Elk Hunts

Trophy Black Bear

One of the last truly wild sounds heard in the Rocky Mountains today is the spine-tingling bugle of the bull elk. Vermejo's annual elk hunts are known far and wide as truly incomparable, featuring magnificent animals and delivering outstanding hunter success.

Managed elk hunting at Vermejo goes back to 1910 when elk were first reintroduced into New Mexico. This management is especially meaningful today when it is increasingly more difficult to find opportunities to hunt mature trophy class animals in a fair chase environment.

Bull Elk from six to ten years old display maximum antler growth. Vermejo's wildlife management program is paying off handsomely in this regard, since the average age of bulls harvested is over 6 years old and 95% of the bulls harvested are 6x6 or larger.

Hunter success has been over 90% for years, and bulls scoring above 300 B & C points is now almost the rule for hunters. Eight fully guided, all-inclusive hunts are hosted on the ranch annually. An archery hunt held in mid-September for a very few hunters has produced an 85% success rate with the average score being well above 300 B & C.

Seven rifle hunts in October and early November make up the rest of the elk season. The headquarters lodge (all hunts) and high country Costilla Lodge (October only) provide comfortable lodging, dining and socializing facilities for hunters. Vermejo's elk program offers exactly what the seasoned hunter is seeking: numerous mature animals, low hunter density, expansive habitat, spectacular scenery and excellent accommodations.

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