Hondo Ranch - Archery Elk Hunting

Overview

The Hondo Ranch archery hunts are conducted in September. These hunts coincide with the rut and offer extraordinary chances at trophy bulls. Over the past four years, archery hunters have enjoyed near 80% shot opportunities at 300+ bulls. They have had near 50% SUCCESS on 300+ bulls in that same time. With better shooting, the success rate could have approached 70%.

Tactics

There are two primary tactics for archery hunting at the Hondo Ranch. Calling is used frequently and is very productive. There is virtually no pubic ground around the ranch, only the Reservation and other private land. As a result, many of the mature bulls are not as "educated" as their public-land counterparts. They are more susceptible to calling than most bulls.

Hunting over water is an important tactic as well. If the weather is hot and dry, water becomes increasingly important. But like any archery elk hunt, flexibility in tactics is often necessary. Taking advantage of what the elk give us is a huge key to success.

Hondo Ranch Archery Statistics

Out of 1 archery hunter in 2006:
* 1 (100%) almost had a shot opportunity at a 350+ bull
* 1 (100%) harvested a 5-point bull

 Out of 3 archery hunters in 2007:
* 3 (100%) had shot opportunities at 320+ bulls

Out of 3 archery hunters in 2008:
* 1 (33%) had a shot opportunity at a 350+ bulls

Out of 3 archery hunters in 2009:
* 3 (100%) harvested 6-point bulls

 

 

 

References

Michael Brandt, TX 713-465-3252 "This was my first bow-hunting experience for elk and it was incredible! Food and accommodations were excellent as well."

Larry Woodward, MO 314-308-0628 "I have been hunting with Elite Outfitters every year for the past 10 years. You can only do one elk hunt in New Mexico each year and I fortunately am in a position to be able to choose where I want to hunt each year. I hunt with Elite each season because they know what they are doing, they care about their clients, and flat just have the best elk hunting I have ever seen. In just two days of hunting, the Hondo Ranch produced a great 350-class bull that I needed to take one more step to release my arrow. On the following day I killed a big 5-point bull. I just wished I would have had more time to hunt."

Bob Petelin, MI 216-244-5875 "My guide, Mike Acklin, put me on a quality bull immediately. It almost seemed too easy. I will definitely come back to hunt with Elite."

Don Eisele, PA 610-793-3453 "Just do it. While there are few guarantees in life, this hunt is as good as it gets. They hunt a very game-rich area with knowledgeable guides and provide outstanding service and value."

2010 Hondo Ranch Hunt Prices