Courtesy/VCNP

VCNP News:

The Valles Caldera National Preserve is one of New Mexico’s premier elk hunting locations with between 2,500 and 3,500 elk occuping the Preserve for breeding, calving and foraging.

Hunts on the Preserve are designed to pay homage to man’s oldest relationship with animals by providing the public with a hunting experience that otherwise would be prohibitively expensive.

At the mandatory hunt orientation session, hunters will be assigned a hunting unit within the Preserve. These hunting units are 3-6,000 acres in size and are comprised of forest and grasslands.

Only one to three hunters will be assinged to a hunting unit at any one time. In addition, other activities are limited within the units; ensuring the quality and solitude of each hunter’s experience.

After the orientation, hunters will have time to scout their area before the hunt begins and Preserve staff will be on site to provide information and advice.

The number of animals and opportunities during these hunts make this an expeience not to be missed.

In order to provide a fair method of access for all hunters, the Trust is conducting a lottery for these quality hunts. Visit the Planning Your Hunt section to learn how to apply.