Hunting Opportunity in New Mexico: Expert Insights and Draw Strategies

02/20/25 • 80 min

In this episode of Pursuit with Cliff Gray, I’m joined by Jordan from The Draw – the go-to expert on navigating New Mexico’s hunting draw system. We break down the strategies and tactics for every species, from elk and oryx to ibex and aoudad. Jordan shares insider tips on maximizing your draw odds, choosing the best units, and leveraging New Mexico’s unique system to your advantage.

We also dive into the changing dynamics of predator management, hunting history in Eastern Europe, and the pros and cons of guided pool vs. DIY hunting.

Topics Covered:

New Mexico draw strategies for elk, oryx, and ibex
Choosing the best units and maximizing your odds
Guided pool vs. DIY hunting in New Mexico
Historical hunting traditions and their influence today
Predator management and its impact on ibex populations

Tune in for expert advice, fascinating stories, and no-nonsense insights that’ll make you a better hunter.

Connect with The Draw:
Website: TheDraw.com
Instagram: @wearethedraw

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We also dive into the changing dynamics of predator management, hunting history in Eastern Europe, and the pros and cons of guided pool vs. DIY hunting.

Topics Covered:

New Mexico draw strategies for elk, oryx, and ibex
Choosing the best units and maximizing your odds
Guided pool vs. DIY hunting in New Mexico
Historical hunting traditions and their influence today
Predator management and its impact on ibex populations

Tune in for expert advice, fascinating stories, and no-nonsense insights that’ll make you a better hunter.

Connect with The Draw:
Website: TheDraw.com
Instagram: @wearethedraw

Previous Episode

Fake Science, Sand Bass, Wolves & The Attack on Outdoorsmen w/ Dave Hansen

Dave Hansen is back, and we’re cutting through the noise—government overreach, fake science, and the never-ending attack on hunters and fishermen. From California’s push to shut down sand bass fishing to the wolf and sea lion disasters, it’s clear that wildlife management has become political theater.

Link to the Sand Bass zoom call on February 13th - https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=227911&inline

Dave's Website: https://yoursaltwaterguide.com/

Dave's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yoursaltwaterguide62/

Next Episode

Hunting Buffalo With Atlatls and Other Primitive Badassery With Ryan Gill

Ryan Gill of Hunt Primitive joins me to talk about hunting like our ancestors did—no modern gear, just handcrafted bows, arrows, and even atlatls. We discuss the reality of primitive hunting, the skills it takes, and how it can make you a better hunter today.

Key Topics Covered:
Building traditional bows, arrows, and stone points from scratch.
Hunting bison, pigs, and deer with primitive weapons.
Why primitive hunting makes you a better hunter.
Ethical questions around traditional vs. modern hunting.
The skills early hunters had that we’ve lost.
Ryan’s personal journey into traditional hunting.
The atlatl—what it is, how it works, and why it’s still effective.
Why modern hunters might be missing out by ignoring primitive skills.
What ancient hunters actually did (vs. the myths we hear today).
The mental and physical challenge of primitive hunting.
Guest Bio:
Ryan Gill is a primitive hunting expert, bowyer, and founder of Hunt Primitive. He builds and hunts exclusively with handmade, traditional weapons—wood bows, flint-knapped arrowheads, and atlatls. Find his work at HuntPrimitive.com and follow him on YouTube (@HuntPrimitive).
Ryan Gill’s Flintknapping Kit & Primitive Hunting Gear – Available at HuntPrimitive.com