Zero Guide Fees

Arizona or New Mexico—which state offers the better elk hunt? 🦌

In this video, we break down the biggest differences between the two, including elk populations, tag systems, bonus points, trophy quality, landowner tags, and outfitter draws.

Arizona may offer better trophy potential, but the wait can be much longer. New Mexico gives hunters more ways to get into the field—but which one is right for you?

Watch the full video, then tell us in the comments: Would you rather wait for a premium Arizona tag or take your chances in New Mexico? Drop any elk application questions below, too! 👇

The lodge renovation is coming together! 👏 Take an inside look at the latest progress—from the quartz fireplace and statement lighting to new appliances, bathrooms, bunks, painted lockers, and so much more. Next up: finishing the steps and railing! 🔨🏡

What’s your favorite detail so far? 👇

Why do so many hunters go home empty-handed—even after getting the opportunity they’ve been waiting for?

It usually comes down to two avoidable mistakes…and the second one can turn a successful hunt into a regret pretty quickly.

Watch before your next hunt. 👀🏹

What do you think costs hunters the most opportunities?

The lodge had already come a long way by the end of April! 🙌

Back then, the framing was complete, the windows were in, and the massive 10’ x 18’ pocket doors were installed, opening up to incredible views of the backyard, ponds, and future whirlpool bath area. It was exciting to finally see the vision coming together.

We also walked through the layout—from the bunk rooms with queen and full beds, double-vanity bathrooms, and spacious showers, to the private en-suite room and deck access overlooking the property.

Located in New Mexico Unit 15, this lodge will be the perfect home base for world-class elk hunts, over-the-counter bear and turkey hunts, and plenty of unforgettable memories. We were even spotting elk right from the property during construction.

At the time, drywall was just getting started, and we were aiming to have everything finished by September.

Now that September is almost here, we can’t wait to show you just how far this place has come. The transformation has been incredible, and the final reveal is right around the corner! Stay tuned… 👀🏔️

A lot of hunters will spend thousands chasing the “perfect” setup.

The newest Kuiu jacket. The latest Crispi boots. Premium optics. Every accessory imaginable.

Quality gear absolutely has its place—but gear alone won’t make you a better hunter.

The best investment you can make is in preparation, knowledge, and experience.

Learn how animals behave. Study the units you’re hunting. Understand the draw system. Scout smarter. Practice your shooting. Ask questions. Those are the things that consistently put tags on animals.

And if you don’t have the time or experience to research every state, unit, and draw strategy—that’s okay too. Sometimes the smartest investment is having someone who does.

At Zero Guide Fees, we help hunters build an application strategy based on your goals, experience level, physical ability, and budget. Instead of guessing where to apply, we help put you in the best position for success.

If you’d like to spend less time researching and more time preparing for your hunt, give us a call—we’d be happy to help.

💬 What’s your biggest hunting question right now?

Drop it in the comments, and it could be featured as our next Question of the Day with Travis McClendon. We love answering real questions from real hunters, so yours might be next!

just a little update from New Mexico’s newest & coolest hunting lodge 🏹🏠🌄💁🏻‍♂️

Escape to the mountains at Phantom Creek Ranch Lodge. 🌲🏔️

Whether you’re planning a hunting trip, a family reunion, a wedding, or just need a peaceful getaway, there’s never a bad time to visit.

🍂 Mid-September through December: Join us for hunting season in Arizona Units 15 & 16 and enjoy the lodge after a day in the field.

🌸 Winter & Spring: One of our favorite times of year. At 7,300 feet, you’ll enjoy crisp mountain air, beautiful scenery, daytime highs around 70–75°F, and cool evenings in the 45–50°F range.

Relax on the back deck, soak in the whirlpool bath under the stars, or kick back in one of our massage chairs after a day of adventure.

Starting in January, Phantom Creek Ranch Lodge will also be available to book on Airbnb and VRBO through September, making it the perfect destination for vacations, family gatherings, weddings, and weekend escapes.

Who would you bring for a mountain getaway? 👇

Part 9 of building Phantom Creek Hunting Lodge.

Big progress that day on one of the standout walls of the lodge — we set the header beam for what was going to be a full door topped with windows. Once finished, that wall alone was going to be a showstopper, framing up incredible views of the ponds below.

Framing was moving fast, and trusses were arriving the next day, which was a huge step forward. We also cut the concrete threshold for the door, getting all the details locked in before the big pieces went up.

The plan was to leave the beam exposed — a design choice the whole team was fired up about. Simple, strong, and it was going to tie the whole space together.

Phantom Creek kept getting better. 🏔️🔨

Can you hunt Phantom Creek Ranch? Travis answers this one straight. First vlog of our new Q&A series — watch it now!

Part 8 of building Phantom Creek Hunting Lodge.

Looking back at where this property started compared to where it is now — the transformation has been incredible. What was once rough and overgrown is flat, clean, and ready. The water views turned out even better than we imagined, and we’ve had elk moving through the property on the regular. Hard to beat.

Up next: we’re building out a back deck and putting up a 12/12 pitch roof to give the lodge that classic mountain look.

Phantom Creek sits right in the Gila National Forest — some of the best elk hunting country in New Mexico. If you’re looking for a place to stay during your hunt, this is going to be it.

DM us for Outlaw Outfitters info and details on booking your stay. 🏔️🦌