Overview
Rifle elk hunts will be offered on the Griffin Ranch in 2011.
We will be offering two 2 on 1 hunts and one 1 on 1 hunt for the 2011 season. All hunts will be in October.
The Hunting Area
The Griffin Ranch is a 4,000-acre ranch is located in the foothills of the Sacramento Mountains in central New Mexico. It is located completely in the high desert and does not resemble elk country in most peoples' minds, due to a lack of any real trees. It's all just brush and grass, but it's a magnet for elk.
Difficulty of the Hunts
On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the easiest place possible to hunt elk and 10 being the toughest terrain on earth to hunt elk, we give this hunt a difficulty rating of 2.
The low difficulty rating stems from the lack of any considerable vertical terrain.
Expectations
for the Hunts
Every hunter arrives with high expectations for a hunt, as they should. But, there are many factors that affect the outcome of a hunt. The first and foremost factor, outside of weather, that will dictate the "success" of this hunt is luck.
Whatever elk are on the ranch the week you hunt will dictate what type of bull will be killed. In other words, passing on 260-class or better bulls waiting for a 300-class bull is not advisable on this hunt. Two years ago, a 380-class bull was killed here, but it is nothing that we set out to hunt exclusively for. The numbers of elk are low and it's just not a pick and choose type of hunt. We generally take the first respectable bull we see.
With all that said, what are reasonable expectations? Determining actual shot-opportunity percentages are difficult due to the extreme range of hunting abilities, conditioning, expectations, and hunters not sticking with their minimums (i.e. sliding scales). If you will hold steadfast on your minimum, and will stick with the hunt for the duration, the following shot-opportunity percentages are what our guides feel they can produce for a hunter on Griffin Ranch, any given week:
Minimum
Chances at a Shot
Size Class
Opportunity
Comments
260+
95%
Ranch minimum. Average 5 points and small 6-points.
280+
75%
Nice 5 & 6 points.
300+
55%
Good 5 & 6 points with decent chance of success.
320+
35%
Always a chance.
340+
20%
Entering the uppermost class of bulls. Asking too much.
360+
10%
Too high of a minimum. These bulls just seem to happen.
380+
2%
A gift from the gods.
Tactics
The early-season dates will allow calling to be a vital part of locating and hunting the bulls. As always in rifle elk hunts, spot and stalk hunting will be an important component of the hunt.
Most days will start with glassing from one of the high points on the ranch. Once spotted, closing the distance to get the shot will be the next step. Glassing and more glassing can be expected. It's where the patience issue becomes so important.
The hunting areas will be accessed by vehicle and all hunting will be done on foot. All hunters will be guided 2 on 1.
Accommodations/Meals
The accommodations for the Griffin Ranch hunts are either in Elite's lodge or in a motel, depending on the week.
Meals will be provided in restaurants.
Airport Information
Air service is available by flying into either Albuquerque, NM or El Paso, TX. The ranch is located centrally between the two airports. You will need to rent a vehicle and drive to the lodge or motel. The drive time is approximately 2 1/2 hours.
Out of 5 rifle hunters in 2011:
* 4 (80%) harvested a 5-point or better bull
* 3 (60%) harvested a 6-point or better bull
2011 Griffin Ranch Hunt Prices
5-Day Rifle Elk Hunt
$5900 (2 on 1)
$6900 (1 on 1)
2011 Griffin Ranch Seasons
5-Day Rifle Elk Hunts
Oct 1-5, 2011 (2 hunters - guided 2 on 1)
Oct 8-12, 2011 (1 hunter - guided 1 on 1)
Oct 22-26, 2011 (2 hunters - guided 2 on 1)
2011 Griffin Ranch License Fees
Landowner Permit Elk License - Rifle - $576
Information Links
For policies information "Click Here"
For rifle equipment information "Click Here"
For contract and booking information "Click Here"
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