Even though roughly 22,000 tags a year go into the draw, there simply aren’t enough to meet demand. At the same time, however, private landowners receive more than 13,000 tags through the program known as EPLUS – the Elk Private Land Use System.
What are the odds of drawing an elk tag in New Mexico?
’19 Nonresident Draw Odds – Opens on or before Oct. 7
| ★ | Unit | 2019 Harvest Success |
|---|---|---|
| ★ | Unit 51 | 33.0% |
| ★ | Unit 21B | 77.8% |
| ★ | Unit 49 | 10.3% |
| ★ | Unit 42 |
How many elk are in New Mexico?
Today the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish estimates the statewide elk population at 70,000 to 90,000. Roughly 7,000 live in the Jemez Mountains, including an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 in Valles Caldera National Preserve.
What is the best elk unit in New Mexico?
South central New Mexico is home to some of the states best elk hunting with units 34 & 36 leading the way. The two units have been consistent producers of quality bulls (300+) with truly giant bulls (370+) being taken out of both units every year.
What state is the easiest to get an elk tag?
Wyoming is the most predictable of the “five year plan” states. Once you accumulate preference points, it is fairly certain that you will be going on a really good elk hunt. In my opinion, Wyoming has the best combination of quality elk, public lands, accessibility to tags and harvest success of any western state.
Where is the best elk hunting in NM?
Top Areas in New Mexico for Elk Hunting
- Gila National Forest. Located in the top trophy elk-producing county (Catron) from 2000 to 2009, the areas within the Gila National Forest consistently produce the best bulls in New Mexico.
- Valles Caldera National Preserve.
- Cibola National Forest.
- Valle Vidal.
Does New Mexico have over the counter elk tags?
Other states allow for landowners to be awarded some of the elk tags which they can resell on the open market. New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, and Nevada have landowner programs where you could purchase a tag after the drawings are finished.
Where is the biggest elk population in New Mexico?
The jewel of elk hunting on the Carson National Forest is the Valle Vidal Unit on the Questa Ranger District. This unit contains one of the largest herds in New Mexico and offers a once in a lifetime opportunity of harvesting a world-class trophy bull.
Where are the biggest elk in NM?
American Elk-Typical
| B&C Score | Location | Hunter |
|---|---|---|
| 1. 402 2/8 | Catron County | picked up |
| 2. 398 3/8 | Rio Arriba County | Robert North |
| 3. 398 | Mora County | Bernabe Alcon |
| 4. 397 5/8 | Soccoro County | Richard E. Westwood |
What state has the highest elk population?
Colorado
Today, Colorado has the largest herd in the United States, about 300,000 animals. Elk in Montana, Oregon, Idaho and Wyoming number between 100,000 and 150,000. New Mexico, Utah and Washington have 50,000 to 80,000 elk, and Arizona, Nevada, California and Kentucky have 10,000 to 25,000 elk.
What state has the highest success rate for elk hunting?
Wyoming claims an amazing overall 44.4% average hunter success rate (includes OTC tags), followed now by Utah at 26.4% (Utah is always late, so waiting on 2017 harvest data). Idaho dropped to third place followed by Montana.
What state has best elk hunting?
Arizona: Best State for Typical and Non-Typical Elk
They hold the combined record for most B&C entries since 2010. The downside, however, is getting a tag can be quite difficult. Non-residents cannot draw more than 10% of all eligible hunting tags for any species, which puts more demand on guided hunts.
How much is a bull elk tag in New Mexico?
Table of Draw Fees
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Elk License (Residents 18–64 years of age and all nonresidents) | ||
| A (Antlerless) | $60 | Not Issued |
| MB (Mature Bull) | $90 | $548 |
| ES (Either Sex) | $90 | $548 |
What is the cheapest state to elk hunt?
Idaho has historically been one of the lower-priced states for a NR to hunt elk in, and for the remainder of 2020, it is still just $586 for an archery elk license/tag.
Where is the cheapest place to hunt elk?
Colorado since it is the closest place to hunt elk for most people in the Eastern and Central U.S and the cost to hunt in Colorado is very close to the average cost for the seven best elk hunting states. In Colorado, the elk license and habitat stamp now costs $672 for bull elk or any elk tags.
What state has the most mule deer?
Colorado
Colorado is widely regarded as the nation’s top mule deer destination. Due to extremely good mule deer habitat with plenty of food and sound management practices by Colorado Parks and Wildlife, the state has the largest mule deer population in the country.
How much are New Mexico landowner elk tags?
about $4,000 to around $7,500
Tags for mediocre hunting units can cost far less than tags in premium units. In the units that we hunt, landowner tags for elk generally range from about $4,000 to around $7,500. The purchase of a landowner tag is also subject to New Mexico sales tax.
How much does an elk hunt cost in New Mexico?
As of the time of this blog post, our 2020 prices are $5,749 for a 2-on-1 elk hunt and $7,749 for a 1-on-1 elk hunt. This includes the fully guided hunt, meals and accommodations.
How do I get a New Mexico elk tag?
Purchasing Licenses, Stamps and Validations
Accounts can be set up online: https://onlinesales.wildlife.state.nm.us or by telephone at 1-888-248-6866.
How much do you tip an elk guide?
The general consensus is 10 percent, and it does depend on the service. If the guide busts his but, he’s savvy, and works hard, then tip him accordingly.
Do you have to draw a tag to hunt elk in New Mexico?
There are two ways to obtain an elk-hunting license in New Mexico. The first is to draw a license in the annual draw. If unsuccessful in the draw, there is then the option to purchase a landowner tag. We can begin submitting applications in the New Mexico license draw in mid-January.