New Mexico elk: Hunt late season on landowner permit

An outfitter we've known for years occasionally gets landowner elk permits that allow him to conduct a November or December hunt on a low-land ranch in the southern part of the state.

Most of the hunters on this ranch have killed six-point bulls that average well over 300 points with the biggest animals scoring in the 360 to 390-class. This hunt has been productive for the two to four hunters he has been accommodating every year, and now it looks as though he'll be getting a few more permits. In the past hunter success has fluctuated between 75 percent and 100 percent with most of the bulls scoring 300 or better with the bigger animals in the 350 to 390 class. If you book with a friend and share a guide, you can keep the cost down. Meals and accommodations are included. You can stay in a cabin or a motel, whichever you prefer, and the lodging is included in the price of the hunt.