New Mexico Muzzleloader Elk Hunting with Elite Outfitters

The muzzleloader hunt is the first firearms elk season in the region. The Sacramento muzzleloader hunts will be conducted out of the lodge and pack-in camps. Neither camp offers a better chance at good bulls than the other. It is purely a matter of how you would rather hunt.

The muzzleloader hunt generally requires a level of physical conditioning equivalent to the archery hunt, especially if the bulls are talking. Most years, rutting activity is still high during this hunt and the guides rely on glassing, stalking and calling techniques similar to the archery hunt. If the bulls aren’t talking, the guides like to concentrate on spot and stalk tactics.

In-line muzzleloaders and scopes are legal in New Mexico and contribute to the trophy potential of this hunt. The muzzleloader hunt is a high-success hunt that will always produce shot opportunities at 5-point and better bulls for the hunters prepared to go into the canyons on foot and hunt. The majority of hunters who can get around in this country will get shots at good 6-points if they are patient enough to turn down some of the lesser bulls. The 280 to 380-class bulls are the objective of this hunt.

Anticipated draw success for the muzzleloader elk hunts is 1 out of 7 applicants. You will look far and wide for another muzzleloader hunt that offers realistic chances at 300+ bulls with this kind of draw success.

Muzzleloader Statistics

Out of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2002:
* 4 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 3 (75%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 2 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Out of 7 muzzleloader hunters in 2003:
* 7 (100%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 6 (86%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Out of 4 muzzleloader hunters in 2004:
* 4 (100%) had shot opps at 6-point or better bulls
* 2 (50%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Out of 15 muzzleloader hunters in 2005:
* 14 (93%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 12 (80%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 8 (53%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Out of 10 muzzleloader hunters in 2006:
* 10 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 9 (90%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 7 (70%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Out of 11 muzzleloader hunters in 2007:
* 11 (100%) had shot opps at 5-point or better bulls
* 10 (91%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 9 (82%) harvested a 6-point or better bull

Muzzleloader References

Bob Tillman, OK 405-401-4329 "Elite Outfitters is the real deal. Professional hunters who know how to hunt elk. Don't waste your money on other outfitters, Elite delivers. My guide, Kenny, worked hard for me and I took a nice bull on the last day after shooting at a 330-class bull 2 days earlier. They're not kidding....get in shape and you'll enjoy your hunt more. I did. I'm no saint, but it was a real pleasure to be around people that did not cuss every other word. I've hunted with four other outfits and Elite beat them easily. I hope to draw again next year and come back to hunt with Kenny and take the 'big one" this time."

Bill Murphy, MA, 908-334-4147 "I had an incredible hunt with Elite Outfitters. They made everything come true through the application process, pre-scouting, and delivery on the hunt. It was everything I had dreamed about. I returned home with a great sense of satisfaction and completion of my goal."

Larry Day, TX, 432-758-2613 "Don't put your trust in the the old adage, "Better lucky than good". The truth of the matter is the harder you work at something, the greater the reward. Elite Outfitter's guides are professional hunters with the gift of turning a hard elk hunt into an enjoyable event."

Jack Welch, MO 573-485-8163 "This was the best hunt I have ever experienced. The hunter is first and foremost in Elite's operations."

Corey Sledge, MS 662-436-0246 "This is a very tough, but enjoyable hunt. If one works hard and is patient, they will be rewarded with a good elk. All of the staff works extremely hard and are committed to giving the hunter a memorable hunt. My week in camp was one of the highlights of my hunting career. This was my first hunt where everything was just as advertised."

Joe Grote, MO 573-324-5535 "Elite Outfitters is a very good choice. They have a lot of country to hunt and I highly recommend them."

Rusty Maher, MO 573-485-3775 "Elite is a first-class operation. Good people, good food, good accommodations. I had a very good hunt."

Ted Welch, MO 573-406-7152 "I have been out west on three other elk hunts and this one, by far, is the best hunt I have ever been on. The quality of bulls we were hunting was unbelievable! The guide knew every move to make and what calls to use. Elite treated my dad and myself just like family."

Doug Evans, MS 662-369-2945 "Be in great physical condition. Prepare for your shooting before arrival. This hunt is well worth your while. I enjoyed the hunt very much."

Bill Cornelius, PA 724-586-2479 "An excellent hunt! Thank you! I had a great time."

Mike Newman, PA 724-452-0381 "Be prepared for the hunt and get in shape! Follow Johnny's advice."

Bill Jahr, MI, 989-883-3476 - "Elite is a tremendous outfitter. Push yourself to get in the best physical condition possible. Great people, great food, great hunting, beautiful terrain. I'm going to hunt again with Elite"

Don Eisele, 610-793-3453 - "There can only be one best outfitter, and this is it. Elite Outfitters lives up to it's name."

Steve Bell, IL 618-466-7882 - "Get in shape and your hunt will be excellent."

David Stafford, NC 336-339-0684 - "The best hunt I've ever been on. When they say it's physically demanding, you better believe them. I enjoyed it so much I'm putting in for next year and bring some of my friends with me."

Byron Baker, WA 360-458-5976 - "Having hunted elk in Oregon, Montana, Idaho and Washington for 30+ years, this is the most elk I have seen and heard outside of Yellowstone. The guides know the area, the elk and their job. It was a great hunt!"

Gary Wheeler, WA 253-840-8027 - "Follow Elite's advice and recommendations as they proved to be invaluable for the hunt. Elite Outfitters made this hunt one of the most outstanding of my life."

Ronnie Smith, AR 870-647-2208 - "No elk hunt I have ever been on compares with the hunt I experienced with Elite Outfitters. I killed a magnificent 6x6 and when I go elk hunting again it will be with Elite. You've got to experience it to believe it."

Nick Fox, MO 314-210-4165 - "Two weeks after hunting with Elite, I went to Colorado on a private land hunt and then fully realized the difference between New Mexico and Colorado. The bulls they showed me in Colorado were a joke compared to the animals Elite showed me. Elite's hunt was the best elk hunting I've ever seen."

Jared Von Bank, IA 712-251-7095 - "A physically tough hunt but the elk are there. If you're in shape, you will have a great chance at a good bull."

Jack Germeroth, MO 417-753-4288 - I've been on several elk hunts and I feel I saw more good bulls with Elite than I saw on the other hunts combined. I was impressed with Elite's professionalism and efficiency. I can't say enough about my guide. Make sure you're in shape and you will get the hunt of your dreams."

Louis Wright, IA 641-752-5185 - "Excellent hunt, lots of game. This was my second hunt with Elite and won't be my last. Everything from the accommodations to the guides can be summed up in one word....exceptional."

Tim Von Bank, MN - 763-497-3733 - The scenery alone is worth the trip. I had a great time and saw lots of bulls. I had some bad luck along the way but had an awesome hunt. I will be back."

Larry Gershner, AR 479-925-2817 - "Get in the best shape you can! My hunt was that of a lifetime. Any outfitter that can get all his hunters a shot is very good. I’d come back in a New York minute."

Jim King, NC 919-690-0412 - “Get in shape. This is not a hunt suited for couch potatoes. The hunt was everything I expected and more. I did shoot at one 6x6 that I should have killed and saw several others, many at close range.”

Harlan King, NV 775-852-1777 - "If you can show up in shape the chance at a trophy bull is there. Great hunt!"

2009 Muzzleloader Prices