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Wes Armenta Outfitter • Ruidoso, New Mexico

Wes' Picks - New Mexico All Season Big Game

Over the years I have had the opportunity to field test every brand of gear, from the inexpensive options to pricier things to consider investing in - some by trial and error and some by observation. After guiding for 28 years and outfitting for over a decade, I've learned that hunting the wide variety of terrain in New Mexico, it can present unique challenges to both new and experienced hunters when they aren't familiar with the area and if they aren't properly equipped with adequate gear. I have been a lifelong hunter and have seen how technology and design is constantly evolving and someone is always coming out with the latest and greatest, this list will help you narrow it down.

-Wes Armenta, Bull Valley Outfitters

May contain sponsored links*

Optics

These are pricey investment pieces. There's a wide range of great less expensive options, but this is what I use.

Binos

VICTORY RF 10x42

Crystal clear, gather a lot of light in low light conditions and it's very handy to have your range finder built into your binos.

20x60 T* S Image Stabilization Binoculars

Bino Harness

MAG BINO CASE

Keeps all the dust & debris out of the binos and keeps them dry.

Tripod

Tripod Professional

Backpacks & Gear

Backpack/ Frame Pack

MONSTER

It is compact in size, but still has plenty of pockets without being too bulky.

VARIO FRAME

I use this for packing out pretty much everything from elk sheds to quarters. It's lightweight and comfortable to wear and the Badlands system makes it convenient without having to strap in too many things.

Knives

RazorPro™

Headlamp

POSEIDON

Satellite Messengers

Garmin inReach Mini 2

An extremely reliable GPS and is great for communications in remote areas.

Game Bags

Koola Buck Signature Series Heavy-Duty Reusable Hunting Game

Gear- Accessories

As with a lot of accessories, there's hundreds to choose from. This is what I use and recommend.

Calls

E.L.K. Power Bugle Call

Primos Hunting Elk Calls

Scent Eliminators

Moccasin Joe Smoke in a Bottle Wind Checker-1.5 oz

Blinds

Rhino Blinds 3-Person See Through Hunting Ground Blind

I like this for the tough, durable fabric and it has heavy duty poles that hold up well in all conditions.

Trail Cameras

Browning Trail Cameras

Decoys

MONTANA DECOY Miss September Feeding Elk

Camping Equipment

Quality camping gear is extremely important when you're in the remote wilderness. It often snows during my archery elk hunts and the only way out is a 3 hour ride on a mule – these are the must-haves that I don't go without.

Tent

Cabela's Ultimate Alaknak 12'x20' Outfitter Tent

Very roomy, extremely waterproof, capable of using wood stove inside.

Sleeping Bag

Cabela's Mountain Trapper 0° Sleeping Bag

Very warm, very roomy.

Other

Slumberjack Cots

Strong and durable, good for packing in on mules.

Jetboil Flash Camping and Backpacking Stove Cooking System

Compact, easy to pack, perfect for quickly heating water for coffee and dehydrated meals.

Food & Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key if your hunters aren't acclimated to high elevation, quickly changing temperatures, or if they're just not physically prepared for long days of hiking. Here's a few quality products that I like to use and are easy to throw in your pack.

Supplements

MTN OPS – Their products come in single-serve packs so they're convenient, effective, and they have a wide variety of good flavors.

IGNITE

HOT IGNITE

ENDURO

SLUMBER

Snacks/ Bars

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Conquer Caramel Crunch

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Peanut Butter Bliss

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Triple Chocolate Mudslide

CLIF BARS - Mini Energy Bars

Built Bar 18 Bar Variety Pack Protein

Freeze Dried Meals

Mountain House Classic Bucket

Other

My mother-in-law's burritos are pretty hard to beat too :)

StarKist Tuna Creations

Clothing

Clothing depends on a multitude of factors – any good outfitter will make sure you're prepared for your specific hunt at that time. Regardless of the situation, these are my go-tos.

Baselayers

ALGUS TECH LONG SLEEVE

Lightweight, keep you cool, moisture-wicking.

SITKA Gear Men's Core Lightweight Hunting Base Layer Bottom

SITKA Gear Men's Core Midweight Zip-T Long Sleeve Hunting Shirt

Outerwear/ Jackets

KUIU Guide DCS Jacket

Waterproof, great outer layer, warm, lightweight.

Pants

ALGUS PANTS

Footwear

MOUNTAIN EXTREME 1000

Toughest, most waterproof boot I've ever worn.

Smartwool Hiking Crew Socks

Clothing - Accessories

Gloves

Men's Winter Leather Work Gloves

Neck Gaiter

XKG Neck Gaiter

Firearms

Archery Equipment

Sight

Trophy Ridge React Pro 7 Bow Sight

Release

TruFire ThruFire Release

Broadhead

G5 Outdoors Montec Broadhead

Arrows

Gold Tip Hunting Arrows

Other

Trophy Ridge Sync Drop Away Right Hand Arrow Rest

Rifle Equipment

Riflescope

CONQUEST V4 6-24x50

Shooting Sticks

Trigger Stick GEN3 Black Onyx Tall Tripod Shooting Stick

Wes Armenta Outfitter • Ruidoso, New Mexico

Owner Bull Valley Outfitters

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!