Backcountry Source 

Elk Hunts  

Archery Hunts

Muzzleloader Hunts

Rifle  Hunts

Youth Hunts (<18)

Mobility  Impaired Hunt

Mule Deer Hunts

Archery Hunts

Rifle  Hunts

Youth Hunts (<18)

Oryx Hunts

Turkey Hunts
 

2008 Elk Hunts

Archery Elk

Unit 34, Bows Only, September 1-22, Either Sex Elk, High Demand License Fee ($768), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available. (This is a hot hunt and our top suggestion for a "First Choice" bowhunt. This is a 22 day season, and gives you great flexibility in choosing your hunt timing and also the chance to extend your hunt)
Hunt Code: ELK-2-306

Unit 6A, Bows Only, September 1-15, Either Sex Elk , Standard License Fee ($543), "Drop Camp" and all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good, first, second, or third choice)
Hunt Code: ELK-2-181

Unit 6A, Bows Only, September 16-22, Either Sex Elk, High Demand License Fee ($768), "Drop Camp" and all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (The mid-September dates put this choice deep into the rut and makes it a superb hunt. A highly recommended first,second, or third choice.)
Hunt Code: ELK-2-182

Archery Elk Program Hunt (Combination Unit 34, September 1-22; Unit 6A, September 1-15; and Unit 6A September 16-22) Submitting your application with these three hunts as your first, second, and third choice maximizes your odds of drawing a quality hunt. The three hunts of the program are all superb hunts. I am promoting this package to encourage participation in Unit 6A. This is an exceptional unit which we've been developing as a backup option for our hunters. Unit 34 is a consistent good producer and very popular with my archery hunters. Often my hunters will only apply for Unit 34 and I'll get a good group in 34 and only a few in 6A. Don't pass up 6A in your hunt consideration! This is a beautiful unit bordering the legendary Valles Caldera National Preserve. I suggest you avail yourself of this excellent opportunity to optimize your NM archery hunt prospects by applying for the Archery Elk Program Package.

For "Archery Elk Program Hunt" list the following hunts on your application in this order.

Hunt Code: ElK-2-306, Unit 34, September 1-22, Either Sex, High Demand ($768) (1st Choice)
Hunt Code: ElK-2-182, Unit 6A, September 16-22, Either Sex, High Demand ($768) (2nd Choice)
Hunt Code: ElK-2-181, Unit 6A, September 1-15, Either Sex, Standard Fee (543) (3rd Choice)


Valles Caldera (Unit 6B) , Bows Only, September 3-9, Either Sex, Quality License Fee ($768), Only " Valles Caldera Specialty Hunt" Packages Available (We are one of very few outfitters authorized to operate in this unit. This is a premium unit with very limited access and tags. The Valles Caldera is a national preserve and is managed very closely. This land was in private hands for the the last several hundred years. It was recently purchased by the government and is now operated as a public preserve. Application for this hunt is handled separately ; you'll apply directly with the Valles Caldera National Preserve. You may apply for this hunt and still apply for any of our other hunts. The drawing for these VCNP hunts is held prior to the regular state drawing. If you are successful, you'll be removed from consideration for the regular state drawing. This hunt is well worth the gamble. Special procedures are required to apply. click here to be directed to our special instruction page. This is your chance to go on an unmatched elk adventure. Take a chance; you'll thank me for it later!)
Hunt Code: September 3-9, Either Sex, Bow Only (See our "Valles Caldera National Preserve" page)



Valles Caldera (Unit 6B) , Bows Only, September 13-17(Rutting Big time!) Either Sex, Quality License Fee ($768), Only " Valles Caldera Specialty Hunt" Packages Available (We are one of very few outfitters authorized to operate in this unit. This is a premium unit with very limited access and tags. The Valles Caldera is a national preserve and is managed very closely. This land was in private hands for the the last several hundred years. It was recently purchased by the government and is now operated as a public preserve. Application for this hunt is handled separately ; you'll apply directly with the Valles Caldera National Preserve. You may apply for this hunt and still apply for any of our other hunts. The drawing for these VCNP hunts is held prior to the regular state drawing. If you are successful, you'll be removed from consideration for the regular state drawing. This hunt is well worth the gamble. Special procedures are required to apply.click here to be directed to our special instruction page. This is your chance to go on an unmatched elk adventure. Take a chance; you'll thank me for it later!)
Hunt Code:September 13-17, Either Sex, Bow Only (See our "Valles Caldera National Preserve" page)



Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Bow Only, September 1-10, Either Sex Elk, Quality License Fee ($768), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-2-137

Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Bow Only, September 16-22, Either Sex Elk, Quality License Fee ($768), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-2-138

