Guided Elk Hunts in New Mexico

Southwest NM Elk Hunting

We specialize in elk hunting in the southwest portion of New Mexico in units that span the Cibola, Gila, and Lincoln National Forests - specifically in units 13, 14, 15, all the 16s, 17, 18, and 23. These units are home to some of the best elk hunting in the state of NM and are known for consistently producing trophy caliber bulls. Some of the areas, such as the Gila National Forest, are world-renowned for having some of the most premier elk hunting in all of North America.

Our team of hunting elk guides at Radiant R Outfitters spends many hours in the field each season gathering intel on trophy bulls to ensure that you will have an opportunity to hunt some of the best elk that a particular unit has to offer. If you are looking for a truly special guided elk hunt, Southwest New Mexico offers just that.

What to Expect on a NM Elk Hunt

New Mexico is well known for its harvest record of large, mature elk, and we spend all year scouting and glassing in preparation for each of the elk hunting seasons, from September archery to October muzzleloader and rifle seasons. Elk tags are obtained by the lottery/draw system or by purchase of a landowner tag, creating a level of exclusivity that leads to incredible trophy quality across the state. When traveling to New Mexico for an elk hunt, you have a very realistic chance of chasing the bull of a lifetime.

Archery Elk Hunts

Bow hunting elk in New Mexico during the early season rut is one of the best hunting experiences in North America. Our archery elk hunts can include a variety of different hunting methods, ranging from spot and stalk hunting and chasing bugling bulls over the rolling hill country, to sitting over a wallow/waterhole during a 90+ degree day. Our elk hunting guides have years of local knowledge that will help them determine the best hunting method for getting a big bull on the ground.

Shot distances range from 20 to 80 yards, and we ask clients to know what their equipment is doing to 80+ yards to ensure they are completely prepared for the hunt. 

Book an Elk Bow Hunt

Rifle/Muzzleloader Elk Hunts

Throughout the month of October, we switch our focus to firearm elk hunts in Southern New Mexico. Depending on the season, hunters can use a either muzzleloader with open sights, or a rifle. During First Season, you can expect to still be chasing bugles hunting the elk spot-and-stalk style. Second Season will offer a slightly different style of hunt, glassing big canyon country and stalking bulls as they head up to their winter range. Our elk hunting guides know the hunting areas and the elk patterns extremely well and will keep you on the bulls as the conditions change. 

Shot distances for both firearm hunts can range from 100 to 500 yards.

New Mexico consistently produces some of the biggest bull elk in the country, and a rifle or muzzleloader hunt is one the best ways to put your hands on the bull of your dreams.

Book a Firearm Elk Hunt

Elk Hunt Pricing

$9,000 / PERSON

• 6 Day Archery, 5 Day Muzzleloader or Rifle Hunt
• Lodge-based hunt including meals and accommodations
• 1 X 1 guided hunt 
• Field Dressing of animal and delivery to processor included

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Elk Hunting Lodge

Our hunting lodge is based in beautiful Magdalena, New Mexico in hunting Unit 17. This custom home was built in 2019 and includes three bathrooms and three bedrooms with bunk house style sleeping arrangements. It is on 140 acres that we routinely harvest elk and mule deer from, and features beautiful panoramic views. We will use this lodge for our hunts in Unit 13, 17, and 18. If we hunt in other units, we use a variety of other accommodations.

All you need to bring is your personal gear, rifle, ammunition, bow, and arrows. We also provide a short list of recommended gear for each hunting season.

Recommended Gear List