Elk

Guided Only Hunts with No Services

This hunting trip gives you the chance to apply for a PUBLIC LAND ELK OR DEER HUNT, using our outfitter number to boost your chances of getting a license. For the first two days of your hunt, we will provide a guide, which is required by Game and Fish regulations. If you prefer, you can also book a guided-only hunt for a duration of three to nine days, depending on your chosen weapon type.

Unlike some other outfitters that only operate in a limited number of areas, you can apply in any unit you want with us. However, we steer clear of units that are primarily wilderness areas, like UNITS 45 AND 16B/22, as well as UNIT 6B, 18, and 50. While we do offer hunts in units 45 and 16B/22, we do not venture into the wilderness areas and do not provide packing services. Instead, we focus on the exterior regions of the Pecos Wilderness in unit 45 and hunt in unit 22 for 16B during your selected timeframe.

Kiowa distinguishes itself from other outfitters because WE DO NOT CHARGE FOR USING OUR OUTFITTER NUMBER to enhance your drawing odds. Kiowa Hunting Service is licensed by ALL National Forests and all Bureau of Land Management Districts in the state, as well as the State Land Office.

For your hunt, we’ll provide one guide for the first two days, which is REQUIRED BY STATE LAW when you use our outfitter number for your tag. This guide will assist all hunters who are part of a successful application. If you’d like to adjust your guide ratio from 4:1 or 2:1 to 2:1 or 1:1, we can arrange for an extra guide at an additional fee for all participants.

Guided-only hunts are available on either a 1:1 or 2:1 basis. Please note that any request for additional guides or extra days must be made at the time of booking and can only be adjusted if there is staff available.

Partially Guided and Accommodated

Public Land Rifle, Bow, and Muzzleloader

Partially Guided and Accommodated Hunts  These hunts are available exclusively in Game Management Units 10, 12, 51, and 52 for all weapon types, including rifle, muzzleloader, and bow. They are geared towards hunters who seek a quality experience, feel confident hunting elk independently, desire partial guidance, and prefer not to handle the logistics of setting up and bringing a camp.

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our partially guided hunts:

• We operate one central base camp for units 10 and 12, as well as another for units 51 and 52, conveniently situated for easy access to both areas. We do not provide separate camps for individual groups.
• We do not transport people into specific areas for hunting.
• The number of individuals in camp varies based on the draw, so I can’t provide a set figure.

• At the camps, Kiowa supplies a cook, meals, snacks, water, and soft drinks, along with a knowledgeable staff member to guide you to promising elk locations. We’ve got tents, cots, pads, shower facilities, lights, heat, and restrooms or porta-potties.

Hunters are responsible for:

• Their own licenses, personal gear, bedrolls, weapons, and their transportation to and from camp, as well as during the hunt without a guide.

This hunt boasts a higher success rate than the two-day guided-only hunts, and the reason is straightforward: during the two- day hunts, we’re only there for two days—providing minimal assistance. In the partially guided hunt with accommodations, you receive current insights about elk sightings and additional hunting areas, plus support with retrieval if staff is available. While you hunt, our team scouts for you, enabling you to be aware of where elk have recently been seen, which can significantly boost your success rate. Without knowledge of the area, after the first two days, you would be on your own.

Unit Descriptions: The units where we provide these services are as follows: Units 51 and 52 are located in North Central New Mexico. Unit 52 spans approximately 300,000 acres, while Unit 51 covers around 380,000 acres. Both units fall within a roadless/wilderness area that restricts off-road vehicles and traffic. This is a public draw unit, and using our outfitter number typically increases your chances of drawing a license. The units where we provide these services are as follows: Units 51 and 52 are located in North Central New Mexico. Unit 52 spans approximately 300,000 acres, while Unit 51 covers around 380,000 acres. Both units fall within a roadless/wilderness area that restricts off-road vehicles and traffic. This is a public draw unit, and using our outfitter number typically increases your chances of drawing a license.

Units 10 and 12: These areas encompass a mix of National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Trust, and private lands. Located southwest of Grants, New Mexico, they are at the northern edge of the Gila range. I consider Unit 10 a hidden gem. Though it has fewer elk, the quality of the bulls here can lead to exceptional trophies. The unit’s diverse landscape, which includes Native American reservations, national monuments, and private holdings, allows many bulls the chance to mature and grow in size. We’ve harvested bulls exceeding 300 B&C, with the occasional one surpassing 350 B&C.

