Merriam Turkey

Rio Costilla - In 2003, Rio Costilla Park management made available a limited amount of spring turkey permits. In the past ten years the numbers of these striking fowls has increased broadly. Every year we see more and more trophy gobblers. Our famous neighbor, Vermejo Park and their efforts to increase numbers by reintroduction in the early 80’s was a great success, as the number of these birds has increased well beyond their borders onto the Rio. This is an exciting and adventurous hunt for turkey enthusiasts. Because the birds have had very little hunting pressure calling in a gobbler with little apprehension from the bird is an exciting opportunity. We locate flocks in various feeding areas throughout the ranch in early spring and the calling begins as well as the action. Hunts are three days and include all guiding and outfitting, trophy and meat care. This is a two bird unit conducted in mid-April to early May. Email us for additional information including dates, prices and licensing. Archery hunts are also available.

The Bar 3S ranch near the village of Ocate, NM is an excellent turkey property with great ponderosa pine, engelmann spruce stands, open meadows, creeks and ponds. The lower elevation offers an easier lifestyle for birds and hunters can exploit this opportunity. This property is great Merriam habitat. Situated in NM hunting unit 48, a two bird unit turkey populations have exploded in the last 5 years. The ranch maintains some great accommodations including modern amenities in a territorial old west architecture. Running water, heat and a Jacuzzi are some of the luxuries available. Meals are prepared by our professional staff and you can be assured to leave with a couple of new pounds added.

Bear

Black bear are abundant on the Rio Costilla and can be hunted as an add-on combo hunt during the primary elk archery or gun hunts in September and October. If hunting with hounds sounds exciting, we have a well trained pack of hounds that can be released to run a trophy black bear. Hound hunts as primary hunts are conducted in August, September and parts of November. This is an exciting hunting opportunity that requires the hunter to be physical fit as we use 4WD vehicles, quads and foot to race among the chasing pack to eventual baying of the bruin. North central New Mexico is home to some of the biggest bruins in the country. Color phases run from black, to brown cinnamon and red. Tags and licenses can be purchased over the counter.

Cougar

Our well trained hounds have experience hunting in unit 55, 53 and 54 for trophy toms. Mt. Lion’s have a huge territory and access to public and private lands in these units is required for a successfully hunt. Hunting season is broad and expands from April to March of the subsequent year. Hunters must be able to be called at a moments notice given the weather and snow is prevalent to begin a successful hunting opportunity. Our excellent hounds’ men will search and located fresh tracks preferably in the snow and once located, the hunt begins with the release of the lead hounds. This is a physical hunt that requires chasing after the hounds and quarry on foot mostly, though we have used snow machines as well. Once the lion is bayed, foretold by the yelping hounds hunter and guide race to the location for a clean harvest. Lion can be harvested with rifle, muzzleloader or archery equipment. This is an exciting hunt conducted in the deep enchantment of winter snow. The cat will take the hunter and his team through some of the most amazing of God’s country.