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2008 Muzzleloader Elk
Unit 34, Muzzleloader, October 4-8, Mature Bull Elk Only (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), High Demand License Fee ($768), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available. (Our top pick for your Muzzleloader Elk first choice slot)
Hunt Code: ELK-3-309


Unit 6A, Muzzleloader, October 11-15, Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), High Demand License Fee ($768) (Good pick for your Muzzleloader Elk first or second choice slot)
Hunt Code: ELK-3-183

Unit 6C, Muzzleloader, October 11-15, Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available. (Good second or third choice if you're willing to accept a unit with a little lower elk population)
Hunt Code: ELK-3-204

Unit 2, Muzzleloader, October 4-8, Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available. (Good second or third choice. Unit 2 is our home unit. It's a legendary mule deer unit, but we've had good elk hunting here too. This unit is a sleeper, because it doesn't look like typical elk habitat, but ends up being a fun hunt for our hunters. We always kill some nice bulls here. This is a tag that you are very likely to draw and makes a great "back-up" selection. See our Unit 2 Elk page)
Hunt Code: ELK-3-101




Muzzleloader Elk Program Hunt (Combination Unit 34, October 4-8; Unit 6A, October 11-15. Submitting your application with these two hunts as your first and second choice maximizes your odds of drawing a quality hunt. The two hunts of the program are superb hunts. I am promoting this package to encourage participation in Unit 6A. This is an exceptional unit which we've been developing as a backup option for our hunters. Unit 34 is a consistent good producer and very popular with my elk hunters. Often my hunters will only apply for Unit 34 and I'll get a good group in 34 and only a few in 6A. Don't pass up 6A in your hunt consideration! This is a beautiful unit bordering the legendary Valles Caldera National Preserve. I suggest you take advantage of this excellent opportunity to optimize your NM muzzleloader hunt prospects by applying for the Muzzleloader Elk Program Package.

For "Muzzleloader Elk Program Hunt" list the following hunts on your application in a this order.

Hunt Code: ElK-3-309, Unit 34, October 4-8, Mature Bull , High Demand ($768) (First Choice)
Hunt Code: ElK-3-183, Unit 6A, October 11-15, Mature Bull, High Demand ($768) (Second Choice)


Valles Caldera (Unit 6B) , Muzzleloader Only, October 4-8, Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) , Quality License Fee ($768), Only " Valles Caldera Specialty Hunt" Packages Available (We are one of very few outfitters authorized to operate in this unit. This is a premium unit with very limited access and tags. The Valles Caldera is a national preserve and is managed very closely. This land was in private hands for the the last several hundred years (What was known as the Baca Ranch). It was recently purchased by the government and is now operated as a public preserve. The habitat is breathtaking. Application for this hunt is handled separately ; you'll apply directly with the Valles Caldera National Preserve. You may apply for this hunt and still apply for any of our other hunts. The drawing for these VCNP hunts is held prior to the regular state drawing. If you are successful, you'll be removed from consideration for the regular state drawing. This hunt is well worth the gamble. Special procedures are required to apply. click here to be directed to our special VCNP instruction page. This is your chance to go on an unmatched elk adventure. Take a chance; you'll thank me for it later!)
Hunt Code: October 4-8, Mature Bull, Muzzleloader (See our "Valles Caldera National Preserve" page)



Valles Caldera (Unit 6B) , Muzzleloader Only, October 4-8, Cow Elk (Any antlerless elk) , Standard License Fee ($333), Only " Valles Caldera Specialty Hunt" Packages Available (We are one of very few outfitters authorized to operate in this unit. This is a premium unit with very limited access and tags. The Valles Caldera is a national preserve and is managed very closely. This land was in private hands for the the last several hundred years (What was known as the Baca Ranch}. It was recently purchased by the government and is now operated as a public preserve. The habitat is breathtaking. Application for this hunt is handled separately ; you'll apply directly with the Valles Caldera National Preserve. You may apply for this hunt and still apply for any of our other hunts. The drawing for these VCNP hunts is held prior to the regular state drawing. If you are successful, you'll be removed from consideration for the regular state drawing. This hunt is well worth the gamble. Special procedures are required to apply. click here to be directed to our special VCNP instruction page. This is your chance to go on an unmatched elk adventure. Take a chance; you'll thank me for it later!)
Hunt Code: October 4-8, Antlerless (See our "Valles Caldera National Preserve"page)


 

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2008 Rifle Elk

Unit 34, Rifle, October 11-15, Mature Bull Only (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) High Demand License Fee ($768), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Great "First Choice")
Hunt Code: ELK-1-310

Unit 34, Rifle, November 22-26, Cow Elk (Any Antlerless Elk) Standard License Fee ($333), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good first, second, or third choice)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-311