Unit 12 predominantly consists of private land and checkerboard areas, with significant Bureau of Land Management properties on the eastern and southern borders. This unit is known for producing big bulls, but its divided land requires hunters to be vigilant about their locations while hunting. The drawing odds for this unit can be challenging.

Guided Elk Hunts – Fully Accommodated

Carson National Forest – Unit 51 and Unit 52

Accommodated Units 51 and 52 are our primary hunting areas in the Carson National Forest, but we also offer hunts in all other units within the forest, including units 2, 49, 53, and the Valle Vidal in unit 55A.

We accommodate all weapon types: rifle, muzzleloader, and archery. The units within the Carson are expansive, ranging from 100,000 to nearly 400,000 acres, providing a variety of terrains from timberline to sagebrush flats, allowing hunters to choose an area that best fits their skills and physical limitations.

Most of these units have motor vehicle restrictions, meaning off-road and minimal road traffic is permitted. For a detailed description of units 51 and 52, please refer to the previous page. These units offer hunters easy access, a robust elk population, and limited hunting pressure. As a public draw unit, they generally provide good chances of drawing a license when using our outfitter number.

• The cost of the hunt includes: access to the Outfitter Number for license drawing, the appropriate number of guides, camp accommodations, meals, courtesy transportation during the hunt, and assistance with game retrieval and caping for trophy preparation.

• Hunters are responsible for: applying for their license (with our support), bringing their personal items including a bedroll and weapon, arranging any motel accommodations outside of our camp, and handling their personal gear and transportation to and from camp as well as to the hunting areas.

Lincoln National Forest – Units 34, 36, & 37

We offer archery, muzzleloader, and rifle hunts in the Lincoln units, renowned for producing big bulls and boasting impressive numbers. Our guides in these areas are highly experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated hunters, with a proven track record of helping clients secure trophy bulls. The Lincoln units are exceptional, making them extremely popular and highly sought after by sportsmen. Because of their high demand, drawing a tag can be quite challenging; however, it’s definitely worth including these units as one of your three choices on your application.

These units have some of the best bull-to-cow ratios in the state, significantly improving your chances of drawing a tag compared to the Gila Units. Game Management Unit 36 is the easiest to draw among the Lincoln units, featuring the state’s highest bull-to-cow ratio at an impressive 71:100, according to Game and Fish. This presents a perfect opportunity for you to draw a tag and enjoy a guided hunt for just the cost of the landowner tag. It’s essential to make this one of your three choices when applying.

In the Lincoln units, we exclusively offer fully guided hunts with accommodations or guided-only options without accommodations or meals for a minimum of two days up to the length of the season.

•• The cost of the hunt includes: access to the Outfitter Number for license drawing, the appropriate number of guides, camp accommodations, meals, courtesy transportation during the hunt, and support with game retrieval and caping for trophy preparation.

• Hunters are responsible for: applying for their license (with our assistance), providing personal items such as a bedroll and weapon, arranging any motel accommodations outside of our camp, and handling their personal gear and transportation to and from camp and the hunting areas.

Gila National Forest

These are the bulls that you hear legends about. In the past, the Kiowa team has successfully taken bulls as large as 383, with many of our hunters often bringing home bulls in the 340 to 350 class. Everyone has their sights set on hunting the Gila, and while there are great opportunities there, keep in mind that if you’re applying for these tags, use one choice instead of three, as the chances of drawing a Gila tag are about 5% or less. Not all Gila units are the same; some units and hunts are definitely easier to draw than others. To find out which units are more accessible, give us a call, and we can discuss the best options. If you draw, you’re in for a fantastic hunt with exceptional guides and remarkable bulls. However, it’s wise to consider additional options for your application as well. If you draw, you’re in for a fantastic hunt with exceptional guides and remarkable bulls. However, it’s wise to consider additional options for your application as well.

In the Gila units, we only offer fully guided and accommodated hunts or two-day minimum guided hunts up to guide only for the whole season, without accommodations or meals.

The cost of the hunt includes: camp accommodations (if utilized), meals, courtesy transportation during the hunt, assistance with retrieving your harvested animal, and help with caping and preparing your trophy.

Hunters are responsible for: applying for the license (with our assistance), arranging motel accommodations or any lodging outside of our camp, and providing their personal gear.

