Every fall, Northern New Mexico becomes a hub for hunters from all over. Between Wheeler Peak and the Latir Wilderness, we have some of the most rugged, beautiful public lands in the state. Whether you are tracking elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, cougar, or bear, our local unit is second to none. Because of that, hunting season is one of the busiest times of the year for Questa.
Navigating these mountains requires respect and the right gear. Around here, UTVs are essential tools. A side-by-side saves your truck from a brutal beating, lets you haul heavy camp supplies, and gives you a way to pack out your harvest. For out-of-towners, renting locally means you don’t have to haul a massive trailer hundreds of miles. It’s also a lifesaver if your own machine is in the shop or if you only need one a few weekends a year.
Questa is Your Hunting Headquarters
Using Questa as your base camp just makes sense. We are centrally located with quick access to the Carson National Forest, state, and BLM lands. Plus, you can grab fuel, stock up on groceries, sit down for a good meal, and get plenty of ice—which is critical for keeping your harvest fresh.
If you need a ride, J&L Rentals has you covered. They are a local, family-owned operation offering well-maintained multi-passenger UTVs built for this exact terrain. Because the J&L crew lives, works, and hunts right here, they know these mountains inside and out, meaning you can focus entirely on your hunt rather than equipment headaches.
Play It Safe and Respect the Land
Mountain weather changes fast, and cell service is spotty at best. Before heading up, download offline maps on on Offroad (which we highlighted in our first article), keep a Forest Service Motor Vehicle Use Map handy, and check NMDGF regulations. Always pack extra clothes, water, tools, a first aid kit, and tell someone exactly where you’re going.
Owners Lauren and James also remind everyone to be good stewards. “Stick to designated motorized routes, respect private property signs, leave gates as you found them, and please pack out your trash so we can keep these mountains pristine.”
Hassle-Free Pick-Up and Delivery
J&L offers a convenient pick-up and delivery service covering Questa, Red River, Eagle Nest, Taos, Taos Ski Valley, and Angel Fire.
If you use J&L Powersports for your own machine, this is a game-changer. If you break down on a trail, don’t own a trailer, or can’t easily load a heavy UTV, they will pick it up, fix it, and bring it back. For J&L Rentals customers, they can deliver your side-by-side right to your vacation home, local hunting camp, campground, or outfitter by appointment.
As the J&L team puts it: “Our goal is to make the entire process as easy as possible, whether you’re servicing your own machine or renting one for your next adventure.” Stop by J&L, say hello, and tap into some local knowledge for the ultimate hunter’s edge this fall.