Unit 34, Rifle, November 29 - December 3, Cow Elk ( Any Antlerless Elk) Standard License Fee ($333), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good first, second, or third choice)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-312

Unit 6A, Rifle, October 18-22, Mature Bull Only (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Great "First, Second, or Third Choice")
Hunt Code: ELK-1-184

Unit 6A, Rifle, October 25-29, Mature Bull Only (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Great "First, Second, or Third Choice")
Hunt Code: ELK-1-185

Rifle Elk Program Hunt (Combination Unit 34, October 13-17; Unit 6A, October 20-24; and Unit 6A October 27-31) Submitting your application with these three hunts as your first second and third choice (in any order) maximizes your odds of drawing a quality hunt. The three hunts of the program are all superb hunts. I am promoting this package to encourage participation in Unit 6A. This is an exceptional unit which we've been developing as a backup option for our hunters. Unit 34 is a consistent good producer and very popular with my elk hunters. Often my hunters will only apply for Unit 34 and I'll get a good group in 34 and only a few in 6A. Don't pass up 6A in your hunt consideration! This is a beautiful unit bordering the legendary Valles Caldera National Preserve. I suggest you take advantage of this excellent opportunity to optimize your NM rifle hunt prospects by applying for the Rifle Elk Program Package.

For "Rifle Elk Program Hunt" list the following hunts on your application in this order.

Hunt Code: ElK-1-310, Unit 34, October 11-15, Mature Bull , High Demand ($768)
Hunt Code: ElK-1-184, Unit 6A, October 18-22, Mature Bull, Standard Fee (543)
Hunt Code: ElK-1-185, Unit 6A, October 25-29, Mature Bull, Standard Fee ($543)

Unit 2, Rifle, October 11-15, Bull Elk Only, Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good Second, or Third choice. Unit 2 is our home unit. It's a legendary mule deer unit, but we've had good elk hunting here too. This unit is a sleeper, because it doesn't look like typical elk habitat, but ends up being a fun hunt for our hunters. This is a tag that you are very likely to draw and makes a great "back-up" selection. See our Unit 2 Elk page))
Hunt Code: ELK-1-102



Unit 2, Rifle, December 6-10, Cow Only (Any Antlerless Elk) Standard License Fee ($333), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good first, second, or third choice. Unit 2 is our home unit. It's a legendary mule deer unit, but we've had good elk hunting here too. This unit is a sleeper, because it doesn't look like typical elk habitat, but ends up being a fun hunt for our hunters. This is a tag that you are most likely to draw and makes a great "back-up" selection. See our Unit 2 Elk page))
Hunt Code: ELK-1-103

Unit 2, Rifle, Youth Only (<18 y.o.)December 6-10, Cow Only (Any Antlerless Elk) Standard License Fee ($333), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good first, second, or third choice. Unit 2 is our home unit. It's a legendary mule deer unit, but we've had good elk hunting here too. This unit is a sleeper, because it doesn't look like typical elk habitat, but ends up being a fun hunt for our hunters. This is a tag that you are most likely to draw and makes a great "back-up" selection. See our Unit 2 Elk page))
Hunt Code: ELK-1-104



Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Rifle, October 4-8, Quality License Fee ($768), Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-139

Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Rifle, October 11-15, Quality License Fee ($768), Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-140


Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Rifle, October 18-22, Quality License Fee ($768), Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-141


Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Rifle, October 25-29, Standard License Fee ($543), Mature Bull (Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-142

Sargent Wildlife Management Area, Unit 4, Rifle, November 1-5, Standard License Fee ($333), Cow Elk (Any Antlerless Elk), only "Special Opportunity Hunt" packages available. This is a State Game Preserve and is some of the most spectacular elk habitat there is. There are a very limited number of tags available, but is definitely worth the try. Take a chance on a hunt of a lifetime and put this a first choice on your application. It won't hurt your odds of drawing your second or third choices and just might be a big home-run. See our "Special Opportunity Hunts" page)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-143

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2007 Mobility Impaired Elk

Unit 34, Rifle, Mobility Impaired (Requires New Mexico M.I. Certificate), September 27-October 1, Mature Bull Only (Mature Bull Minimum 6" fork or brow-tine) Standard License Fee ($543), only "Outfitted- Fully Guided" Hunt Packages Available (This is an unbeatable rifle hunt in the peak of the rut if you qualify for Mobility Impaired status)
Hunt Code: ELK- 1-308

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2008 Youth Only Elk

Unit 34, Rifle, Youth Only (<18 y.o.), September 27-October 1 , Either Sex Elk, High Demand License Fee ($768), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available. (This is a superb bull or cow hunt in the peak of the rut. This will likely set the high mark of your youngster's hunting career)
Hunt Code: ELK-1-307


Unit 2, Rifle, Youth Only, (<18 y.o.), December 6-10, Cow Only (Any Antlerless Elk) Standard License Fee ($333), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available
Hunt Code: ELK-1-104


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Mule Deer Options

 

2008 Rifle Mule Deer

We only hunt unit 2 for mule deer. This is our home unit. We live here and know this unit. There is no better mule deer hunting in New Mexico.

