**Mule Deer and Bear License fees provided for information only; no draw hunts available for these species.

All those successful in the Unguided Hunts are required to be at the Whittington Center cafeteria at 9:00 am the day before the season opens for a hunt briefing. Topics covered in this briefing will include New Mexico Department of Game and Fish regulations, hunt methods and conditions on the Whittington Center, history of the Whittington Center and each will draw for their hunt areas. Everyone will have a chance to sight in their rifles after the hunt brief. After the sight in period hunters will have an opportunity to explore the area that they have drawn.

Game processing and taxidermy services are available locally. Arrangements can be made to have your meat and trophy shipped to you. Your meat can also be packaged so that you can transport it home yourself. Dry ice is available in Raton.

Topographical maps of the Whittington Center are available at the gift shop when you arrive as well as at the hunt briefing. All hunts will be conducted at an altitude of between 6,500 and 8,000 feet. The Whittington Center is situated where the great plains meet the foothills of the Sangre de Cristo mountains leaving the terrain a combination of broken flatland to canyons and mountains. Weather during the hunts, both fall and spring, can be anything from warm and dry to cold and wet. We recommend that you bring several layers of clothing as well as wet weather gear.

The competitor housing units all host kitchenettes which are equipped with refrigerator, stove and microwave oven. Bring your own dishes for meal preparation. Raton also hosts several fine eating establishments and is only a ten minute drive from the Whittington Center. Bed linens are furnished in the housing units. YOU NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN TOWELS AND WASHCLOTHS.

A four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for access to the back country. There are over 100 miles of trail road in the back country so it is fairly accessible to most areas of the Center. In several areas these roads are steep and narrow. When they become wet, they become very slick. Four-wheel ATV vehicles are allowed but they, too, are restricted to the roads. If an animal must be packed to the road, assistance is available.

• All hunts are confirmed by receipt of a 50% deposit.
• Balance of hunt will be paid prior to your departure from the Whittington Center.
• Hunt fees may change prior to your hunt date.  Deposits sent in advance do not guarantee that year’s price.
• Cancellations – deposit will be refunded less $200 handling fee if Whittington Center is notified more than 90 days prior to your hunt date.  Cancellations less than 90 days result in deposit forfeiture.

The Whittington Center provides all meals and accommodations.  You will be housed in two person rooms with linen provided.  Accommodations include satellite TV and telephone.  Meals are served in our cafeteria.

Hunters should arrive by noon on the day prior to the start of the hunt.

You only need to bring your personal gear, as suggested below:

Layered Clothing – preferably wool (hunter orange not required)
Hunting Boots – warm, waterproof and well broken in.
Gloves - extra pair
Rain Gear – light
Binoculars
Day Pack
Camera
Alarm Clock
Towels