New Mexico Elk, Turkey, and Ibex Hunts Gila Area

Join us, the premier archery, muzzle loader, and rifle elk hunts for adults and youth in south central New Mexico, taking advantage of both the Gila and the Sacramento Mountain areas. We pride ourselves on offering individualized hunting experiences coupled with high rates of sightings and kills. Above all, we are not your typical New Mexico Elk Outfitter, Top Notch approaches client hunts with a “quality before quantity” attitude. This mindset guarantees that clients encounter mature animals by hunting in quality areas with a guide that is skilled, licensed, and experienced. We also offer premier turkey hunts for both adults and youth.

We offer the very best Elk hunting experience in New Mexico and beyond. Our knowledge of Elk hunting makes us the premiere Elk hunting guides in our area. We have all of the amenities a hunter needs and would want for a hunting trip. Our guides concentrate on the quality of the hunt and the quality of your kill. We feel, one trophy kill is better than multiple tag kill hunts.

We ensure that we provide the most exciting hunts for our clients. It is because of our success rate that we have grown as we have over recent years. It is our experience and knowledge of the terrain that keeps us at the top of our industry. We have the experience and ability to place you in front of that big game kill that will remain one of your fondest, if not the fondest hunting memory of your hunting career!

A Guided hunt with us is an experience that you have to live to believe. We are proud to offer you the chance to hunt large game in New Mexico at an affordable price. We have years of experience as an outfitter and would love to pass some of his experience and abilities on to you. We create a personal experience that you will talk about for the rest of your life. We also pride ourselves on repeat business. We know once you experience an Elk hunt with one of our elk hunting guides, you will be back!

There are two ways to get an elk license in New Mexico. The first is to apply for the public draw through New Mexico Game and Fish, which is the least expensive option. The other way to obtain a license is through the private landowner system.

The Landowner System

Landowners are given landowner tags based on the size of ranch they have, any habitat improvements they have made, and the number of elk using the ranch. Landowners are able to specify if they want their authorizations used specifically on their ranch – a ranch only license - or used throughout the unit - a unit-wide license - including use on public land. These landowner tags are transferable, meaning that a hunter could purchase a license through a landowner if they did not draw a tag through the public draw. We  do have access to “unit wide” landowner tags for the areas we hunt so if you are unsuccessful in the draw you can still hunt by purchasing one of these unit wide tags through us. We also have Private Land Elk Hunts available.

The Draw System

There are three different draw pools a hunter can choose from in New Mexico. One pool is the “resident pool” which garners 84% of all the tags in that unit or area. The other pools are for non-residents who garner the remaining 16% of the tags in the unit. Of those 16% of non-resident tags, 10% go into the “outfitters pool” for hunters who book hunts with an outfitter, and 6% go into the general pool. When a hunter applies under an outfitter, he/she is entering the pool containing more than half of the available nonresident licenses (and usually less applicants) therefore increasing the odds of a draw.

Hunters can apply singly or in groups, with up to four applicants allowed per group submission. With group applications, either everyone draws a license or no one does.

When the draw takes place, The New Mexico Game and Fish will consider the hunter’s top three choices before they move onto the next applicant. This provides an opportunity for hunters to mix and match choices. For example: a hunter’s first choice might be the second archery season in unit 13, their second choice might be the rifle hunt in unit 34, and their third choice might be the muzzleloader hunt in unit 34 A hunter could also choose both archery hunts in unit 34 and one archery hunt in unit 13. Under this mix and match system, the possibilities for customizing hunting choices and experiences are vast.

The draw deadline for this year is March 28th. The results will be posted on the New Mexico Game and Fish website about May 9th. New this past year, the total license fee is due at the time the application is placed. License fees are $565 for standard hunts and $790 for quality and high-demand hunts.

We offers draw hunts in two different areas: the Gila (unit 13) and an area in the southern Sacramento Mountains (unit 34). Again, draw hunts are less expensive and are equal-opportunity. When a hunter enters the draw under an outfitter, it only increases the chances that the draw will be successful.

