New Mexico Elk Draw Odds (2024)

FAQs

What is the hardest elk unit to draw in New Mexico? ›

The Gila units in New Mexico have some of the toughest draw odds in the country for elk. Licenses are highly limited, keeping the quality very high. Like other units in New Mexico, applying with an outfitter will greatly increase your odds of drawing.

The draw procedures and application processes differ from state to state, but in a nutshell, your name goes in a hat and if it is selected, you get a tag. In really hard to draw areas (i.e., high quality), odds are often in the single digits, or even below 1%.

Considering the overall average is around 10%, this is pretty amazing! Additionally, I've seen that the percentage of elk hunters at these seminars who were successful on 6-point or larger bulls is usually over 10%! Why is that?

Elk hunting success rates average around 10-20% in most western states. Factors affecting success include hunting skills, physical fitness, terrain, and weather conditions. There is high variance among states - for instance, Wyoming has around 40% success, whereas Washington has less than 10%.

The Valles Caldera, National Forests in Northern New Mexico and the highly acclaimed Gila of Southwestern New Mexico offer some good elk habitat for a public land hunter.

Unit 17 Is known to hold some of the biggest bull elk in New Mexico.

The draw for 2024 tags opened on January 18th, 2024 and closes on March 20th 2024, at 5:00pm Mountain Time. Click to track applications with your OnPoint calendar! The New Mexico big game draw typically opens in January and closes in mid-March. Results are usually announced in early to mid-April.

Due to this reputation, demand is high and public land elk or mule deer tags can be very difficult to obtain for nonresident hunters.

At the same time, if you just want to hunt elk and aren't worried about the record books, Colorado and Idaho are your best states for a tag. The increased opportunity often comes at a price, though. In many units, you're more likely to see other hunters and less likely to see big bulls.

The Bullet Does the Work

Elk bullets must be tough enough to provide adequate penetration. Choose at least medium weight for caliber: 140 grains in 6.5mm and the lighter 7mms; 140 and 150 grains in . 270s; 150 to 160 grains in faster 7mms; 165 or 180 grains in . 30 calibers.

What is the best distance to shoot an elk? ›

The distance your arrow or bullet needs to travel to reach the vitals is a manageable distance — usually between 12 to 18 inches for elk. Higher Probability for a Double Lung Shot: You know why the double lung shot is important: it's fatal, quick and, therefore, the more humane kill.

Barnes LRX bullets are tough enough for big animals like elk, and extremely accurate. These high-BC bullets group almost as well as match ammo in many rifles I've tested, and that's exactly what hunters need for long-range shots on tough animals.

Colorado: Best Opportunities for Elk Hunting

A lot of elk hunters set their sights on Colorado for elk hunting, and for good reason. With over a quarter-million elk in the state (the largest in the U.S.), Colorado is often thought of as the hands-down best state for a September or October hunt.

Early morning and late evening are typically the best times to view elk.

Like many animals, elk are most active in the morning and evening. Mid-day hunts may be effective during the rut, but if you want the most activity, shoot for early morning and dusk.

According to Pope & Young Record Chairman Tim Rozewski, the current number one Pope & Young bull elk in New Mexico scored 420 7/8 inches.

At the same time, if you just want to hunt elk and aren't worried about the record books, Colorado and Idaho are your best states for a tag. The increased opportunity often comes at a price, though. In many units, you're more likely to see other hunters and less likely to see big bulls.

The Gila National Forest is large and one of the best places in New Mexico to look for shed antlers. Head into Reserve and drive north on N.M. 12 about 12 miles until reaching the Apache Creek Campground. Places to look for sheds here are endless.

Wagonhound Outfitters offers elite trophy hunts in the heart of the Laramie Mountain range. We are best known for being home to some of the best elk hunting in North America.