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New Mexico Hunting Adventures

New Mexico
Website Address posted for sponsors only
Hunter: David Shick
Ohio
Theranch
Ratings to date: 24
Average Rating 3.9
Hunter Comments
I do not recommend this outfitter

Our elk hunting experience is over 20 years. There were 18 hunters total in camp. 2 harvested the only 2 bulls that were seen. So , over a total of 90,000 dollars plus 18 licenses spent to see 2 bulls. My guide, Louis, worked hard but could only show us 2 cows. Clearly Vince, the outfitter, did not have ANY idea where elk were at. Vince was only available to talk to for an hour or so at the beginning of our hunt. He did not show up on the last day or the day we were leaving. Do yourself a favor and DO NOT USE this outfitter.

Was the outfitter notified of problems? - NO

Outfitter's Response
Disagree

David,

Here is prime example of how these sites allow guys like you to give a negative review without knowing facts and giving false information and then it being allowed to be on the internet for future hunters to read. This report is total nonsense and leaves out such prudent information.

First of all the statistics you gave are totally incorrect. Not all our hunters were hunting bull elk that week. We had 6 cow elk hunters which all killed or had opportunity. We had 2 bull hunters have to end there hunt early due to a emergency at home but they were in elk during their hunt. In total we had only 5 hunters not be able to see bulls and get opportunities. I can assure you it wasn't because of lack of effort. Partly to do with the conditions and the other with the hunters lack of physical ability. We were hunting 4 different units during this time frame. During the season you came out was a challenging hunt because the elk rutted early in September and didn't really bugle much during the time you were there. We can not control that! When you and your friend Tom first booked the hunt, you guys told me "WE ARE OLD AND NEED A PLACE WHERE THE TERRAIN IS NOT BAD" I clearly explained the unit you were going to be in was a hard unit but it just depends on the elk if the move in or out during that time frame. We had lots of rain during the summer months and the elk were plentiful. Starting late August and September the elk gradually moved out to neighboring units because it got dry again. Again something we can not control but just accommodate your request to hunt "Easier terrain" You claim to have 20 years experience of hunting, if this is true then you would totally understand the dynamics of hunting elk and the challenge that brings from year to year. The are not tied up to a tree like you requested!

Lastly, to say that I was ONLY available for one hour before the hunt is non-sense, I was there the whole hunt, In fact I sat at the table with your partner for dinner 2 nights. I was available every night, and every day for lunch. I guide hunters as well, but was available for anything you needed. I even had 3 staff members available in camp all the time if you had any issues.

Then to make it sound like we are clueless to where the elk are at is absurd, We know these mountains blindfolded and know the tendencies of what the elk do at different times of year. I hunt elk more days in one year than you have hunted in your life time so I totally understand the dynamics for hunting elk and how things change from day to day and how weather and other factors determine what they do. All we can do is keep working had trying to make it happen, which we do!

There were many factors that you didn't mention in your review that as this experienced elk hunt you claim to be, you should know affect elk hunting. We had the worst weather we ever had in a five day period between the snow, wind, rain and did I mention wind. There was one calm morning during the whole hunt. In our meeting Friday night we gave every hunter a update of what the elk were doing and the challenges we were going to face that week with the weather and the post rut conditions.

I wish you would have given me the curiously of a call or a conversation at camp like I requested before you go write the false information about my company!

Hunt Information
Date of Hunt - October 2021
Implement - Rifle
Hunt Type - Guided
Personal Guide - Louis
Number in Camp - 18
Outfitter Cost - $5,000.00
Other Costs - $1,500.00
Weather Information
Did Weather Affect your Hunt? No - Weather not a factor
Weather Comments:
No weather comments submitted
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