New Mexico 16B Drop Camp or horse / llama rental?

[sstevens_1]

I was lucky enough to draw a 16B archery elk tag, 2nd season (9/15 - 9/24) in New Mexico. I've searched through the forums for info relating to outfitters and drop camps in unit 16B in New Mexico but haven't found much. I tried Becky Campbell with Gila Hot Springs Ranch and she said she has retired. Searching online and I can't seem to find any outfitter that even offers drop camps in 16B, is it really that uncommon? I'm working my way through some recommendations I've seen in my searches but so far I'm not finding much. I've done 3 DIY elk trips in Colorado and come up empty handed, so I'm used to that, but I'd rather DIY than go guided if I can manage, thats why I thought a drop camp would be a good compromise. I'm from IA so traveling to NM to scout in person probably isn't going to happen. Is there anyone that rents horses or llamas for the DIY guy? I can't seem to find anyone that offers that either. Any advice would be appreciated, feel free to PM me.

 

[codym]

Most outfitters are too busy guiding hunters to offer drop camps. I wish I could offer you some suggestions but I don’t know any outfitters that are offering it as an option anymore, I’m sure someone will. Keep calling and I’m sure you will find someone but also be leery, if you are depending on them to pack your meat out, they need to be able to get you out quickly there is a very short window for spoilage in September

 

[575 ELK]

Those Archery tags in that unit don’t come along very often especially for a non res.
The drop camp can get squirrely. The outfitter going to pack you in can get a call for a fully guided hunt or hunts for the same time, gets real busy and then you’re out and the money hunts are in.

I know some guys don’t want an outfitter and think DIY is the only way to go but in that unit with that tag with that big country I’d be thinking hard about a local outfitter with horses and knowledge of the country and the elk. Good luck on your hunt !

 

[sstevens_1]

Most outfitters are too busy guiding hunters to offer drop camps. I wish I could offer you some suggestions but I don’t know any outfitters that are offering it as an option anymore, I’m sure someone will. Keep calling and I’m sure you will find someone but also be leery, if you are depending on them to pack your meat out, they need to be able to get you out quickly there is a very short window for spoilage in September

Yeah, its getting the meat out that makes me nervous. Thanks for the help. I'll keep contacting guides and see what I can find.

 

[505Wapiti]

Myself and a couple buddies did a drop camp once in16B. We hiked/hunted into the gps location where all of our stuff was supposed to be dropped to find nothing. After searching through 2/3 of the day and not finding it we finally got ahold of the packer via a rented sat phone and he say's his guys gave us the wrong coordinates. With new coordinates we realize we are only miles in the wrong direction... if you know anything about that unit, this isn't desirable by any means. We finally found our stuff around 9:30 that night and had minimal gear on us all day, as we had packed as much as possible on horses and mules. I'm sure that doesn't happen often, but it was miserable. Just something to think about!

 

[Z Barebow]

I was there 20+ years ago. Had an agreement with an outfitter (No longer in business) to pack out meat (If/when I put one on the ground). (No sat or inreach back in those days). Ended up packing meat out on backs. Logistics (70+ deg day) it didn't make sense trying to connect with wrangler. Inreach would be a must. (I suspect cell service has not improved) Monster country. Big and tough (I believe it is the largest tract of wilderness in lower 48)

Good luck. 20+ years later, it is still holds special memories.

 

[Sibbyu]

Wilderness Archery Elk Hunting - Gary Webb Guide & Outfitter

We offer bow elk hunts in unit 16 B and 16 C of the Gila and Aldo Leopold Wilderness. New Mexico’s elk rut is on and bugling bulls can be expected on all hunts. All hunting is conducted on foot and geared to the very serious “Go Get Them” type hunter. Hunters should be able... View Article

garywebbguide.com

Gary Webb is getting out of full outfitting and is now just doing drop camps. He calls them Elk Advantage hunts. I drew first season 16B using his outfitter number and will do the Elk Advantage Plus because he is required to stay with me for 2 days.

 

[McCrapper]

See if Gary Webb can do it for you. A lot of the long time packers, like Becky, are retired in that area.

New Mexico Trophy Big Game Guide and Outfitter - Gary Webb, Guide

Gary Webb is an experienced trophy big game hunting guide and outfitter in southwestern New Mexico. Let Gary guide you on your next New Mexico big game hunt

garywebbguide.com

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[codym]

Gary is a friend, if he will do it you will be in good hands

 

[Sibbyu]

Glad to hear positive feedback on Gary.


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[McCrapper]

Glad to hear positive feedback on Gary.


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You will be in good hands.

 

[Unicorn hntr]

San fransisco outfitters. May be able to help you.

 

[trophyhill]

Most outfitters are too busy guiding hunters to offer drop camps. I wish I could offer you some suggestions but I don’t know any outfitters that are offering it as an option anymore, I’m sure someone will. Keep calling and I’m sure you will find someone but also be leery, if you are depending on them to pack your meat out, they need to be able to get you out quickly there is a very short window for spoilage in September

Yeah you have to be leery for sure. I know of some guys who got dropped last year only 4 miles in and were running into guys who were walking in daily. If I were getting dropped, I’d wanna be at least 10 miles in to avoid that. They were disillusioned to say the least

 

[WesternTX]

I've done several drop camps in 16B through Tom at San Fransisco River Outfitters, not sure if he's still offereing it, or how involved he still is. Last I heard his daughter, Paula, was starting to take the reigns. Still worth a call to Tom, if he doesnt, he may know someone who does.

 

[SDHNTR]

I've done several drop camps in 16B through Tom at San Fransisco River Outfitters, not sure if he's still offereing it, or how involved he still is. Last I heard his daughter, Paula, was starting to take the reins. Still worth a call to Tom, if he doesnt, he may know someone who does.

Paula used to do the drop camps/meat hauls for Tom Klumker. We found them the hard way after a different packer we had hired for a drop camp bailed on us last minute due to recent thunderstorms because he didn’t want to get his horses muddy.

We walked in and killed a bull then ran into Tom on the trail. A few hundred bucks later and we had the meat packed out, but it would have been brutal if it weren’t for that chance meeting!

 

[WesternTX]

Paula used to do the drop camps/meat hauls for Tom Klumker. We found them the hard way after a different packer we had hired for a drop camp bailed on us last minute due to recent thunderstorms because he didn’t want to get his horses muddy.

We walked in and killed a bull then ran into Tom on the trail. A few hundred bucks later and we had the meat packed out, but it would have been brutal if it weren’t for that chance meeting!

Sounds like Tom! Great guy, always flexible, reasonable, and easy to get along with.