Kyle Harrison
concept

Trophy Hunting Economics

Trophy Hunting Economics

One-line: What guided hunts and trophy tags are worth — pricing, willingness to pay, and the value drivers (species, unit quality, land access) behind the Luna Hunting Economy.

What we know (July 2026 research)

Guided-hunt price points (Gila / NM; verify current year):

  • Public-land guided elk ~$6,500–$9,500 (5-day 1×1); private-land / landowner-tag elk ~$8,500–$14,500+ (voucher tag bundled).
  • Mountain lion (hounds) ~$3,000–$5,500; black bear ~$3,000–$5,500; bear+lion combo ~$8,500 / 7 days.
  • Comparable lodge (Lodge at Chama) published rates: free-range bull elk $14,000–15,000/hunter; cow elk $3,200; spring bear $7,500; mountain lion $6,500; bison $4,500–11,500 (source: Kyle’s Luna project notes (private in the wiki)).
  • The bundle is where the margin is: a raw E-PLUS landowner tag nets $5,000–$12,500; bundled into a guided hunt (lodging, meals, guiding, processing) it sells for $8,000–$15,000+ (source: E-PLUS Land Strategy — Luna).
  • Typically included: lodging, meals, guide, field care, often airport pickup. Excluded: tag/license, ~8.69% NM sales tax, gratuity. Deposits typically non-refundable.
  • The constraint is tags, not animals — elk quality around Luna (320–350”+, 16D record-book) rivals or beats the fenced comps; the disadvantage is tag access structure.

What to capture here

  • Price ranges for guided elk / other-species hunts in NM and the Gila.
  • What drives willingness to pay (trophy quality, unit reputation, success rates, private-land access).
  • The value of a tag itself vs. the guided-hunt service — and how the NM Tag Draw System gates supply.
  • Unit economics that flow into Gila Hunts take-rate math and later owned-hunt / lodge pricing.

Where it shows up

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Referenced in