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Wes Armenta
Wes Armenta Outfitter • Ruidoso, New Mexico
Wes Armenta
Wes Armenta Outfitter • Ruidoso, New Mexico

Wes' Picks - New Mexico All Season Big Game

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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
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics
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
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics

Bino Harness

MAG BINO CASE
Badlands
Keeps all the dust & debris out of the binos and keeps them dry.

Tripod

Tripod Professional
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics

Backpacks & Gear

Backpack/ Frame Pack

MONSTER
Badlands
It is compact in size, but still has plenty of pockets without being too bulky.
VARIO FRAME
Badlands
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™
Outdoor Edge

Headlamp

POSEIDON
Cyclops

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
MTN OPS
HOT IGNITE
MTN OPS
ENDURO
MTN OPS
SLUMBER
MTN OPS

Snacks/ Bars

PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Conquer Caramel Crunch
MTN OPS
PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Peanut Butter Bliss
MTN OPS
PERFORMANCE BARS - 10 Pc-Triple Chocolate Mudslide
MTN OPS
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
Badlands
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
Badlands

Footwear

MOUNTAIN EXTREME 1000
Kenetrek Boots
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
Kings Camo

Firearms

Archery Equipment

Sight

Trophy Ridge React Pro 7 Bow Sight

Release

TruFire ThruFire Release
Trufire

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
Carl Zeiss Sports Optics

Shooting Sticks

Trigger Stick GEN3 Black Onyx Tall Tripod Shooting Stick
Primos Hunting
Wes Armenta
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!