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Hunters should zero their rifles 1 1/2 inches high at 100 yards from the bull’s-eye. This will allow most rifle calibers to be accurate from 230 yards and under. We highly recommend hunters bring at least a 270 caliber or larger for elk. A 30 caliber rifle is adequate and will do the best job on an elk. We require hunters use a 243 or larger caliber for pronghorn and recommend hunters use their most accurate rifle they are comfortable with. Most shots are 300 yards and under for both elk and antelope. Hunters should expect to do a lot of glassing and once we find an animal of interest, stocking to that animal to make a decision on harvesting it. Most of the terrain is not very extreme to walk on, however the ranch elevation is between 6000 and 6500 feet above sea level. Hunters should be in good enough shape to walk more than a mile without stopping. We strongly encourage hunters to be in the best physical shape they can be for the best hunt possible. Once the animal has been taken, Your guide will provide pictures of you and the animal, and will field dress the animal to be taken back to the lodge for further processing. Your guide will then quarter your animal and put it in your cooler to be further processed at your discretion. We do not process game meat beyond quartering. 

We will hunt in the mornings and evenings, and will enjoy a relaxing lunch at camp every day. Hunters will be in the field before daylight during elk and deer season and will typically arrive back at the lodge after dark. During Antelope season we will leave the camp shortly after daylight and typically glass and stalk after goats most of the day. Hunters will typically shoot off of tripod shooting sticks. We usually hunt all day during Antelope season.

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Christmas Ranch Hunting Rules and Regulations

1. I will not consume alcohol during hunting hours, nor will I get drunk during my hunt.

Hunters and guests over 21 are allowed to have alcohol after their hunt in the evenings. Hunters and guests can choose to consume alcohol during regular hunting hours but will not be allowed to hunt during that time. It is the guide’s discretion only whether hunters and guests are sober enough to hunt. If a hunter or guest gets drunk after hunting hours, they will not be allowed to hunt the next morning until the guide says the hunter or guest is ok to hunt.

2. I will not interfere with other hunters during my hunt. 

Hunters and guests will in no way interfere with other hunters during their hunt. This includes intentionally spooking game, shooting at game another hunter is stalking, and tampering with another hunters gear. 

3. I will not use any illegal drugs any time during my hunt.

Only prescribed drugs will be allowed. Any illegal drug use or possession will be reported to local Law Enforcement and the hunter or guest will immediately be dismissed. Marijuana is legal in the state of New Mexico but will not be allowed for use by anyone during a hunt unless prescribed by a doctor. Any use of drugs will result in immediate removal from the ranch and hunts WILL NOT BE REFUNDED.

4. I am a legal hunter and know the rules and regulations from New Mexico.

Hunters must meet all the requirements by Game and Fish and will carry their hunting license and photo ID with them during the hunt. 

5. I know my firearm and how to use it safely.

Hunters will have knowledge of how their firearm operates and how to handle it safely. Hunters will also zero their rifle 1 ½ high from center bulls-eye at 100 yards, unless agreed upon by their guide. This will allow the hunter to aim dead on out to 250 yards with most gun calibers.

6. I will always treat my firearm as if it were loaded.

Hunters and guests that handle firearms will do so in a safe manner at all times. Any misuse, threatening, or careless behavior will not be tolerated. Hunters and guests will obey safe practices with firearms at all times.

7. I will trust my guide’s judgment regarding the hunt and the animals.

Hunters and guests will understand that the guide knows the hunting territory and the animals and will listen to the advice the guide gives them regarding how to hunt the animal, score of the animal, and hunting boundaries.

8. I am fully responsible for my own gear.

Hunters and guests will be completely responsible for their own lost or damaged personal gear. The hunter or guest will be completely responsible for any theft or damage to another hunters or guides personal gear. 

9. I will make any guest I bring act in a good manor and follow these rules.

 I will not let my guest interfere with my guide or other hunters during the hunt.

Guests are welcome to accompany hunters during their hunt for $125.00/day unless agreed upon by the guide. Hunters are completely responsible for their guests and will make them follow the rules and listen to the guide during the hunt. Guests will be removed from the hunting ground if they do not follow Christmas Ranch Hunting’s Rules and Regulations. Hunter’s will be responsible for removing their guest from the hunting ground and can continue their hunt after the guest has been removed. Guests will not be allowed to carry a firearm during your hunt. 

10. I will not injure or kill any livestock on Christmas Ranch and am fully responsible for all costs if I do.

Hunters and guests will not intentionally or unintentionally kill or injure any livestock during their hunt unless the guide has authorized them to do so. Hunters and guests will be completely responsible for the cost of the livestock animal they kill or injure. The paid hunting cost will not substitute for the cost for killed or injured livestock. The cost of the killed or injured livestock animal will be paid immediately and the hunter or guest will no longer be allowed to hunt for that year with Christmas Ranch Hunting. Any blood drawn from livestock is considered an injury. The value of the livestock will be determined by its owner.

*12. I will only harvest the sex and species of the animal I am hunting and am fully responsible for the costs otherwise.

Hunters and guests will not intentionally or unintentionally kill or injure other species of game other than the one they have paid to hunt. Hunters and guests will be completely responsible for the cost of the game they kill or injure. The paid hunting cost will not substitute for the cost for killed or injured game of the wrong species. The cost of the killed or injured game animals will be paid immediately and the hunter or guest will no longer be allowed to hunt for that year with Christmas Ranch Hunting.

Any blood drawn from game animals is considered an injury. See price list for current pricing on injured and killed game animals below.

13. I am in good enough physical condition for my hunt. I have also notified my guide of any illness or physical condition that will limit my hunt, prior to the hunt.

Hunters and guests will notify their guide of any issue that will limit them during their hunt. Hunters and guests will acknowledge that the hunt will require them to be physically active during the hunt and will therefore prepare for the hunt accordingly. Hunters and guests will keep any medication required by them on their person during their hunt and will notify their guide about it during the hunt. It is the hunters and guests responsibility to be in good enough physical and mental shape for their hunt.   

*If an animal is wounded, we will continue to hunt for that animal only. Hunters will not be able to take another animal if blood is drawn from a previous shot. Hunters will pay the entire cost of other game not on their license if other game is shot or killed.