I prefer mid weight and height hikers. Taller boots similar to Crsipi Idahos or Lowa Tibets are a chunk heavier weight and stiffer. Taller and stiffer boots are nearly impossible to stalk quietly. The name of the game in NM or elsewhere with elk is covering gobs and gobs of country. You may also sweat a little more in taller boots? To me weight and comfort are on top of my list. I often use taller boots when there is lots of snow.
Boot brands I've had the most success with are Scarpas, Lowas, and Crispis. Scarpas are great but tend to run narrow. I've had great results with several Lowas over the years (Vantage and Caminos). It's tough to beat Crisipis. I recently bought Wyo's and Dakotas. Crispi recently reduced updated versions of several of their models that you can get for around $100 off....which is tough to beat!
I would highly recommend all leather with the fewest seams available. The more seams the fewer miles you will get out of them. Most synthetic boots have lots of seams and may breath better but likely won't last as long.