I didn't draw a NM elk tag this year so the outfitter I decided on (based on TexAgs suggestions) is no longer an option. I would still like to go elk hunting this year and am now looking at OTC options. Does anybody have a good suggestion from past experience? Not looking for a trophy but more of an experience and meat hunt. Ideally it will be a wilderness hunt with wall tents, etc. budget is in the $5k range. So far I've been looking at Compass West or San Juan Outfitting

What area are you looking for? I guided and packed for an ranch in SW Colorado, that I would highly recommend.

I have hunted twice with Kiowa Hunting, out of New Mexico. One was a private ranch cow hunt west of Raton, and the other was a private ranch bull hunt near Gallup.

The guides for both were very good. However, If you have a limit on your range, tell them, especially on the bull hunt, as I took (and missed) a few shots at 650-850 yards before I was finally able to take the one I wanted.

Thanks - no real preference on area. Main goal is to shoot a bull (not real picky on size as this will be my first bull elk hunt and again main purpose is to have a fun time outdoors and if at all possible stock the freezer with my favorite meat).

Circle K Guest Ranch

I'm booked rifle 2 with SJO in 2020

Highly recommend.

+1 for San Juan Outfitters

Any info on pricing for SJO for bull elk hunt? Rifle. ?? Doesn't look like it's listed on his website.

http://sanjuanoutfitting.com/drop_camp.php

Drop camp prices. Call him for fully guided, lots of variables there. Awesome crew

Apparently I just won an auction hunt for pronghorn in CO next year with Kiowa. Glad to see you had a good experience with them... looking forward to my first speedgoat Hunt!

I've had some good friends use Kiowa and have been really happy with them (i'm going on an antelope hunt with them this fall, but have never personally used them myself). I drew a Unit 34 NM archery elk tag this year and didn't put in with an outfitter (put in for different regions of the state) and i chose Compass West for mine. I've heard great things about them and the owner Chris seems to really know his stuff and consistently shoots big elk.

Central Committee said:

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The guides for both were very good. However, If you have a limit on your range, tell them, especially on the bull hunt, as I took (and missed) a few shots at 650-850 yards before I was finally able to take the one I wanted.

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Central Committee -- how good of a bull did you end up taking? I'm considering something with them for 2020 potentially.