are usually closer than 100 yards and sometimes as close as 30. Archery and muzzleloader hunts are also available throughout New Mexico. Winter often comes early to the high country of New Mexico so you’ll need to bring warm boots and heavy underwear. Late-season hunts, especially those in the mountains, can be very cold, so good boots and warm, layered clothing are a must. Camouflage clothing, including for your hands and face, is essential, especially during the rut when you are calling bulls in. The ruggedness of your hunt depends on the time of year and where you would like to go. You can find great hunts that are suited to your physical abilities — from a hunt that requires only a minimum of hiking, on up to an extended backcountry hunt on horseback spending several
days at a remote mountain camp. Due to the variety of New Mexico’s terrain and the large distribution of its elk herds, your options are seemingly endless. Elk hunting is never easy but the rewards are high. A trophy bull elk hanging on the trophy room wall is a true testament of a big game hunter’s prowess. BIGHORN SHEEP The sheep outfitting industry has a long respected reputation in New Mexico and the Rocky Mountain bighorns of the state’s alpine wilderness are a premier trophy for sportsmen from around the world. Hunts currently take place in the Pecos and Wheeler Peak wilderness areas above 12,000-feet elevation in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. There is also an annual hunt for desert bighorns in the southern part of
Backcountry Hunts Outfitter - Steve Jones (575) 887-6178
1029 Haston Rd, Carlsbad, NM 88220 stevejones@backcountryhunts.com www.backcountryhunts.com
RIFLE • MUZZLELOADER • BOW Javelina Mountain Lion Black Bear Russian Boar Texas Exotics Turkey Mule Deer Whitetail Deer Elk Antelope Aoudad Varmints
Outfitter for Hunts in New Mexico and Texas with over 25 years experience 10 NEW MEXICO OUTDOORS | www.nmoutfitters.com
the state, which is a rare and prized opportunity for sheep hunters. Most Rocky Mountain bighorn outfitting in New Mexico is done in the old-time style with packhorses and tent frame camps. The seasoned sheep hunter knows there will be long days in the saddle and that the climbing in the high country will be tough on the legs and feet. It is essential to get your body in shape and it is probably just as important to toughen up your mind. You will have to rough it a bit and there may be some long days and cold nights. The weather could sock in and you could spend days in your sleeping bag listening to the pounding of rain or the whisper of falling snow. Always be safe in this remote country and pack emergency gear. You cannot have too many clothes because the weather can turn dangerous within hours if not minutes. A good mountain rifle is imperative
NEW MEXICO BIG-GAME HUNTS
Blue Mountain Outfitters Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Oryx, Merriams Turkey Archery, Muzzleloader, Rifle
Experienced 20+ yrs Guiding & Outfitting BOB ATWOOD
PO Box 697 Dept OC Belen, NM 87002
505-864-6867