New Mexico Elk Hunting in the Gila

The Gila is an area in southwestern New Mexico that is known for quality bulls. One of the units that our hunts cover are located on the eastern side of the Gila where hunters have a legitimate chance at a 350 class bull. The average bull in this area falls easily into the 300 to 330 range. The topography in this area is generally rolling hills with the occasional large mountain; it ranges from 6500 feet in elevation to 10,000 feet. Most hunting occurs around 7000 to 8000 feet and covers mostly moderate terrain. Even still, we recommend that all hunters be in the best shape possible for an optimum hunting experience. Although there are many ways to exercise to get ready for elk hunting in the mountains of New Mexico, one of the best is to use a stair stepper or an elliptical machine, as they come the closest to truly replicating the exertion that climbing mountains requires.

We offers New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting and New Mexico Elk Muzzleloader Hunting in the Gila area. This unit is a primitive weapon only unit so we do not have New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting in the Gila unit.

Lodging in this area will be local cabin rentals. Muzzleloader hunts include five days of hunting. Archery hunts include six days, eight days or ten days of hunting depending on the hunt you draw. The Gila is a primitive weapon only area so there are no rifle hunts available here, if you looking for a rifle, hunt check out the Sacramento Mountains hunt.

The Rates for this area are as follows:

Rates and  Dates

New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting for the Gila area

1 on 1 6 Day = $4500

2 on 1 6 Day = $3750

1 on 1 8 Day = $5750

2 on 1 8 Day = $5000

1 on 1 10 Day = $6750

2 on 1 10 Day = $6000

September 1st-10th or 5th-10th (6,8 or 10 day hunts)

September 11th-18th or 13th-18th (6 or 8 day hunts)

September 19th-24th (6 day hunt)

New Mexico Muzzle Loader Elk Hunting for the Gila area

1 on 1 5 Day = $4500

2 on 1 5 Day = $3750

2012 Dates

October 13th-17th

October 20th-24th

November 17th-21st

Note: The Gila area has NO rifle hunts

New Mexico Elk Hunting in the Southern Sacramento Mountains

The Sacramento Mountains are located in south central New Mexico and borders the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This region has a large number of elk, including quality bulls. As with the Gila, hunters have a legitimate chance at finding a 350 class bull, with most bulls falling into the 300 to 330 range. The Sacramento Mountain area is 6500 to 10,000 feet in elevation, and the terrain is moderate to fairly easy country. This is a benefit to hunters of all ages and abilities. Again, Top Notch Outfitters recommends that hunters be in the best shape possible for an optimum hunting experience. Top Notch offers New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting along with New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting and New Mexico Elk Muzzleloading in the Sacramento mountain area (unit 34).

Lodging will be local cabin rentals or RV. Rifle and Muzzleloader hunts include five days of hunting. Archery hunts include six days, or ten days of hunting.

Rates for this area are as follows:

New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting for the Sacramento Mountain area

1 on 1 6 Day = $4500

2 on 1 6 Day = $3750

1 on 1 8 Day = $5750

2 on 1 8 Day = $5750

1 on 1 10 Day = $6750

2 on 1 10 Day = $6000

2012 Dates

September 1st-10th or 5th-10th (6,8 or 10 day hunts)

September 13th-22nd or 17th-22nd (6,8 or 10 day hunts)

New Mexico Muzzle Loader Elk Hunting for the Sacramento Mountain area

1 on 1 5 Day = $4500

2 on 1 5 Day = $3750

2012 Dates

October 13th-17th

New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting for the Sacramento Mountain area

1 on 1 5 Day = $4500

2 on 1 5 Day = $3750

2012 Dates

October 20th-24th

Private Land Elk Hunting

We have private land elk hunts are conducted on selected ranches in southern New Mexico.

