Of all the western states where you can elk hunt, few can compare to the great state of New Mexico. Having lived right next to New Mexico my entire life, I’ve almost spent more time hunting here than in my home state. With diverse landscapes and excellent elk populations, this state should be at the top of your list if you are planning your own DIY hunt. 

New Mexico is a fairly simple state to start hunting in, but there are a few questions you might have before you make the trip. For example, you need an elk tag to hunt elk but how hard are these tags to get? What about the costs and gear that’s needed? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of planning a dream elk hunt in New Mexico, and I’ll lay out everything you need to know! 

Elk Hunting Costs in New Mexico

One of the first considerations that go into any hunting trip is how much it’s going to cost. Unless you have an unlimited budget, this is generally a good starting point. As a nonresident of the state, elk tags are going to cost a lot more than you might think but luckily you will save yourself some money when you plan on going DIY. 

There are two main prices for elk tags in New Mexico if you are lucky enough to draw a tag. There are standard elk tags and quality or high-demand elk tags, each with different price tags.

A standard elk tag in New Mexico will cost you $548, while a quality or high-demand tag will run you $773. 

The difference between a standard tag and a quality tag will depend on the unit you are hunting, as well as the time of year the hunt takes place. That’s not to say that elk hunting isn’t good on standard tags. My biggest elk have been taken on standard tags that are easier to draw. 

Whether you apply for standard tags or quality tags (or a combination of the two), you will also need to buy a $65 non-resident hunting license. This is non-refundable, even when you are unsuccessful in drawing an elk tag. With a license and a tag in your pocket, you have one of the biggest expenses out of the way! 

Next, you need to think about travel costs. I’m fortunate to live right next to New Mexico in Arizona, so just a little gas money gets me right into some amazing elk units. But if you live further away, gas costs or a plane ticket will be your next big cost. Add in any rental vehicles (if flying) or hotel costs and the price gets higher. If hunting DIY, I suggest driving and camping from your vehicle to cut down on costs as much as possible but hey, that’s just me. 

The last big cost will come down to food for the hunt and extra hunting gear you might not already have. Food can be done as cheap or as expensive as you want, but when camping I find that the easier the meal, the better. The last thing you want to do after a hard day of elk hunting is get back to camp and have to spend an hour cooking! On top of food, you’ll need any hunting gear you might not already have, but more on that later. 

How Hard Is It to Get Elk Tags in New Mexico?

If you’ve got the money, you could potentially hunt elk in New Mexico every year. This state does NOT have over-the-counter tags, but they do give landowners elk tags that can then be sold. These landowner permits usually cost a pretty penny, however, so your best bet is to draw a tag through the draw system. The deadline to apply for elk tags in New Mexico is typically around mid-March. 

Odds are not relatively good for drawing elk tags here, but you’ll never draw if you don’t apply. That being said, it all comes down to your strategy and where you apply. 

People who only apply for top-end, trophy units as a non-resident may never draw a tag while someone who is ok hunting a lower-tier unit could draw a tag very regularly. The great thing about New Mexico? A good bull could be killed in just about every unit in the state. Some just produce more than others, but an elk tag is an elk tag in my opinion. I just want to go elk hunting! 

New Mexico Game and Fish Department publishes draw odds and success tips every year on their website and is a wealth of great information. They also do a great job breaking down their draw process and how to make the most of it, which I highly recommend reading. You can find the most recent reports at this link.

What Do I Need to Hunt Elk in New Mexico?

New Mexico elk can be found in a wide variety of different terrain and elevations, which adds a unique twist to your hunt. That being said, along with your tag and license, you will need some basic gear items no matter what part of the state you are in. A quality pair of optics, comfortable hiking boots, and a good pack should be the most important pieces of gear that you bring.

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No matter the season, good binoculars will help you spot and find elk. Hiking will get you into better elk country and away from other hunters, so make sure those boots are broken in. Finally, a good pack will carry your other gear (food, water, calls, first-aid, kill kit, etc.) and help to pack out your elk if you are lucky enough to fill your tag. 

If you find yourself hunting lower elevations or in one of the desert units for elk, I also recommend bringing along plenty of sunscreen and some snake gaiters. Even during the later seasons as the temperatures go down, I’ve stumbled upon plenty of rattlesnakes while chasing elk and they just come with the territory. But the risk is well worth the reward of the beautiful country and amazing elk hunting! 

Final Thoughts

I love elk hunting in New Mexico, and killed my biggest bull to date in this amazing state. From the great elk populations to the trophy potential, few other places can compare. A DIY hunt is always going to be challenging, but if there’s anywhere you stand the best chance of killing a slammer bull on DIY hunt, it has got to be New Mexico! 

If you enjoyed this article, here are some more helpful articles from Pinetrees And Solitude. 

• How Much Is A Mule Deer Hunt? Guided vs. DIY
• What You Need For An Idaho Mule Deer Hunt
• Catch Mule Deer While They Are Active
• What Should I Bring Elk Hunting? Idaho List
• Hunting Elk In Timber: Tactics To Even The Odds

(This article was originally published on Pintreesandsolitude.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.)