New Mexico Elk Drop Camps (outfitter)???

[Auburnpack]

I know it is out of season for this question but me and another NR are looking for an outfitter that provides Drop Camps in New Mexico. I am having trouble finding an outfitter that offers camps in Units 34 and 51 due to being in different areas of the state. We would much rather do a DIY hunt but looking into outfitters because of the increased draw odds. Any recommendations for those units would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you,

 

[88man]

Im guessing you didn't draw a tag this year. I think for 2022 pre draw you should have no trouble finding an outfitter to contract with on a semi guided type hunt the meets the requirements of the guide draw in unit 51.

 

[Auburnpack]

Im guessing you didn't draw a tag this year. I think for 2022 pre draw you should have no trouble finding an outfitter to contract with on a semi guided type hunt the meets the requirements of the guide draw in unit 51.

We didn't draw this year. I can find outfitters in 51 and 34 but I cant find anyone that will does both units.

 

[88man]

We didn't draw this year. I can find outfitters in 51 and 34 but I cant find anyone that will does both units.

Honestly, your real problem is going to be drawing the tag & not finding an outfitter. Check out Kiowa.

 

[ILbowhntr]

Try searching for outfitters for Carson NF instead of “NM Elk unit 51 outfitters”. I have been looking for someone for 2nd archery this year after drawing a tag. Finding a single outfitter for both units complicates things for sure.

That said, why do you want a single outfitter for both units? are you thinking that you could avoid some costs by using a single outfitter Number for your application? There are some that will provide a basic/minimum package that allow you to use their number and honor the minumum mandatory 2 days of guiding.

I would be interested in hearing what you come up with for this if you find someone. Good luck.

 

[Gila]

I don’t know about 51 but don’t see any benefit of having a drop camp for 34. If you are trying to increase your odds of the draw without paying an outfitter, good luck with that one. Outfitters won’t play that game. They won’t give up a guided hunt for a drop camp.

 

[Auburnpack]

Honestly, your real problem is going to be drawing the tag & not finding an outfitter. Check out Kiowa.

Thanks! This is what I am looking for. Drawing is the real problem!! I prefer a DIY but will take a drop camp w an outfitter since that improves my draw odds.

 

[blueridge]

Both are real problems: drawing a tag (esp 34) and finding one that guides in both. 34 is such a premier unit that it doesn’t make business sense to offer a drop camp vs fully guided, and it’s so far away from Carson NF. Justin Medina (Arrowhead Outfitters) used to offer a 2-day semi-guided in 34, and would transfer you to another outfitter if you drew a 2nd or 3rd choice unit he and his guys didn’t work, but I think he is trying to get away from that.
Good luck!

 

[pointingdogsrule]

I used Kiowa a few years ago. Good camp set up and good food. Outfitters would give you ideas on where the elk might be better located. Overall satisfied

 

[brownbear932008]

Is a drop camp only even legal in NM now if a tag is drawn in outfitter pool? I thought they went to a mandatory minimum of two days guided hunter/guide must be in the field together at all times the first two days of the hunt.

 

[OkBuckMaster]

I used Kiowa a few years ago. Good camp set up and good food. Outfitters would give you ideas on where the elk might be better located. Overall satisfied

Kiowa Outfitters?

 

[pointingdogsrule]

Kiowa Outfitters?

Yes

 

[huntandfly]

Is a drop camp only even legal in NM now if a tag is drawn in outfitter pool? I thought they went to a mandatory minimum of two days guided hunter/guide must be in the field together at all times the first two days of the hunt.

Correct, minimum 2 days with a guide in the field with you

 

[GBHUNTER]

I have found a 34 guide but they weren't in 51.

 

[Auburnpack]

I have found a 34 guide but they weren't in 51.

Do you mind sending posting the name or sending me a PM? Thanks!

 

[3855WIN]

We didn't draw this year. I can find outfitters in 51 and 34 but I cant find anyone that will does both units.

You can only hunt one unit at a time. Why do you need an outfitter for both units?

 

[blueridge]

You can only hunt one unit at a time. Why do you need an outfitter for both units?

In NM you can put down 3 unit choices on the app. He is trying to find an outfitter that works in all of the units he wants to apply for and will work regardless if which choice is drawn.

 

[Gila]

Better off selecting 3 adjacent units in one area and then stick to it. Trying to get two different outfitters in opposite corners of the state makes no sense to me.

 

[blueridge]

Better off selecting 3 adjacent units in one area and then stick to it. Trying to get two different outfitters in opposite corners of the state makes no sense to me.

The problem with that is finding units with relatively decent odds adjacent to the primo units everyone wants as their first choice.
OP’s desire makes sense to me, wanting 51/52 as 3rd choice.

 

[Shortbowshot]

We used Kiowa a few years ago on the 2 day guided deal archery in 51. Told our guide up front the reason we applied was to increase our odds. He worked his tail off for us those 2 days. He and his Wife Packed elk until 1 in the morning then was gonna show up the 2nd morning for our remaining hunter.