BE CAREFUL, the Gila National Forest put a moratorium on new outfitters this year and if your outfitter did not have one this past year he will not have one for five years or longer.

Cibola National Forest – Units 10 & 12

These units are well-known for their impressive bulls and a solid number of elk. While the overall elk population may not be as high as in other units, the size of these units, along with the presence of national monuments, closed areas, and private land, allow bulls to mature and grow in size. Our guides in these areas are highly knowledgeable hunters with a proven track record of helping clients harvest bulls.

We’ve been hunting this unit for over 14 years, and our original crew is still on board today. These guides not only work in the area; they also live and play there, giving them an intimate knowledge of the landscape. Taking bulls of up to 340 B&C, as we did this year, is not uncommon, as we have consistently harvested high-quality bulls over the years. The key to our success lies in the guides’ extensive familiarity with the area, their year-round scouting, and their deep understanding of the elk herd’s habits, including the secret spots where they like to retreat.

This area is at a lower elevation compared to other units, featuring easier terrain and a well-maintained network of roads for convenient access throughout. Our camp is stationed on private property, offering straightforward access to most of the unit. Located at the southern end of unit 10, this camp also serves as a base for hunts in unit 12. The unit follows standard dates for archery hunts but only allows one muzzleloader and one rifle hunt each season, which contributes to the impressive growth of the elk population here.

We offer four types of hunts in the Cibola: a guided-only hunt with no accommodations or meals for a minimum of two days, a two-day guided hunt without accommodations, a two-day guided hunt with accommodations and meals, and a fully guided hunt that includes accommodations and meals for five, seven, or nine days.

The cost of the hunt includes: access to the Outfitter Number for license drawing, the appropriate number of guides, camp accommodations, meals, courtesy transportation during the hunt, assistance with game retrieval, and caping for trophy preparation.

Hunters are responsible for: applying for the license (with our assistance), bringing their personal items such as a bedroll and weapon, arranging for any motel accommodations outside our camp, and providing their personal gear.

Santa Fe National Forest

The Santa Fe National Forest is centrally located in the state, encompassing parts or all of units 5B, 6A, 6C, 43, and 45. Spanning 1.6 million acres, the forest features elevations ranging from 5,000 feet to 13,000 feet. Within this area, unit 6B, known as the Valles Caldera, stands out as a National Preserve, distinct in its own right and surrounded by the Santa Fe National Forest. The forest also borders the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, where some impressive animals can be found. Currently, we do not operate within the wilderness of unit 45; although we are licensed to hunt there, we’ve chosen to focus on the surrounding areas due to logistical considerations.

We have successfully hunted in the Santa Fe National Forest, utilizing our experienced team to offer either guided-only hunts (minimum of two days) or fully guided hunts if that’s what you prefer. Some units within the Santa Fe are easier to draw than others, providing solid opportunities for securing an elk hunt. The elk population in these units is healthy, and we’ve seen good success in pursuing them.

We offer two types of hunts in the Santa Fe: guided-only hunts with a two-day minimum and fully guided hunts that include accommodations and meals.

• The cost of the hunt includes: access to the Outfitter Number for license drawing, the appropriate number of guides, camp accommodations, meals, courtesy transportation during the hunt, assistance with game retrieval, and caping for trophy preparation.

• Hunters are responsible for: applying for the license (with our assistance), bringing personal items such as a bedroll and weapon, arranging motel accommodations or any lodging outside of our camp, and providing their personal gear.

Private Land Elk

Guaranteed Licenses – Bull Elk Rifle

These are Guaranteed License hunts that take place on private ranches in New Mexico and Colorado, all of which are capable of producing 300 B&C class bulls for hunters. The hunts commence in early September with archery sessions and transition to rifle and muzzleloader hunts in early October to capitalize on the rut and the bugling of the bulls. You’ll be hunting in areas where we have confirmed elk presence, ensuring a high percentage of opportunity for trophy harvest. These are Guaranteed License hunts that take place on private ranches in New Mexico and Colorado, all of which are capable of producing 300 B&C class bulls for hunters. The hunts commence in early September with archery sessions and transition to rifle and muzzleloader hunts in early October to capitalize on the rut and the bugling of the bulls. You’ll be hunting in areas where we have confirmed elk presence, ensuring a high percentage of opportunity for trophy harvest.

