Elk

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Elk Hunting in the Gila National Forest

Elk Hunting: Archery

Our hunts take place in GMU’s 13,15, 16a, 16d, 17 and 23 (Drop camps in 16b wilderness area). We have consistently produced an average of 45%- 50% success rate (way above the state average) with 95% and sometimes 100% shot opportunity on mature bulls. Most shots are between 15-40 yards and in my professional opinion this is the best time to shoot a 350” to 400” bull.

Elk Hunting: Muzzleloader / Rifle

These elk hunts begin in early October and run through mid November. All of our muzzleloader hunts take place in primitive weapon only units 13, 15 and 17. These areas haven’t been hunted with a rifle in over 30 years and this has dramatically influenced the age class of the animals available. Our rifle hunts coincide with our muzzleloader hunts and take place in GMU’s 16a, 16d, and 23. We also offer drop camps in unit 16b wilderness area. These rifle areas have been producing some absolute giants over the last several years due to low volume of tag availability. Our muzzleloader/rifle hunters have consistently produced an average of 75% success rate and a 95%-100% shot opportunity.

All of our hunts are conducted on public land. Tags are drawn through NM Game and Fish lottery pool. If unsuccessful in the draw, we offer guaranteed unit wide landowner vouchers.

We offer Drop camps as well as fully guide hunts in wilderness area 16B.
Camps will be tent camps, accessing the area by horseback.

Taxes will be added to all hunts. We also offer guided hunts for mobility impaired.

Elk Archery Lodge Hunt

One on one, 7 day hunt: $8,500
Two on one, 7 day hunt: $7,500

Elk Muzzleloader Lodge Hunt

One on one, 5 day hunt: $8,500
Two on one, 5 day hunt: $7,500

Elk Rifle Lodge Hunt

One on one, 5 day hunt: $7,500
Two on one, 5 day hunt: $6,550

Youth Elk Lodge Hunt

One on one, 5 day hunt: $5,000

Outfitter : Michael DeLaO

Gila & Apache Outfitters LLC is a family owned business that has been helping hunters take Trophy Elk on public land in the Gila National Forest and Apache National Forest of New Mexico. Michael DeLaO is the Owner, Outfitter, Business Manager, Booking Consultant and Landowner Tag Broker.

Archery Elk

Sept 1-7: 7 Day Hunt

Sept 8-14: 7 Day Hunt

Sept 18-24: 7 Day Hunt

Youth and mobility impaired

Oct 5-9

Rifle & Muzzleloader

Oct 16-20: 5 Day Hunt

Oct 23-27: 5 Day Hunt

Muzzleloader only

Nov 21-25: 5 Day Hunt

Wilderness/Backcountry Elk Hunts

For the elite sportsman!

Do you want an experience of a lifetime elk hunt? Are you the outdoorsman who wants to push your capabilities to the limit? Our backcountry hunts begin with packing you deep into the wilderness where only horses are permitted for travel. Our horseback string will be lead by our professional wrangler and experienced backcountry guides. Camp will consist of wall tents, a cook tent, a full time wrangler and cook. There you will be sleeping in the middle of prime elk country where trophy elk are numerous. Horses will be on standby for access and meat retrieval.
These hunts take more resources to conduct(horses, wranglers, cook and professional guide) but also have a super high success rate for 340-380+ bulls due to the fact that you will be hunting in areas where elk grow to their full potential. Being in good or great physical condition is a must!

Wilderness units are 16B/22 Gila Wilderness or unit 23 Blue Range Wilderness

$8000 1x1
$7000 2x1

Archery
Sept 1-6(6 day hunt)
Sept 8-14(7 day hunt)
Sept 18-24(7day hunt)

Rifle
Oct. 9-13(5 day hunt) 16B/22 ONLY
Oct. 16-20(5 day hunt)
Oct. 23-27(5 day hunt)

All Wilderness/Backcountry hunters need to be at the Gila and Apache Lodge in Reserve, NM in the early morning the day before your hunt in order to get an early start driving and packing into our wilderness camp.

Elk Hunting in the Gila National Forest

Outfitter : Michael DeLaO

Wilderness/Backcountry Elk Hunts

For the elite sportsman!

Elk Photo Gallery

Fully Outfitted & Guided Hunts