Hunt Questions, Answered

Accommodations differ based on the unit you are hunting. Units 13, 16, and 17 are usually based out of our Magdalena Lodge or Datil Lodge. Unit 15 is in Reserve or Datil. Unit 12 is in Quemado. Unit 34 is toward Cloudcroft or Mayhill. Unit 36 is in Alto. Units 29, 30, 32, and 33 are based out of Artesia.

Whether driving or flying, we recommend arriving at your hunt location between 1 and 2pm the day before your hunt. Most hunts start on a Saturday: arrive Friday, hunt Saturday through Wednesday, and leave Thursday. This gives you time to check in, handle pre-hunt paperwork, and get escorted to our range to test fire your weapon.

Yes. You are responsible for your own transportation to your hunting lodge location and/or from the airport to your hunting lodge location. Book vehicle rental prior to arrival.

Your rental car will be used mainly for travel to and from the airport to the lodges. A basic car that fits all of your gear, potential trophy meat, and has good highway mileage is all that you will need. Base your choice on the weather season. Guides will be using their personal vehicles to transport you in and out of the field while hunting.

As soon as possible. Better deals are often available when you book airfare and a vehicle as a package.

The Magdalena Lodge location is 1100 10th St Magdalena NM, about an hour and a half south west of Albuquerque. Look for a big American flag on the hill! Do not speed through the town of Magdalena.

Yes. The number one problem for most hunters is lack of practice with their weapon. The number two issue is using a weapon or ammunition on the hunt that they have not practiced with. Practice shooting routinely with the exact ammunition you will use on your hunt.

For archery, be comfortable and accurate to 70 yards. For open-sight muzzleloader, be comfortable from 50 to 250 yards. For rifle, be comfortable from 100 to 400 yards. Practice from different positions (prone, sitting, kneeling, and standing) with and without a rest, and work on controlling your breathing, including after jogging when your adrenaline is up.

Shoot while wearing your pack, binoculars, rangefinder, hat, face mask, gloves, and hunting clothes. Switch up how you practice: take a lap, get your blood flowing, then take a shot. Most hunters go from home elevation to about 7,500 feet or higher, so general daily exercise, stair climbing, and hydration will help prepare your body.

In the field, an opportunity often happens quickly, though sometimes you will have time to set up. The more prepared you are, the better your chances. Your guide will talk with you before and during the hunt to help you be ready. We strongly recommend getting into the best possible shape before your hunt, as it greatly increases the enjoyment and success of the experience.

Tylenol, aspirin, or ibuprofen, Benadryl, cold, sinus, and cough medicine, mole skin, q-tips, toothbrush and paste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, sunscreen, shaver and cream, chapstick, lotion, and eye drops. Anything you need to feel comfortable on your trip.

Electrical tape, zip ties, parachute cord, a sharp knife, a Leatherman, a pen or marker, moist wipes, trash bags, zip locks, a water bottle or hydration bladder, compass, GPS, flashlights, headlamps, sunglasses, a seat cushion, rain gear, socks in a ziplock, binoculars, a range finder, and a watch. Most importantly, keep your hunting license and ID in your pack.

Wallet and cash, ID, hunting license and species tag, camera and SD cards, belt, sunglasses, phone and chargers, hiking boots, gaiters, moisture-wicking SmartWool socks, rain gear, layers (shirts, vest, jacket, parka), pants, gloves, a warm hat, ball caps, face masks, and camouflage. Your clothing should match the season you are hunting.

Unless you are renting an LOH muzzleloader or rifle, bring the legal weapon allowed for your hunt, plus all tools, parts, and ammunition for the hunt and for practice the day before. Buy your ammunition in advance, as LOH Outfitters does not sell ammunition. Other useful items include shooting sticks, a spare release for archery, and speed loaders for muzzleloader.

Yes. If you are buying new gear, whether a gun, bow, clothing, boots, optics, or supplements, give us a call and we are happy to advise on what works best. LOH also offers discounts through KUIU and other manufacturers, so contact us for current offers. Be sure to break in and use any new equipment before your trip.

