NM Elk

[subfan]

My son and I are entertaining the thought of going to NM for elk next year. Before I put in for the draw, would I need to choose a guide? I heard for NM a guide is required for the bull hunt but not the cow hunt. I don't have any regs to check. If a guide is needed, I would like to hire a local instead of some outfit like USO. I would like to hear from folks who have "been there, done that."

 

[BDB]

I found this in an online FAQ from NM fish and game. Sounds to me you don't need one unless you are applying for special tags with an outfitter. Then again I didn't read very far into the regs.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

Q: As a nonresident, must I contract with and use the services of a registered outfitter?

A: Only if you decide to use an outfitter's registration number when applying for a special hunt for antelope, bear entry, deer, elk, javelina or turkey entry. Contract must be signed by all parties. If you draw a license through the nonresident outfitted pool, you are obligated to use that outfitter.[/b]

Come to thinks of it I didn't even check that before I went on my cow hunt. I was hunting with 3 NM guys and they told me everyhting was cool but I didn't check for myself to verify

I did get checked by F&G on day 3 and he said everything was good also.

 

[DAWG]

In the draw, 78% of the tags go to the resident pool, 10% go to the nonresident unguided pool, and 12% go to the nonresident guided pool. The only tags requiring a guide are those in the nonresident guided pool. Some hunts have better odds in that pool, some do not.

 

[subfan]

Dawg and BDB, Thanks for taking the time to set me straight