Private Ranch Hunts

The Private Ranch is in unit 37 which is known for its world class bulls. The surrounding area is not known for high populations of elk but is noted for producing top end bulls with great mass. This ranch is almost 4000 acres that lies in the foothills of the Capitain mountains in south central New Mexico. The Private Ranch ranges from 6000 feet to almost 8000 feet in elevation. The terrain is mostly rolling hills with canyons covered by juniper and pinyon pine mixed with some grassy flats. All of which are backed up to the Capitan mountains. The terrain is mostly moderate with some steep more extreme areas. Although not this entire ranch is rough country it can be difficult to walk and navigate due to the rocky terrain.

What to Expect

Our goal is to kill 300" class bulls or better and believe this a very realistic goal do to the superior genetics on this ranch and in the region. Typically you will be seeing 5x5's up to 340 class bulls but you have the potential for the opportunity at a 350" class bull or better. However, there are many factors that will affect the outcome of your hunt. Weather is always something that can change animal behavior and patterns but you and I both know we cannot do anything about that. The one thing you as a hunter can control is physical conditioning and it is always important to be in the best shape possible. The better shape you are in the easier it will be for your guide to get you in position to get that perfect shot.

Weapon Choice and Tactics

Top Notch will be offering archery hunts as well as rifle hunts on the private ranch.

The archery hunts will take place September 3rd-8th, September 10th-15th and September 17th-22nd. The primary tactics for the archery hunts will be calling as long as the bulls are receptive to calling. Early September is the pre rut and the bulls will be starting to bugle and can be easier to call in because they are gathering their herds. Later in the season the bulls are bugling better which helps in locating them, but they often have cows, making it more difficult to call them in. If the bugling and rutting action is slow we will use water holes or even spot and stalk tactics to close the distance.

The rifle hunts can take place any five consecutive days from October 1st through December 31st and can be set at the time of booking. Early October is still in the rut and can have rutting action through most of the month of October. This means you are using archery tactics while hunting with a rifle in your hands! Needless to say this can be very exciting and usually high success. After the rut is over we will primarily be using spot and stalk methods, often glassing from higher vantage points and moving in for the shot. Some of this ranch is relatively flat and open while other parts are more mountainous and rugged with thick cover making shots anywhere from 20 yards to 500 yards.

We is offer private land elk hunts and wants to invite you!

Private Ranch prices:

$6900 includes landowner tag

$574 for state license

5 day rifle / 6 day archery

Top Notch Outfitters premier archery, muzzle loader, and rifle elk hunts for adults and youth in s            South central New Mexico.

Hunting Opportunities For Youth

We look forward with great enthusiasm as a New Mexico Elk Hunting Outfitter to participating in the yearly New Mexico youth elk hunts. It is our opinion that youth hunting is important and in some ways as enjoyable and memorable as other types of hunting. If a hunter has the opportunity to take advantage of a youth hunt, we would strongly encourage it.

New Mexico Department of Game and Fish is doing a great job in encouraging youth to get into hunting by offering many youth hunts throughout the state. These hunts usually take place during the best time to hunt. For example the youth elk hunts that we offer are in the peak of the “rut” or breeding season. The elk at this time of the year should be bugling and can be called in to close range for a fun and exciting hunt. These hunts are after a short break from the archery season but before any other rifle hunt. This gives the kids a great chance at success and a desire to continue our hunting traditions. New Mexico Elk Hunting is second to none when you take into account the quality of the elk and the draw odds for getting a tag. Draw odds vary from year to year and by unit but most youth hunters can expect to draw a tag anywhere from every two to four years.

Both areas we hunt offer specific hunting times for youth. The Gila area is a primitive weapons only area so the youth hunt is done with a muzzleloader. The Southern Sacramento area is a rifle hunt. Since the youth elk hunts take place during the rut or the peak of the breeding season it makes these hunts extremely exciting and successful with many of the shots coming at short ranges. To qualify for a youth hunt, the hunter must be younger than 18 years old and must provide proof of having successfully passed a hunter safety course BEFORE the application deadline in March. These hunts are fabulous experiences and usually result in a kill. New Mexico Elk Hunting is second to none when you consider the quality of game and the opportunity for tags. The draw odds for this hunt is usually about 30% with 100% on shot opportunities at mature bulls and many being once in a life time type bulls.