August can be hot, with highs in the high 80s and 90s and lows in the 60s, so bring warm-weather gear and layer. September archery season is cool at night and early morning, around 35 to 60 degrees, warming to 50 to 80 during the day. October gun season can be cold, sometimes freezing in the morning, around 30 to 50 degrees, warming to 50 to 70. We use lightweight, breathable camo and layer a vest or jacket on top, shedding layers before getting sweaty to reduce scent.

No. Your guide will break down your big game in the field, field dress your meat, and pack it out for you. Let your guide know if you would like to help. We can recommend local meat processors and taxidermists, but arranging processing and taxidermy is your responsibility and is not included in the cost of your hunt.

Yes. In each unit we can recommend meat processors and taxidermists. We also partner with The Wildlife Gallery, which comes to New Mexico every month to pick up trophies for taxidermy work. Plan on roughly $200 to $400 for meat processing and $950 to $2,000 on average for taxidermy, depending on the species.

Plan on $200 to $400 for meat processing. Shipping for meat can run around $250 to $1,000 depending on the processor and destination, or you can bring your meat home if you are flying. Taxidermy ranges by species but averages $950 to $2,000.

Most processors can ship your meat for a fee, around $250 to $1,000 depending on the processor and destination. If you are driving, bring or buy a cooler. For taxidermy, once your trophy is with the taxidermist they will quote you for shipping.

Verizon works best in the mountains, though most units have decent service. There is WiFi at each lodge so you can stay connected, but this is an experience worth unplugging for. Many of our guides also carry an inReach.

Yes. We supply three meals a day including lunch snacks. You are welcome to bring any favorite foods, snacks, or drinks to camp. We do not provide alcoholic beverages or sodas on site. Please let us know ahead of time about any food allergies.

Everything from a five-star lodge to fully air-conditioned and heated cabins with electricity. Lodging depends on the unit you are hunting. In some areas we rent a lodge, and in others we own them. If you need specific accommodations, let us know before you book so we can provide for your needs.

You can likely find what you need at Sportsman's Warehouse, 1450 Renaissance Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM (505-761-9900), or the Walmart Supercenter, 700 6th St., Socorro, NM (575-838-1415), which is the last stop for supplies before many of our units.

There are two ways to hunt New Mexico: draw a tag, or buy a landowner tag. If you want a guaranteed hunt, you can reserve a landowner tag before the draw, and you will still be entered under our outfitter number for a better chance of drawing. If you do draw, we put your landowner tag deposit toward the cost of your hunt. Reach out and we will walk you through the best path for you.

Yes. Landowner tags are based on the unit and weapon and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us and we will go over current availability and options.

Yes. We require a non-refundable $750 draw deposit to hold your spot with LOH Outfitters. Any remaining balance is due 30 days before your hunt, and all accounts must be paid in full before you begin. Plan ahead and call us with any questions.

Each species has a different state license cost, paid to New Mexico Game and Fish, not to LOH. You will buy a Big Game Hunting License ($90) and two stamps ($14), plus the species license: Elk $998, Mule Deer $368, Pronghorn $423, Barbary Sheep $373, Oryx $1,623, and Bighorn Sheep $3,523. The elk draw deadline is March 20.

Yes. New Mexico Game and Fish refunds the money used in the draw, minus a processing fee, the general big game license, and any stamps. Refunds normally arrive within a week or two of the results and go back to your online payment method. LOH does not control the timing of state refunds, so contact Game and Fish directly with questions.

Yes, on archery hunts only. Contact us and we will go over the details.

No. We field dress your meat and have close connections with a local processor and taxidermist, but you are responsible for your own processing, shipping, taxidermy, cape, and antlers. Plan on $200 to $400 for meat processing, and shipping around $250 per cooler up to $1,000. Each processor has different rates, and taxidermy rates depend on where the mount or horns are going.

Typical gratuities are 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the guided service, depending on your experience. Please tip your guide and spotter after the hunt, and consider $100 to $300 for your lodge cook, who works hard to bring you great meals every day.