New Mexico is a lost cause, it turns my stomach. The only upside to New Mexico is the landowner tags on good private land. At least you are likely to get your moneys worth then.
We did run into a fella in town with a spike and a huge 7x7 in the bed of his truck. He'd spent $8k total on the private land hunt to get those Elk (he and his son). Nice trophies for sure. I'm just not sure spending that kind of money is prudent for me at this point. But I guess a pack in hunt for two is not much cheaper. Food for thought I guess.
Jay