The hunt price includes a guide, meals, and lodging for both the youth hunter and accompanying guardian.

Rates for youth hunts are:

Southern Sacramento Youth Rifle:

1 on 1 = $3900

Dates

October 6th-10th

Gila Youth Muzzleloader:

1 on 1 = $3900

Dates

October 6th-10th

Although there is no elk hunting in the spring we have some great turkey hunting to offer. Turkey hunting has been compared to elk hunting and is like elk hunting in many ways. Turkey hunting takes place in the spring during the turkey’s mating season and like the elk, male turkeys or Tom’s gobble locating hens. As hunters we use this against the turkeys to either call them to us or to ambush them. Like elk hunting we will walk through some of the most beautiful mountains in southern New Mexico calling trying to locate turkeys either in the roost or out feeding once we locate turkeys we will set up and try to call them in.

We offers turkey hunts in south central New Mexico in the southern Sacramento Mountains. This area of New Mexico has a large number of Merriam turkeys, and the two-bird limit makes this a great hunting opportunity. If you are looking for a turkey slam or just want to hunt Merriam turkeys in the mountains Top Notch Outfitters can make it happen. You can choose a semi-guided hunt which consists of us locating the birds and you doing all of your own hunting and calling, or you can go with a fully-guided hunt where we do everything for you. Lodging will be in an RV or cabin, and meals will be provided. Licenses are sold over the counter for $120; a second tag is available for $10.

Average Hunt Price:

$300 per day

Typical Hunting Dates:

April 15th - May 10th

New Mexico Ibex Hunting

Did you know that you can hunt Ibex in New Mexico? Well in addition to hunting elk and turkeys, New Mexico also provides access to hunting Ibex. In 1970 15 Persian Ibex were brought into the Florida Mountains, in southwest New Mexico. Now with nearly 600 Ibex in this small mountain range the New Mexico Game and Fish has rifle hunts, muzzleloader hunts and archery hunts.

We are excited to be offering fully guided hunts for these elusive animals. Rifle dates are November 24th - December 10th, muzzleloader hunts are February 9th - 17th, and the archery hunts are January 1st - 15th and January 16th - 31st. The mountains that these goats live in are extreme to say the least; they start at the desert floor at about 4500 feet in elevation and climb to over 7000 feet! The rifle and muzzleloader hunts are slightly easier than the archery hunts but make no mistake, you must be in top shape for all three of these hunts!

We have personally hunted the Ibex here in New Mexico and guided numerous hunters for rifle, muzzleloader and archery. Many seasons have included the governors’ tag with hunters who killed a 46" billy. A youth hunter with multiple shots at 43" to 45" Billy’s finally killing a nice 38" billy. The archery hunters so far have killed a 24" double broke billy with the other two going home with thirteen shots between them. Over the years the overall success has been 100% kill on rifle and muzzleloader and 100% shot opportunities on archery. Rifle and muzzleloader shots have ranged anywhere from 100 yards to 450 yards and archery shots from 40 yards to 120 yards. Yes I said 120 yards for archery. Ibex have incredible sight and are afraid of their own shadow, which along with the very steep terrain makes for a very tough hunt with long shots. To be successful on an Ibex hunt you need to be able to shoot a rifle out to 500 yards, a muzzleloader out to 300 yards and a bow out to at least 100yards.

Lodging will be from motel or RV and the hunt price includes a guide, meals, lodging and a spotter.

Hunt Price:

7 Days $5950

Typical Hunting Dates:

Any 7 days with in the hunting dates

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Hunt ID: NM-ElkIbexTurkey-Capitan-TNO-Brian