South Central New Mexico Unit 36

100% Private Land | 100% Fair Chase | Landowner Elk Permit Included

This is a highly regarded Unit. Unit 36 in New Mexico is known as a highly competitive Draw Unit because it shares space with the famous Mescalero Apache Reservation and their well-known Mature Bulls. The Apache Nation manages its Elk herds with science, tradition, and extreme discretion.

In Unit 36 we have Private Ranches for you to hunt that are within sight of the Apache Nation. These ranches strategically sit between river water and canyon cover. New Mexico and the SW have been extremely dry the past few years, water is a premium for wild game and domestic animals.

In 2020 we had a 100% kill, in 2021 we had 80% kill and in 2022 we had 100% kill success on these ranches! Years past have seen 90% Shot Opportunities as well.

These dates also represent you or your small party’s (2 or 3) Exclusive time on these Ranches NO OTHER hunters will be booked for those dates. The terrain is well suited for glassing, and spot and stalk, but when the time comes, be prepared for hikes with fairly steep elevation changes of approximately 1,000′. The base elevation for the area is 6,500′

Meals and lodging are NOT included in any hunt price. When a hunt is booked, we will send a list of area motels, restaurants and Airbnb’s in the area for you to choose from.

All hunts include a highly sought after private landowner elk permit to GUARANTEE the purchase of your state hunting license (no drawing)

The Season

• Archery Bugle Rut Hunt: Sept. 10-15, 19-24
• Rifle Early Bugle Hunt: Oct. 7-11
• Rifle Hunt: Oct 15 - Dec. 31 (base price)

Early Season Archery

Archery hunters should expect cool/cold mornings and evenings with warm, even hot days. New Mexico is notorious for temperature fluctuation, ranging from around 35-60 degrees mornings and evenings with temperatures between 50-80 degrees during the day. Keep in mind you’re likely to be in the field from before dawn until after dusk when the temperature is cool, you may experience light rain, or very warm weather during the day. Make sure you pack enough clothing to layer for hunting during the day, and for clean dry clothing when you’ve come in from the field at night. Looking at the weather predictions before dressing for a day in the field can help you determine what you wear and what extra clothing to leave in the vehicle.

Layered, moisture-wicking clothing should keep you comfortable from sun up to sun down. Ensure you have full coverage long-sleeved, full-length clothing that won’t leave you sweating during the day,

but will help retain body heat when the temperature is cool or cold. Packing an extra pair of extra socks in your field pack will ensure comfort in case of rain and help prevent blisters when on longer hikes.A lightweight waterproof rain suit (jacket and pants) will break the wind keeping you warmer if necessary and keep you dry in case of a shower.

Cold Weather Hunts:

• October: You can expect morning and evening temperatures from around 30-50 degrees, with daylight hours ranging between 50-70
• November: Mornings average temperatures mornings and evening generally range from 10-30 with daylight hours ranging from 35-65 with an average of about 45
• December: Weather is similar to November, with average temperatures dropping approximately 2-6 degrees below November averages.

Merino Wool is naturally moisture-wicking and will help eliminate some body odor. Consider a base layer of socks, boxer briefs, and top and bottom long underwear in Marino wool, followed by varying-weight Marino wool layers you can add or remove during the day depending on weather conditions. Outer layers should be both waterproof and lightweight. A lightweight down vest weighs nothing and takes up little space in your field pack. A waterproof softshell jacket that can be added over the top of all of your layers, it should be large enough to accommodate several base layers including your down vest, too small and it could prevent the perfect shot. A warm/heavy down jacket is recommended if you’re hunting late in the year when expected weather conditions will be cold. You don’t have to carry all of your layers with you into the field, but it’s better to have them in the vehicle if you need them so you don’t lose a hunt day. Kuiu has a great layering system

Base price is per person for a 5-Day Rifle Hunt (Oct 15-Dec 31). Make it a 5-Day Early Bugle Rifle Hunt or an Archery Bugle-Rut Hunt for an additional fee per person.

Lodging and Meals are NOT included - Local Recommendations will be Provided

State Elk License NOT Included