Looks like my wife finally drew a Gila elk tag.

Congrats to her! My pops and I did not, though he drew unit 15 last year. saw 2 very big bulls but could not get quite within bow range.

Good deal Bob! Bow, muzzleloader, or rifle? Our family has hunted a couple Gila hunts for several years, so let me know if you have any questions. I may be able to help you get headed in the right direction.

Of 23 applications I submitted for my immediate family (yeah, we like to hunt), we pulled eight. Five don't really count because they're pretty much gimme tags in the draw - four javelina and a desert mule deer in a little desired unit. The other three are pretty decent though. The two older kids will hunt cow elk in the Valles Caldera and my eldest gets to chase oryx again next spring. If I can snag an encouragement elk hunt fo the youngest, who just passed hunter ed a couple months ago, we should end up with a decent fall.

I managed to draw Cow Elk, Deer and off-range Oryx. Sure hop I'll be able to use the tags.

Looks like she drew her 3rd choice which is unit 23.

Who do you contact in NM for permits for white sands area, and for off that area, in NM? been wanting to be can't seem to find where to go and look. Thanks

What is it you’re after? Permits? To hunt Oryx on public land or White Sands you have to make an application for the lottery draw which just took place so you’ll have to wait until next year for that. If you’re asking about private land Oryx hunts this excerpt from the 2019-2020 NM Hunting Rules & Info, page 110 may help:

Private-land Hunts (These are not Once-in-a-Lifetime Hunts )
Private-land Oryx Licenses are valid only on deeded private land. Hunters must obtain and possess written permission from the landowner. Private-land Oryx Licenses are valid for a period of one month and must correspond to the hunt dates, eligibility requirements/restrictions, sporting arm type and bag limits listed in the above table. In addition to the dates listed above statewide private- land, off–range licenses are available for April and May. Licenses are available at NMDGF offices and license vendors, online: www wildlife state nm us, or by telephone: 1-888-248-6866. Online and telephone purchases must be made at least 14 days prior to hunt start date to allow mailing of tag.

And the non-resident Oryx tag is $1,610, plus whatever the landowner charges.

quote:

Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
I managed to draw Cow Elk, Deer and off-range Oryx. Sure hop I'll be able to use the tags.

John, what month off-range? Have you hunted them before? We have been decently successful, so shoot me a PM if you need to get pointed in the right direction.

Colorado Bob, which Gila unit did you guys draw? I’ve hunted elk in 13, 15 & 16A, probably 6 times in 15 and once each in the other 2 units. If you’re hunting on your own and want any advice, shoot me a PM.

BTW, I did not get drawn in NM this year. Was hoping to draw an oryx tag on White Sands.

Tons of folks around here have drawn Gila elk tags, but I have yet to meet anyone who drew a oryx tag.

I didn't apply.

I drew a Unit 34 cow elk rifle tag, early December. Hope that after the back surgery I can actually hunt like I used to.

Bill, unless I have a conflicting hunt I'll come help you pack her out.

Won't know until Arizona coues and javelina drawings are done.

Gracias, friend!

Pulled a Barbary tag and feel pretty lucky with single digit odds percentages. Never been to NM hunting, but look forward to the adventure.