Unit 2A, Rifle, November 1-5, Standard License Fee ($270), Buck Only (Minimum Fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good second or third choice)
Hunt Code: DER-1-101

Unit 2B, Rifle, October 25-29, Standard License Fee ($270), Buck Only (Minimum Fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good second or third choice)
Hunt Code: DER-1-104

Unit 2B, Rifle, November 1-5, Standard License Fee ($270), Buck Only (Minimum Fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Good second, or third choice)
Hunt Code: DER-1-106

Unit 2B, Rifle, November 8-12, Quality License Fee ($355), Buck Only (Minimum fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (Our top pick for your first choice. Superb hunt with monster muleys in start of rut)
Hunt Code: DER-1-108

Unit 2C, Rifle, November 15-19, Quality License Fee ($355), Buck Only (Minimum Fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available (This is a newly formed trophy unit with some huge bucks in it. This unit is big and rough and is for the serious mule deer hunter. THIS IS A SUPERB UNIT. Tags are very limited here, but it's your chance to kill a record book deer. The record books are dominated by bucks from this county(Rio Arriba) This is a late hunt and the rut is kicking in. The big boys will be stepping out. We love this unit but you have to be aware that you are in for a hunt that will be demanding and require good optics and a lot of concentration. Truly the best hunt out there for the trophy mule deer enthusiast.
Hunt Code: DER-1-110

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2008 Mule Deer Youth Only


Unit 2A, Rifle, Youth Only (<18), October 25-29, Standard License Fee ($270), Buck Only (Minimum Fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available
Hunt Code: DER-1-100

Unit 2B, Rifle, Youth Only (<18) October 18-22, Standard License Fee ($270), Buck Only (Minimum fork Antlered), all "Outfitted" Hunt Packages Available
Hunt Code: DER-1-103


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2008 Oryx

Note: Oryx Applications are due by February 6, 2008. Only 2 hunters are allowed per application. These are the premier "once-in-a-lifetime" hunts (literally; you can only legally hold one of these tags once in your life)

Rhodes Canyon, Rifle, January 31-February 1, 2009, Either Sex, License Fee $1618 (Plus $150 White Sands Missile Range access fee), Meat and Trophy Care, Meals, Guiding and Accommodations $1200 / Hunter
Hunt Code:ORX-1-106

Rhodes Canyon, Rifle, February 28-March 1, 2009, Either Sex, License Fee $1618, (Plus $150 White Sands Missile Range access fee), Meat and Trophy Care, Meals, Guiding and Accommodations $1200 / Hunter
Hunt Code:ORX-1-108

Stallion Range, Rifle, January 17-18, 2009, Either Sex, License Fee $1618, (Plus $150 White Sands Missile Range access fee), Meat and Trophy Care, Meals, Guiding and Accommodations $1200 / Hunter
Hunt Code: ORX-1-118

Stallion Range, Rifle, February 14-15, 2009, Either Sex, License Fee $1618, (Plus $150 White Sands Missile Range access fee), Meat and Trophy Care, Meals, Guiding and Accommodations $1200 / Hunter
Hunt Code:ORX-1-120


Stallion Range, Rifle, March 21-22, 2009, Either Sex, License Fee $1618, (Plus $150 White Sands Missile Range access fee), Meat and Trophy Care, Meals, Guiding and Accommodations $1200 / Hunter
Hunt Code:ORX-1-122

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Turkey Hunts


We will conduct spring turkey hunts in Unit 34, the Sacramento Mountains of south central New Mexico. There are great turkey numbers here and this is a good opportunity to add a Merriams to your slam. Available dates for these hunts are From April 15-May 10. 2008. Tags are available over the counter and are not subject to any draw requirements. Your first tag costs $110 and you may purchase a second tag for $10. You may take one bearded turkey with each of these tags. This is a great way to shed the winter blues in some beautiful country. We will be hunting in and around the Lincoln Forest. Don't miss this chance for an unforgettable western turkey hunt experience for Merriam's. We will set a classic wall tent camp in the middle of prime hunting area. These camps will be the same comfortable setup we're known for on our elk and deer hunts. We'll provide all your accommodations, meals, and supplies for any 5 day hunt period in the above range of dates. We'll put you in great pre-scouted places and get you into some great spring turkey action.


Cost / person: $1450 for a 5 day all inclusive hunt.

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