Trophy Hunting Adventures, LLC
"For an Adventure in Hunting"
Frequently Asked Questions
and other useful information
Over the years we have found that potential clients as well as booked clients have questions about our hunts. We hope that this will answer some if not all of the questions you may have. If for some reason you need an answer that is not listed, feel free to contact us.
Q: What is the terrain like?
A: We hunt northeastern New Mexico, elevation varies from 6,000 ft to 7,000ft. We hunt canyons and hillsides, as well as mesa tops. We have several types of cactus as well as cedar and juniper trees.
Q: Will I have to hike everyday? And how much?
A: Though there will always be some walking/hiking on every hunt we try to keep the transfer of scent to a minimum. We have 4x4 vehicles and roads that will get us close to each hunting area. We accommodate each hunter the best we can on an individual basis. We typically do more walking/hiking during archery hunts.
Q: I am an archery hunter, how far should i be able to shoot? What type of broad-heads should i use? How much weight should i be pulling? Do i need a range finder?
A: We encourage every hunter to shoot as far as possible to prepare for our hunts, we regularly shoot out to 90 yards, even though we will not shoot an elk at that distance, it is nice to be able to take a follow up shot at that distance. We like to use fixed broad-heads due to some bad experiences with mechanical. The weight a hunter pulls varies due to physical limits but we would recommend 50lbs or more if possible. We encourage each archery hunter to bring his or her own range finder due to the fact that your guide may not be at your side for the shot.
Q: This is my first time on a guided hunt, what are the normal tipping guidelines?
A: There is no set amount to tip a guide. Here are some options you can consider during your hunt.
-Some people say tip 10-20% of the hunt cost.
-Some people say tip according to your experience/success of the hunt.
-Some say to give $100 a day.
Again, there is no set amount to give your guide but keep in mind all of our guides work extremely hard to ensure that all of our hunters have a good time and will work tirelessly to get you a shot opportunity. And don't forget to leave a tip for the camp cook!
Q: What is the weather like? What clothing should I bring?
A: The camouflage you choose to bring should vary in weight. Most of our early season hunts (August-mid September) are usually pretty warm. You can expect 50-90 degree days. From October on our temperatures vary from freezing to mid 70's. You may also consider bringing rain gear. The old saying around here is, "if you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes". In gist, bring a variety of clothing, some for warm weather and some for cold.
Q: What gear should I bring beside my bow or gun?
A: You may choose to bring mid to lightweight leather boots, binoculars, range finders, plenty of ammo (arrows and/or bullets), shooting sticks, and a small day pack.
Q:What do I do with the meat until I take it home or to the processor? How can we take our game animal home?
A: We have a walk in cooler that will hang several animals until the trip to the processer or home is made. We have a wild game processor that is available to every hunter. He will vacuum seal all cuts and is reasonably priced.
Q: How can we take our game animal home?
A: If you are driving be sure to bring several coolers to take your harvest home with you. A good sized elk will fill 2 -150 quart coolers after processing, more if the elk is just quartered. If flying please check with airlines about pricing and shipping regulations. There may be other shipping options, but each hunter will be responsible for setting that up and all costs. We also have donation sheets should you choose to do that as well.
Q: Do you have a taxidermist?
A: We have several taxidermists in our area that we've used and gladly recommend.
Q: Do I need to bring a sleeping bag or tent?
A: All of our hunts include meals and lodging unless otherwise specified. We have a lodge that will sleep up to 10 people. We provide breakfast, lunch and dinner; all of which are home cooked meals.
Q: How long is the drive from the lodge to the hunting area?
A: The drive time can be as little as 5 minutes or as long as 1 hour, depending on weather and where we think the game are located.
Q: Can I expect to see game everyday?
A: There are areas that hold big herds of game, we may have a smaller herd but hold great genetics. We may go 2 or 3 days without seeing the species being hunted but stay patient because the next one you see can very well be a giant.
Q: If I book an archery elk or early season rifle will the elk be bugling?
A: Animals are unpredictable and do what they want to do. That being said, we have heard elk bugling as early as early September and as late as late October. During the rut most bull elk are callable and we have had great success in the past.
Q: I am an archery hunter, how far should I be able to shoot?
A: We encourage every hunter to practice shooting as far as possible to prepare for your hunt. We expect each hunter to know their limitations. The further you can shoot the better chance at taking a follow up shot.
Q: What type of broad-heads should I use? How much weight should I be pulling? Do I need a range finder?
A: We prefer to use fixed broad-heads due to some bad experiences with the mechanical type. Ultimately, it is each hunters choice.
The weight a hunter pulls varies due to your physical limits but we would recommend 50lbs or more if possible.
We encourage each hunter to have his/her own range finder simply because your guide may not be at your side for the shot.
Q: I am a rifle hunter, how far should I be able to shoot?
A: The distance a hunter should shoot depends on his/her rifle setup. If the rifle you choose to shoot is setup for longer shots, we encourage you to practice at longer distances to become comfortable. In the past we've seen 500 yard shots as well as 15 yards shots with a rifle.
Q: What is the management deer hunt?
A: We are now offering a 5-day management deer hunt. With this hunt we are trying to maintain quality genetics of our deer. This is your opportunity to hunt beautiful New Mexico at a fraction of the cost. There is an opportunity to harvest a trophy buck with an additional $2,500 trophy fee.
If you have further questions please fill free to contact us. Thank you!
Trophy Hunting Adventures has an experienced team of guides, all of which are licensed by the state of NM. We all work together to create a fun, safe environment for not only our hunters but the guests as well. Contact us and book your hunt today!