LOH Outfitters: New Mexico Elk Hunting for Trophy Bulls

LOH Outfitters guides hunters after elk in some of New Mexico's most productive units operating under special use permits with the Cibola, Lincoln, and Gila National Forests. Their reputation sits on one core fact: they consistently put hunters on 260" to 360" bulls close enough to matter.

Elk remains the flagship operation. They run both archery and rifle seasons across multiple units:

• •Unit 13 & 17 (Magdalena area) - Mainstay units
• •Unit 15 & 16 (Reserve area) - Solid elk populations
• •Unit 34 (Cloudcroft) - Higher elevation elk
• •Unit 36 (Alto/Ruidoso area) - Heart of the Lincoln National Forest

Beyond elk, they guide hunts for:

• •Mule deer hunts
• •Pronghorn (antelope)
• •Oryx (off-range hunts)
• •Bighorn sheep
• •Coues deer
• •Mountain lion
• •Cow elk hunts
• •Sonora, Mexico hunts

You're not sleeping in a canvas tent. LOH operates two main lodges:

Magdalena Lodge - About 1.5 hours southwest of Albuquerque. This is their base operation. The main lodge sleeps multiple hunters in 5 bedrooms/4 bathrooms with a full kitchen, dining area, and living room. During peak season, satellite cabins with AC/heat and charging outlets handle overflow. Private suites are available at $100/night if you want separation from the group.

Alto Lodge - Sits 2.5 hours from Albuquerque, 1.5 hours from Roswell. Over 6 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, game room, loft, and known for its sunsets overlooking Unit 36. Close enough to Ruidoso that non-hunting guests have things to do.

Other units place hunters in seasonal lodges near Reserve, Datil, Cloudcroft, or Artesia depending on where you're hunting.

Hunters mention the meals specifically in reviews. Breakfast is grab-and-go or sit-down depending on the day. Lunch gets packed for the field. Dinner comes hot when you return—think welcome steaks, tacos with guacamole, sopapillas. Chefs take dietary restrictions seriously. You can prep your own "to go" bag the night before if you have preferences.

Customer reviews consistently mention guide competency. One hunter took a 291" 6x6 with a muzzleloader at 325 yards in a freak snowstorm his first trip. Another praised guide Dylan Baca for skills that matched 40+ years of hunting experience. When weather goes wrong (50 mph winds, unforecasted snow), guides adjust the plan instead of grinding through bad conditions.

You're responsible for: Your own transportation to/from New Mexico and the lodge. Rental car recommendations are basic (sedan is fine)—you just need to drive from the airport to the lodge on paved roads. Book flights/rentals early for better deals.

Essential gear to pack:

• •Your legal weapon (rifle, bow, or muzzleloader)
• •All ammunition and tools
• •Day pack: knife, Leatherman, rangefinder, binoculars, GPS, flashlight, headlamp, compass, water bottle, rain gear
• •Hunting license and species tag
• •Elevation appropriate clothing (elevation changes vary significantly across units)
• •Hiking boots, gaiters, moisture-wicking socks
• •Camera/SD cards

• •Critical: Practice with your actual weapon and ammunition before arriving. Shoot wearing your full kit—backpack, rangefinder, binoculars, face mask, gloves. Take practice shots after running to replicate field conditions. Most failures come from hunters who show up unprepared or use different ammunition than they practiced with.

Draw deadline is mid-March. Booking through LOH Outfitters increases your odds by 50%, they claim. Once drawn, hunts typically run Monday-Friday or Saturday-Wednesday depending on the season.

• •Phone: (575) 315-6107
• •Instagram: @LOHOutfitters (where they post camp updates and lodge photos)
• •Muzzleloader rentals available if you don't own one
• •Gear discounts: KUIU and other manufacturers offer discounts to LOH clients—call for codes
• •Equal opportunity provider operating under special use permits

"The entire operation is first class, from the guides to the cooks. All of Jerry's guides know what it takes to be successful and adjust quickly to put you on elk." — Lance Hall, customer review after a 5-day hunt in Unit 36

New Mexico's hunting country spans massive elevation and geography. Magdalena sits in the lower foothills. Alto is higher, near Ruidoso. Depending on your unit, you could be anywhere from 5,000 to 11,000 feet. Seasons run archery (early fall) and rifle/muzzleloader (fall). Most hunters fly into Albuquerque, though Roswell and El Paso are options depending on the unit.