Valles Caldera NM Hunt

[mattmcmen]

New to the forum here.

I drew a Valles Caldera tag, a late cow tag (8-10 Nov).

Looking for any information, advice, etc., and someone who has maybe had a successful hunt that can answer some questions.

I just moved to NM two years ago and last year was my first ever elk hunt. I had 16B (Gila Wilderness), was unsuccessful, but learned a ton. The biggest thing I learned, I need to be willing to get in and follow the herd. I tried an in/out approach last year from a "base camp" and don't want to waist the time (and energy) doing it again.

Which leads me to my first question; do they allow you to pack in and "disperse camp" during the hunt or do you have to go in and out of the park each day? (Unsure based on reading some other posts here.)

Second question; since you don't know your specific area until the orientation mtg and therefore can't really get out and scout, when they do tell you where your specific area will be, do they help with info, i.e., "this is a good part of the zone" , water holes, type thing or do they just give your area and say good luck?

Thank you much.

[dapper]

Welcome to this forum! You'll find a lot of useful info here from many helpful individuals with experience at elkhunting. I have yet to kill an elk so you'll not get much experience related tips from me.
Congrats on the tag you drew and good luck with your hunt. I also drew a Valles Caldera tag, but for the second archery hunt.
I'll post an update after my trip and maybe there will be something helpful in that.

Dan

[mattmcmen]

Nice draw. Good luck.