The southern Sacramento Mountains in south central New Mexico provides an opportunity to hunt trophy class elk without the rigors required to reach a pack of animals from a wilderness camp. The Sacramento Mountains range in elevation from 6,500 feet to over 10,000 feet. The terrain consists of meadows; canyons and timber covered ridges; aspens and oaks at the higher elevations, and juniper, Pinon and oak brush are located in the lower elevations. Unit 34 borders the southern end of the renowned Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

Although I have hunted and been to most of the higher elevation forest in Unit 34, our hunts will concentrate on the eastern southern border of the unit that borders private land of which ElkGuyd’s Big Hunting Service has access to hunt on. Most of the elevation where we hunt is around 6,500 feet with some peaks going up to 8,000 feet.

The land is somewhat rocky and a good pair of hunting boots is required. Plan on getting in good shape even though 6,500 does not sound too high, one still has to have the stamina to hunt all day and still be able to withstand the variation in climates that can occur daily.

During the archery hunts in September, be prepared to bring a good rain suit as it usually rains in the afternoon, with thunderstorms and temperatures that can drop pretty rapidly. Layered clothing is recommended and bring along plenty of scent free soap and deodorant.

If you are hunting in October or November, the weather does get cooler and we have seen snow storms occur this early in the year.

Spot and stalk is a good way of hunting elk and a good pair of binoculars is essential. Don’t forget to bring your range finder with plenty of extra batteries. A GPS is handy, but not required as you can see the sunrise and sunset from a high vantage point, but it comes in handy when you mark the spot where you last shot your elk.

Another method of hunting elk that has gotten popular over the last couple of years is to use a tree stand or a ground blind over a water hole. Although tree stand hunting is most popular with white tail deer hunting in the East, it has become quite popular here in the west. Finding a remote water hole is the only problem. Being that Unit 34 is mostly forest land and accessible to all the lucky hunters that drew out, it is a benefit to be able to have access to private land and use their water holes where only the few allowed hunters can access. There are water holes that are in the forest where we like to hunt, but they are at least 2 to 3 miles from any road, so the average hunter has to walk a distance before getting to that area; but not hunters who are with ElkGuyd’s Big Game Hunting Service. We have access to prime private land that accesses the forest and you are only minutes away from water holes where only those who hunt with my service will have that privilege . This is a huge advantage when it comes to hunting bull elk during the rut. As you know they like to wallow in these water holes and cool off, especially if the weather gets a bit warm.

ElkGuyd’s Big Game Hunting Service takes pride in assembling the best in elk guides and their calling capabilities. Robert, Armando, Jay and I continue to practice and perfect the calling techniques to be able to call in those big monster bulls. The elk in this part of the unit are very call receptive and a day will not go by without hearing a good elk call sequence.

Did I mention waterproof boots? I did mention a good pair of hunting boots, but because of the early morning dew in the open meadows it would be a good idea to make sure the boots are waterproof or at least water resistant. I wear waterproof gaiters during the early mornings to help keep my boots and lower pant legs dry.

If you forget to bring a part of your essential equipment, i.e. arrows, broad heads, scent control wafers, scent control spray; there is a Wal-Mart, at 233 New York Avenue, Alamogordo, NM, 88310, Phone 575 437-3176. which is about 65 miles away. I usually have additional items in case one should forget to bring such items.

If one has trouble with their hunting equipment, such as their bow or rifle, there is a gun and archery shop in Alamogordo which has helped our hunters in times of trouble with short notice. The name of the shop is Dave’s Guns, 1498 10th Street, Alamogordo, NM 88310. Their phone number is 575 437-8080.

I hope that I have covered everything that is needed for you to make a wise decision on choosing a hunting service for your upcoming hunt. EGBGHS is a down to earth, sincere service that believes in making every hunt a memorable experience.

Feel free to send me an e-mail at elkguyd@elkguydshuntingservice.com or give me a phone call at 575 532-9194. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Don’t forget that the application deadline for this year is April .8^th

Good Hunting!!!!