I know most of you guys are DIY hunters but can anyone suggest a full service outfitter for the 2022 season? I am looking for my first and probably last Elk hunt so I dont mind going all out for this one. My 70th birthday is not too far in the future (I hope)! Upper tier ranches get booked fast!

Honestly, you’d be looking for a 22 or 23 hunt at this stage of the game. That assumes you are after bulls. There’s still time to shop for a 21 cow elk hunt, if Lady Luck shines on you.

Yes, 2022. I could get a Oct 15th hunt but really wanted to do late Sept early Oct to hunt the rut. Those hunts were all taken. Oct 15 was the only one left. North central NM.

Jicirilla Reservation.

The Lodge at Chama

Might fit your needs

Thank you

I’ve a very good outfitter I’d recommend. The problem is he’s booked for ‘24 already and that is most likely what you will find with other very good ones, perhaps especially after the Faucian Flu, and a year of postponements.

I hope you find one!

You might also check the Mescalero Apache in Ruidoso.

Go with the Jic's.
Plenty of quality bulls, and a great lodge.

Jicirilla sounds pretty awesome but without someone having (multiple) first hand experience(s) with a guide my conserative side is telling me not to risk wasting big $$ and getting really aggravated. Picking a guide from a list leaves too much risk. Drunk, ass hole, over priced etc.

And THAT'S exactly what I've heard from numerous Jicarilla clients in face to face discussions. You can't just "go hunt" there....you are required to have a guide obviously. If your guide is hung over from last night, well.....you ain't hunting that day. Heard that story time and again.

The problem you are facing Sako is the premium spots to elk hunt like Vermejo, UU Bar, et. al. are booked and stay booked. You will have to be diligent both in choice of outfit and followup with previous clients. Grab a Bugle magazine and look in the back of it.....outfits are listed by state and you need to get on the phone and give em a ring.

I know just the guy for you. He's an LT at the agency I work at and has his own guiding business. He is a top notch guy and has some excellent guides and ranches to hunt on. You can message me and I'll put you in touch with him. He is taking me this year for a cow hunt as I can't get drawn in this damn state so he hooked me up with a tag. He is fully licensed, insured and is reliable.

Thanks. I have a couple of places that I am working with.

Look near units 34 or 36. The reservation is 35. Several good outfits in that area and good chance at a quality bull. My guide has retired or I would recommend him. Best chance for nonrez to draw is with an outfitter in NM.

Also some pretty country in those units that will not require you being a mtn goat.

I have always herd good things about
"JFW ranch consulting"
Never hunted with them, but talked to them several times.
Would hurt to call, he has a lot of options.

Lee Weiss at Fishtail Ranch in Chama,NM runs a great operation.

I’ll vouch for Fishtail ranch also !