Frequently asked questions from Hunters about Outfitters or Hunting Services:

WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN CAN I EXPECT WHERE I WILL BE HUNTING?

Our hunts will be mostly in elevations around 6500 to 8200 feet. Lots of Juniper, Piñon, Cedar trees and Oak Brush. There are forest areas to the north of the unit that go as high as 9,500 feet with high country meadows, Aspens, Ponderosa Pines and Lodge Pole Pines. Our service prefers to stay in the lower elevations which make it easier for the hunter to get acclimated to the altitude.

WHAT PERSONAL ITEMS WILL I NEED TO BRING?

Bring your own personal health care products, clothing, extra boots, extra socks, underwear. If you want to bring your own personal sleeping bag you can, although we will provide one for you if you do not have one. Bring a compass, flashlight, batteries, marking tape, a sharp knife, small first aid kit, your own back pack or fanny pack, gloves, scent control spray, and don’t forget your personal weapon. If you happen to forget that, we can provide one for you in an emergency situation.

WHAT CALIBER OF ELK CAN I EXPECT TO SEE AND/OR HARVEST?

As you can see by the photos here on my web site, we have harvested elk ranging from 250 pope and young to 386 pope and young points. I would say that the average 6 x 6 bull elk will be around the 280 to 330 category. I would not be surprised to harvest bulls bigger like we did in 2005 where the average point total was around 350. And as you can see by the sheds I have found, there are bulls in the 370+ category as well; roaming the area where we will hunt.

DOES THE CHANGE IN WEATHER MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ELK BEHAVIOR?

As was the case last year when we had 3 inches of rain in 3 days for the opening of the archery season, the bulls were more nocturnal and remained split in smaller than usual herds. Due to the abundance of moisture and grass at the higher elevations, the elk did not have the need to move down toward the lower elevations for food and water. A dry season tends to be more predictable because you can pattern the elk with the water holes that are available. With lots of moisture, it makes it more difficult to find them.

IS THERE A GUARANTEE THAT I WILL HARVEST AN ANIMAL?

Our service does not offer a guarantee of harvesting an animal, but rather offers the opportunity to be in an area that produces quality elk. Our guides are excellent callers and very familiar with the area where you will be hunting and a day usually does not go by where one will not have a close encounter. As an example, I personally had thirteen close encounters in one day with a hunter that I was guiding and it made for quite an exciting day. We did not harvest an animal that day, but the memories from those close encounters will never be forgotten.

WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES WILL I HAVE IN HARVESTING AN ANIMAL?

As in the previous answer, the opportunities lie in the determination of the hunter, the area where one hunts and the factor of the weather conditions for that particular day. Knowledge of the area is another major factor where one will be presented with the opportunity to see or harvest an animal. Whether guided or non-guided, we all know as hunters that based on annual harvest percentages, the average harvest percentage is around 12%. One thing you can be sure of is that our service will do everything possible to give the hunter the best possible opportunity to harvest an animal. It always come down to the hunter themselves on whether the opportunity will become successful.

DO I HAVE TO ENGAGE IN A WRITTEN CONTRACT WITH AN OUTFITTER?

New Mexico Statutes require that outfitters provide a written contract for outfitting services to each resident and nonresident who seeks to use the services of a registered outfitter. State Game Commission rules require that the contract be signed and executed with each client before the hunt begins. In addition, if a nonresident applies for a license granted from a special drawing for a hunt on public lands, and the application is to be placed in the 12% pool of applicants, the contract must be executed before the nonresident applies for the license. It is always recommended that you get a detailed written contract so there is no question as to what services you are going to receive.

HOW DO I GET AN OUTFITTER’S REGISTRATION NUMBER SO I WOULD BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR ANY SPECIAL HUNT?

Any client should get the outfitter’s registration number when applying for any special draw hunt from the outfitter but only after signing a written contract with the outfitter. After signing a contract with the outfitter, the outfitter by Game Commission Regulation is required to provide his/her outfitter number to nonresidents.

DOES THE OUTFITTER HAVE TO PHYSICALLY ACCOMPANY ME ON MY HUNT?

The outfitter does not have to physically accompany you on your hunt but he is required by State Statute and Game Commission Regulation to fulfill all requirements outlined in the signed written contract, as well as providing at least one guide for every four hunters or less.

WHAT IF I WANT TO FIND OUT IF AN OUTFITTER OR GUIDE IS REGISTERED OR HAS HAD ANY COMPLAINTS FILED AGAINST THEM?

Any individual who wants to find out if an outfitter or guide is registered with the Department can obtain a current outfitter or guide list from the Department’s web site at www.wildlife.state.nm. You also can contact the Outfitter/Guide Registrar at 505-222-4711. The Registrar can provide you information on not only what individuals are currently registered with the Department but if they have any complaints filed against them. In addition, you should check any references provided by the outfitter.

HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST AN OUTFITTER?

A person can file a complaint against an outfitter simply by writing a letter to the Outfitter/Guide Registrar that explains the complaint in detail, please include a copy of the signed written contract and forward the complaint to 3841 Midway Place NE, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109. A person can also print the complaint form that the department uses off of the Game and Fish web site and simply follow the forms’ instructions. Complaints can also be filed with the New Mexico Attorney General’s office.