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Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico
New Mexico Archery/Rifle Elk and Deer
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4New Mexico is one of those states that is underrated for animals, terrain, and for the weather. The weather and terrain can change on a dime and it can get very uncomfortable very quickly. With the right gear, you can be prepared for any hunt here. I have been hunting in New Mexico since I was 7 years old. I am now 27. I have hunted nearly all areas of the state and they all have their own challenges. Take my experience and advice. For those looking to hunt like I do, Below is a list of gear I would recommend having in order to be the most successful and comfortable here in the Land of Enchantment.
May contain sponsored links*Optics
Over the years, my hunting game has changed and optics play a much more important role than they did in my early years. How you carry, clean and protect such a vital piece of gear is important. Plus they are expensive to replace. This is a mainly a Lifetime Warranty list, so buy once cry once and you don't have to worry.
Backpacks & Gear
A lightweight titanium frame pack. Compacts into a day pack. Solid storage and waterproof options. Incredible for carrying meat out. Attachments for archery and rifle.
Lightweight, grips even when wet, replaceable blades, keeps cape cuts clean and straight. Never have to sharpen.
Easy to fill, easy to detach. Has a magnetic attachment so your hose does not swing or dangle.
Very bright light, turbo mode, has a magnetic side to mount on truck, long long battery life, rechargeable with USB-C, Waterproof and Lifetime Warranty.
Crazy bright, rechargeable, weighs only 6oz.
On X provides detailed maps, quick and simple. Elite lets me use it for fishing in other states to determine private lands. Only carrying one device.. your phone which you will always have with you.
Small, simple, keeps your family knowing you are safe. Cheap plans for just the season.
The MyFAK Mini has essentials, tough bags, and qualifying purchases with HSA card or FSA through insurance. MOLLE attachment panel.
Made out of tough but thin material that keeps flies away from capes and meat.
Keeps meat clean and the boned bags allow for extra carrying capacity as well as separating your tenderloins and back straps from other boned-out meat.
MSR Trailshot or Sawyer Squeeze - both lightweight and small space options for filtering clean drinkable water. Use both for fishing and hunting.
Accessories
Calls
Solid construction bugle tubes.
Long lasting reed latex.
Good tone duck calls.
Scent Eliminators
Everything you need for a hard season of hunting. I have had whitetail 30yds from a low tree-stand with a steady north with going straight to them and they did not blow out.
Trail Cameras
Long battery life for quality 4K footage and high resolution pictures.
Long battery life for quality 4K footage and high resolution pictures.
Miscellaneous
Great protection, scentless.
Camping Equipment
Have had this same tent for 7 years and it still looks new. Withstands strong winds. Waterproof all the time. You have the luxury of standing up with 6ft 6in ceiling.
Sleeping Bags
Base camp bag - 7 years of use and this is the best bag ever. Different sleeping layers for different temperatures and can zip two together for the wife and I to sleep in.
Alps Mountaineering Escalade Cot XL - Plenty of space, holds 450lbs, easy setup and take down. Nothing to attach, just unfold and lock into place. Keeps you high off the ground with plenty of room underneath for a suitcase or duffle bag.
Black Diamond Trail Adjustable Trekking Poles - Plenty of backbone for climbing up and down steep terrain with or without a heavy load. Foam grip is comfortable and the hand strap does not rub on your hand like others I have tried.
Perfect system for boiling water fast for the dehydrated meals. Boiling water and having coffee on the mountain when packing in is a luxury in itself.
Anker 747 Power Bank 25,600mAh - Essential if you do any filming. Fast charging for new phones and charges up to 5-6 times in my experience. Easy to charge with 110w Mac cable. Will charge a laptop.
Food & Nutrition
Supplements
Pink lemonade flavor is the best. Keeps you focused and energized on the mountain for long days.
Snacks & Bars
Honey and Vanilla. A quick source of energy after a nap to get you to the top of the mountain and hold you over before dinner. Tastes great.
Freeze Dried Meals
Packed with protein compared to other brands. They taste very good, great meal selection. Perfect for packing in or eating in a blind.
Great Taste
Clothing
Baselayers
Everything you need in a shirt- hoody, face mask, thumb loops for layering, quick-drying, lightweight.
Lightweight pants paired with these core bottoms fill the gap and eliminate you having to wear heavier pants. Keeps you lightweight yet warm. Simple, small, compactable layer for backpacking.
Insulation/ Midlayers
Another great hoody. Great for packing into small spaces and pulling out when the temperatures start dropping.
Outerwear/ Jackets
This goes with me on every hunt. Lightweight, quiet, and warm. I will not leave this jacket at home.
Pants
Lightweight, ability to throw knee pads in, perfect fit, great taper. My go to pant all season.
Rain Gear
GORE - TEX! very lightweight, great for packing in, moves with you, fitted, although not super layer-able for cold cold weather. Might have to size up if you expect to layer.
Footwear
Great grip on terrain, waterproof with GORE-TEX, have yet to have any leaks in 3 years. Short break-in period, very comfortable. Expect to replace the insole/footbed.
Accessories
Lightweight, can use with your phone, can still function with a trigger on rifle or bow.
Lightweight, waterproof, breathes great, keeps form, not a flat bill.
Firearms
Archery Equipment
Lightweight, accurate, good IBO, it is a little louder bow. I am shooting out to 120yds comfortably with it.
5 Pin, Micro 0.10 pins, slider sight, and still lightweight.
Fold back capability, extra padding, buckle instead of noisy velcro.
Airline case, keeps moisture out, durable compared to soft cases where your fletching can get messed up.
Built to last, lightweight but other lighter options available just not as quiet or sturdy as the Tight Spot.
Durable, small shaft, lightweight, great option for long range archery hunting.
Rifle Equpiment
Built to be packed into the backcountry. Much much cheaper options compared to other companies. Weighs 4.7lbs.
Great ballistics for all calibers, on the heavier side for bullets, but ballistic coefficient is the best.
Sling swivel stud attachment, solid mount, allows you to sit even on a hill. Use this the most during predator season. Holds my rifle steady when not in my hand.
Muzzleloader Equipment
Shotgun Equipment
Very lightweight, gas operating, doesn't need to be cleaned as often like inertia guns. Comes with a full set of chokes.
Size 4 shot with heavy loads knocks the ducks and geese down. Great all around shell for pursuing both. I find that paying the extra cost for these loads, kill effectiveness is much better which in turn makes me use less rounds on waterfowl. End up being similar in price as shoot straight steel loads.
))/5078494.json "Federal Bismuth 12 Gauge 3\" Shot Size 4")
Floating, opens long ways and short ways, enough room in pocket for shells or chokes. Durable and velcro is strong.
Robert Atkerson Guide • Rio Rancho, New Mexico
1 comment
*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!