Outfitter vs. DIY: Considerations in planning a New Mexico Elk hunt

by Jay Roberts

Owner, Shoshone Adventure Consulting

When planning a New Mexico elk hunt, I always face the same internal debate: do I go fully DIY, or do I use an outfitter? There’s no denying the appeal of a DIY elk hunt—being self-sufficient, picking your unit, studying topo maps, setting up camp, calling elk, and packing out your harvest. But over the years, I’ve learned that choosing a New Mexico elk outfitter doesn’t mean giving up that experience. In many cases, it simply means maximizing time and opportunity.

The Appeal of a DIY New Mexico Elk Hunt

A DIY elk hunt in New Mexico offers a deep sense of satisfaction. You choose the unit, scout on your own, establish camp, and rely entirely on your skills. For hunters who value independence and challenge, the DIY route can be incredibly rewarding—especially in early-season archery hunts in New Mexico’s high-country wilderness units.

Why New Mexico Is a Premier Elk Hunting State

New Mexico is one of the most elk-rich states in the West. With diverse terrain ranging from forested mountains to arid landscapes, numerous game management units (GMUs), and archery, muzzleloader, and rifle seasons, a New Mexico elk hunt offers tremendous opportunity. Early archery seasons in wilderness units are particularly hard to beat.

Understanding Landowner Elk Tags in New Mexico

One of the biggest challenges when planning a New Mexico elk hunt is draw odds. Because draw odds are low, many hunters turn to landowner elk tags in New Mexico. These tags are typically released in June and can range from $3,000 to over $15,000 depending on the unit and desirability.

There are two types of landowner tags: unit-wide and ranch-only. Unit-wide tags allow hunting anywhere within the GMU, including wilderness areas, while ranch-only tags restrict hunting to a specific property. If your goal is wilderness elk hunting in New Mexico, a unit-wide tag is essential.

The Logistics That Complicate a DIY Elk Hunt

Beyond securing a tag, a DIY New Mexico elk hunt involves countless logistics. Where will you camp? Will you pack everything in yourself or hire packers? Where do you source supplies? How do you scout unfamiliar terrain effectively? Add in long travel times—often 30+ hours of driving—and the time investment quickly adds up.

Why I Often Choose a New Mexico Elk Outfitter

This is where a New Mexico elk outfitter becomes invaluable. As I get closer to 50, time has become my most valuable commodity. While I can call elk, pack out meat, set camp, and scout, doing all of that on unfamiliar ground requires significant time. An outfitter dramatically shortens the learning curve and increases productive hunting days.

Booking a Wilderness Elk Hunt With an Outfitter

For this hunt, my brother and I booked a wilderness elk hunt with Superior Outfitters. Their harvest surveys showed consistent opportunity—every archery hunter in this unit had released an arrow for three consecutive years, with multiple bulls taken over 300 inches annually. That balance of opportunity and trophy potential was exactly what we were looking for.