Top Notch Outfitters - Capitan, New Mexico

There are two ways to get an elk license in New Mexico. The first is to apply for the public draw through New Mexico Game and Fish, which is the least expensive option. The other way to obtain a license is through the private landowner system.

The Private Landowner License System

Landowners are given gaming authorizations based on the size of ranch they have, any habitat improvements they have made, and the number of elk using the ranch. Landowners are able to specify if they want their authorizations used specifically on their ranch – a ranch only license - or used through out the unit - a unit-wide license - including use on public land. These authorizations are transferable, meaning that a hunter could purchase a license through a landowner if they did not draw a tag through the public draw. Top Notch Outfitters does have access to “unit wide” landowner tags for the areas we hunt so if you are unsuccessful in the draw you can still hunt by purchasing one of these authorizations.

The Draw System

There are three different draw pools a hunter can choose from in New Mexico. One pool is the “resident pool” which garners 84% of all the tags in that unit or area. The other pools are for non-residents who garner the remaining 16% of the tags in the unit. Of those 16% of non-resident tags, 10% go into the “outfitters pool” for hunters who book hunts with an outfitter, and 6% go into the general pool. When a hunter applies under an outfitter, he/she is entering the pool containing more than half of the available nonresident licenses (and usually less applicants) therefore increasing the odds of a draw.

Hunters can apply singly or in groups, with up to four applicants allowed per group submission. With group applications, either everyone draws a license or no one does.

When the draw takes place, Game and Fish will consider the hunter’s top three choices before they move onto the next applicant. This provides an opportunity for hunters to mix and match choices. For example: a hunter’s first choice might be the second archery season in unit 13, their second choice might be the rifle hunt in unit 34, and their third choice might be the muzzleloader hunt in unit 34 A hunter could also choose both archery hunts in unit 34 and one archery hunt in unit 13. Under this mix and match system, the possibilities for customizing hunting choices and experiences are vast.

The draw deadline for this year is March 28th. The results will be posted on the New Mexico Game and Fish website on May 22nd. New this past year, the total license fee is due at the time the application is placed. License fees are $562 for standard hunts and $787 for quality and high-demand hunts.

Top Notch Outfitters offers draw hunts in two different areas: the Gila (unit 13) and an area in the southern Sacramento Mountains (unit 34). Again, draw hunts are less expensive and are equal-opportunity. When a hunter enters the draw under an outfitter, it only increases the chances that the draw will be successful.

The Gila is an area in southwestern New Mexico that is known for quality bulls. One of the units. that Top Notch Outfitters hunts is located on the eastern side of the Gila where hunters have a legitimate chance at a 350 class bull. The average bull in this area falls easily into the 300 to 330 range. The topography in this area is generally rolling hills with the occasional large mountain; it ranges from 6500 feet in elevation to 10,000 feet. Most hunting occurs around 7000 to 8000 feet and covers mostly moderate terrain. Even still, Top Notch Outfitters recommends that all hunters be in the best shape possible for an optimum hunting experience. Although there are many ways to exercise to get ready for elk hunting in the mountains of New Mexico, one of the best is to use a stair stepper or an elliptical machine, as they come the closest to truly replicating the exertion that climbing mountains requires.  Top Notch offers New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting and New Mexico Elk Muzzleloader Hunting in the Gila area.  This unit is a primative weapon only unit so Top Notch does not have New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting in the Gila unit.

Lodging in this area will be local cabin rentals. Muzzleloader hunts include five days of hunting. Archery hunts include six days, eight days or ten days of hunting depending on the hunt you draw.  The Gila is a primitive weapon only area so there are no rifle hunts available here, if you looking for a rifle hunt check out the Sacramento Mountains hunt.

Rates for this area are as follows:
 

Note: The Gila area has NO rifle hunts

To book a hunt in the Gila, click here.

The Sacramento Mountains are located in south central New Mexico and borders the Mescalero Apache Reservation. This region has a large number of elk, including quality bulls. As with the Gila, hunters have a legitimate chance at finding a 350 class bull, with most bulls falling into the 300 to 330 range. The Sacramento Mountain area is 6500 to 10,000 feet in elevation, and the terrain is moderate to fairly easy country. This is a benefit to hunters of all ages and abilities. Again, Top Notch Outfitters recommends that hunters be in the best shape possible for an optimum hunting experience.  Top Notch offers New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting along with New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting and New Mexico Elk Muzzleloading in the Sacramento mountain area (unit 34).

Lodging will be local cabin rentals or RV. Rifle and Muzzleloader hunts include five days of hunting. Archery hunts include six days, or ten days of hunting. 

Rates for this area are as follows:

To book a hunt in the Sacramento Mountains, click here.

New Mexico Archery Elk Hunting | New Mexico Rifle Elk Hunting