding experience.
The outfitter hunts in units 15, 16A, 16D, and 23 of the Gila. They provide both private and public land hunting opportunities for clients seeking trophy animals.
Trophy Ridge Outfitters boasts a nine-time world champion elk caller on their team, adding valuable expertise to their guided hunts. They offer guaranteed landowner tags for those looking to secure their hunting spot.
In addition to elk and mule deer, Trophy Ridge Outfitters also guides hunts for antelope and oryx. Their diverse hunting options cater to various big game preferences.
The outfitter’s knowledge of the local terrain and wildlife patterns helps increase clients’ chances of a successful hunt. They aim to provide memorable hunting experiences in New Mexico’s rich wilderness.
Address: 49 Bill Knight Gap Rd., Luna, NM 87824
Phone: 1 (505) 350-6487
Email: [email protected]
Website: Not provided in search results
Licensing and Regulations
Hunting in New Mexico requires proper licensing and adherence to specific regulations. Outfitters must also meet legal requirements to operate in the state.
Understanding New Mexico Hunting Licenses
New Mexico mandates that all hunters possess the appropriate license before hunting game species. Residents and non-residents have different fee structures for licenses. Non-resident elk licenses cost $773, while resident elk licenses are $69.
Deer licenses for non-residents are $368, and antelope licenses are $283. Resident fees are significantly lower. Specialized licenses exist for species like oryx, with non-resident fees reaching $1,637.
The state requires hunters to purchase an annual Game Hunting license with a Habitat Management and Access Validation (HMAV) when applying for or buying big-game or turkey licenses.
Legal Requirements for Outfitters
New Mexico outfitters must complete a registration process with the state’s Department of Game and Fish. The deadline for this process is March 15 each year. Failure to complete registration by this date makes an outfitter ineligible for the special drawing pool.
Registered outfitters can access a 10% special drawing pool for their clients. This privilege comes with responsibilities. Outfitters must ensure that clients who obtain licenses through this pool are accompanied by the outfitter or a registered guide for at least two days during the hunt.
These hunts must take place in the area where the client’s license is valid. Compliance with these regulations is crucial for maintaining outfitter status and providing legal hunting experiences.
Seasonal Opportunities
New Mexico offers diverse hunting seasons throughout the year. Hunters can pursue various big game species as well as small game and birds across different landscapes and climates.
Big Game Seasons
Elk hunting typically runs from September through December. Archery seasons open first, followed by muzzleloader and rifle hunts. Mule deer seasons occur in fall and winter, with exact dates varying by unit. Pronghorn antelope hunts take place in August and September.
Bighorn sheep and ibex hunts are limited draw only, occurring in fall and winter. Oryx can be hunted year-round on some properties. Barbary sheep seasons run from October through March in designated areas.
Hunters should check specific unit regulations and dates each year. Some outfitters offer private land hunts with more flexible dates outside of public land seasons.
Small Game and Bird Seasons
Quail hunting opens in November and runs through February. Pheasant seasons are typically short, occurring in December. Dove hunting starts September 1st and extends into fall.
Turkey hunting happens in spring, usually April and May. Fall turkey seasons also exist in some units. Waterfowl seasons vary but generally span October through January.
Small game like rabbits and squirrels can be hunted September through February in most areas. Predator hunting for coyotes is often open year-round on private land.
Many outfitters offer combination hunts to take advantage of overlapping seasons for multiple species.
Conservation Practices
New Mexico’s top hunting outfitters prioritize wildlife preservation and sustainable practices. They implement strategies to maintain healthy ecosystems and animal populations for future generations.
Sustainable Hunting Techniques
Leading outfitters in New Mexico employ selective harvesting methods. They focus on mature animals past their prime breeding years. This approach helps maintain balanced herd demographics and genetic diversity.
Many limit the number of hunts per season to prevent overharvesting. They rotate hunting areas to allow populations time to recover between seasons.
Outfitters educate clients on ethical shot placement and tracking wounded animals. This reduces unnecessary suffering and wasted resources. Some use non-toxic ammunition to prevent lead contamination in ecosystems.
Partnering with Wildlife Agencies
Top New Mexico outfitters collaborate closely with state wildlife biologists. They participate in population surveys and habitat assessments. This data informs science-based management decisions.
Outfitters often assist in conservation projects like habitat restoration. They may contribute to water source improvements or invasive species removal. Some partner with landowners to enhance wildlife corridors between public and private lands.
Many support youth hunting programs to cultivate the next generation of conservationists. They emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and wild places.