Each private ranch varies in terrain, elk population, number of hunters per hunt, accommodations, and other factors. While these hunts are not extremely physically demanding, they can require a reasonable level of fitness. Elk hunting can be challenging, so it’s advisable to be prepared for some physical effort. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but if you struggle to walk any distance without needing to stop, you may find it difficult to successfully pursue a bull, and it could result in wasted resources. Feel free to call us, and we can discuss your options and match you with a ranch that aligns with the type of hunt you are seeking.

The cost of the hunt includes:

• In New Mexico: Landowner authorization enabling you to purchase a hunting license, the necessary number of guides, camp accommodations, meals and snacks, courtesy transportation during the hunt, and assistance with game retrieval and trophy caping.

• In Colorado: The appropriate number of guides, camp accommodations, meals and snacks, courtesy transportation during the hunt, and help with game retrieval and trophy caping.

The hunter is responsible for:

• In New Mexico: Purchasing a valid hunting license using the supplied landowner authorization number from any vendor in the state.

• In Colorado: Obtaining a valid license by completing the application and drawing process for Colorado. If you fail to draw a license, you will need to reach out to the landowner to buy a voucher to use for a hunting license purchase.

• In Both States: The hunter is also responsible for bringing personal items, including alcohol, weapon, and ammunition, as well as any specific items that may be needed. Additionally, motel accommodations or any lodging outside of our camp will be the hunter’s responsibility, along with arranging transportation from home to camp or a prearranged meeting location.

Private Land Elk – Unit 10

This ranch is located west of Grants, New Mexico, just off the I-40 interstate corridor, providing convenient access. Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,800 feet, the terrain consists of rolling hills and mesa landscapes. We have been hunting this ranch for the past seven years and have maintained an impressive success rate of over 90% for rifle bull elk hunts.

The hunt is not overly strenuous; it primarily involves spending time glassing for elk, identifying potential targets, and then maneuvering into the right position for a shot. It’s important to be prepared to move and cover some distance, as the hunt is conducted entirely on foot. The hunt is not overly strenuous; it primarily involves spending time glassing for elk, identifying potential targets, and then maneuvering into the right position for a shot. It’s important to be prepared to move and cover some distance, as the hunt is conducted entirely on foot.

This ranch is very lightly hunted, which contributes to the high success rate. Exceptional bulls are found here, with past hunts yielding bulls as large as 370 B&C. The average bull taken is above 300 B&C, and due to the limited number of hunters permitted, each hunter has ample time to search for the bull that meets their criteria. 

Colorado Private Land Elk Hunt

This hunt takes place in Southeastern Colorado, specifically in Game Management Unit 83. It’s an exceptional opportunity for a once-in-a- lifetime harvest, with the potential to secure a trophy-class bull exceeding 300 B&C. Although this hunt is relatively easier compared to others, it remains an elk hunt, which means you’ll need to be prepared to get out and actively hunt.

You’ll be hunting at elevations ranging from 7,500 to 10,000 feet, with the lodge situated at 9,500 feet. As such, the better your physical condition, the greater your chances of success. This a isn’t about leisurely rides in a vehicle while searching for elk; your days will begin and end with walking, covering multiple miles each outing. It’s structured as a morning and evening hunt rather than an all-day trek.

In a typical weather year, this area often hosts a significant number of bulls. The hunting area spans over 11,000 acres and includes diverse terrains, from sagebrush flats and wetlands to alfalfa fields and timberline regions. We will conduct hunts on this ranch during the last archery season as well as all four rifle hunts.

All archery and rifle hunts are by draw, with the application window for Colorado closing around April 7th, 2026. In 2025, we experienced a 76% draw rate for the rifle hunts, and we anticipate a similar success rate for the new archery tag applications this year.

If you do not draw a license, you will have the option to purchase a license voucher from the rancher, allowing you to buy a license over the counter.

Colorado – Private Land

Hunt Dates

Archery

DRAW or across the counter licenses
Sept. 25-30, 2026

Rifle

October 14-18, 2026
October 24-28, 2026
November 7-11, 2026
November 18-22, 2026

Hunt Prices

2×1: $9,000.00 + tax
1×1: $10,000.00 + tax

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Application Deadline:
April 7th, 2026

Public Land Elk Trophy Gallery

Please enjoy these photos from past Kiowa customers and their trophies taken on public land. Click an image to open the gallery.

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