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Gila Wilderness Trophy Elk Hunts
We feel we have the best thing going in the Gila. Remote hunting country, with little pressure. 300+ class bulls. Experienced and successful guides. Super comfortable camp. Give us a holler.
   — Jim Mater
I was part of the Mount Horeb group that you took in for the second season of bowhunting in 16B. I wanted to drop you a line and thank you again for the professional way we were treated by you, Lance, and Robert. As promised, you got us into an area with good animals and little hunting pressure where we could get good action not too far from basecamp. You had us on well mannered horses and delivered us and our gear safely in and out of camp with no instances. The tents, cots, water supply, stoves, and cooking area was just as we were led to expect. We were fortunate to take a good bull out of the area and had numerous close encounters with decent bulls throughout the week as well. The country was beautiful and very huntable. Just to have the opportunity to call in and interact with the bulls was satisfying enough and taking a bull was just icing on the cake. Thanks for helping make our trip a memorable one.
    — Bob LaMasney
Jim Mater runs a great operation at Utrail. Jim is reliable, professional and very helpful as were all his staff. All emails and calls were returned promptly. All questions were answered and instructions were clearly conveyed. Out in the Gila Wilderness, Jim was organized and very well equipped with gear and great riding and pack animals. I have used the services of Utrail for the past two years both for packing and hunting. Jim has always been extremely punctual and reliable. All Utrail services were provided as promised without a hitch. If I'm lucky on my draw for 2012, I plan on going into the Gila Wilderness again with Jim and Utrail for my next Elk hunt.
    — Darren Kugler - Las Cruces, NM
  • Remote, high-density hunting sites, with little-to-zero hunting pressure, accessible only by horseback
  • Gila Wilderness, famous for producing world-record-setting bulls
  • #1 Pope and Young Record Book entries for Catron County, NM
  • Experienced, professional and successful guides, wranglers and cooks!
[ ELK HUNT BOOKING PROCEDURES (PDF) ]
Wilderness Elk Pack-In Horseback Hunts, Unit 16B
Classic Horseback Wilderness Hunts — Unit 16B is designed wilderness unit with the Gila National Forest. The Gila Wilderness with its vast and varied landscapes, excellent water sources and southerly location produces some of the largest bulls in America.

The area we hunt ensures some of the best hunting the Gila has to offer. Its remote location has little hunting pressure. Bull density is high. Plenty of elk action not far from base camp, along a running creek. Landscapes will vary from steep, thick country to open meadows and rolling hills. 8000'-9000' elevations. It's our favorite place in the Gila for all activities, recreation to hunting. If you are looking for a classic, big-time wilderness elk hunt, this unique and remote area within 16B will do just that.
Wilderness Elk Pack-In Horseback Hunts, Unit 16A
Classic Horseback Wilderness Hunts — 16A is National Forest. There is a large pocket in 16A that is remote and wild, with ideal elk habitat. Only accessible on horseback, this unique pocket features deep cool canyons, abundant water, and a pristine hunting experience. Hunters will enjoy trophy size bulls with zero hunting pressure.
Wilderness Elk Pack-In Horseback Hunts, Unit 23
Classic Horseback Wilderness Hunts…Unit 23 is divided between national forest and wilderness areas. The wilderness area is our hunting territory. Over the years, we have been able to track bulls from their year-round living locations to areas within Unit 23, where they rut. Excellent high-density bull results now for many years. Plenty of elk action within the area we hunt in Unit 23. Hunting pressure is about zero. Base camp is along a spring. 6000'-7000' elevations. Also, an excellent choice as a second or third option as Unit 23 has better odds on the draw.
2012 Hunting Schedule
Elk Bow Hunts
Sept. 1-10
Sept. 11-18
Sept. 19-24
  
Elk Rifle Hunts
Oct. 13-17
Oct. 20-24

  
Fully-Guided, Fully-Outfitted, Pack-In Wilderness Elk
Your classic, big-time elk hunt. Fully guided, 2X1. Fully outfitted, with comfortable camp, including wall tents, cots, kitchen, showers and everything to make your hunt comfortable. Includes wranglers to pack elk and gear. Our cook provides tasty dishes, and lots of energy food. Includes in-field guides, full camp, cook, food, wranglers and horses. Apply thru-U-Trail to take advantage of the outfitter pool.
Price: $5500.00 Per Hunter
Plus 8.5% tax.
Semi-Guided, Fully Outfitted, Pack-In Wilderness Elk
Provides the same service as above, except without in-field guides. Horses are used to increase your hunting range, spike camps and to pack elk out to the trailhead. Arrive back at camp for a home-cooked meal. Includes full camp, food, cook, horses, and wrangler. A high-value hunt. Apply thru-U-Trail to advantage of the outfitter pool.
Price: $2950.00 Per Hunter
Plus 8.5% tax.
Drop Camps
Please inquire after your successful draw results.
Elk Shed Scouting Trips
Become familiar with your future hunting area, plus have a great wilderness pack-in experience. Bring home some great elk sheds. Fully outfitted, includes camp, food, cook and wranglers. A wonderful time for the entire family, or hunting buddies. 5-day scouting trip.
Price: $225.00 Per Day
Plus 8.5% tax.
MEET ONE OF OUR GUIDES, George Siavelis, Master Guide LLC
www.alaskahuntingguide.com


Contact Info


New Mexico Game & Fish
wildlife.state.nm.us