New Mexico Unit 6C Archery Elk Info

[jheintze]

New Mexico Unit 6C Archery Elk Info
My hunting partner and I drew first season (9/1 -9/14) archery tags for elk in New Mexico Unit 6C. We are experienced bowhunters from Idaho, who got lucky in the draw on our first try. I am looking for information on the elk in this unit from anybody who is willing to share. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I work down in Carlsbad, so I have the opportunity to make several weekend scouting trips to the unit several times this summer. We will most likely set up a tent camp along one of the forest roads, and then walk in from camp or drive to an area for day hunts. We are planning to hunt the first 6 or 7 days of the season, before my buddy has to fly back to Idaho. I will probably go back up to unit for the last few days of the season if need be. We are not afraid of doing a little walking to get to the elk.

I have downloaded all of the USGS and BLM topo maps for the unit and marked many of the water sources in areas of the unit that look likely to hold elk. One thing I have noticed from this initial effort is that are few water sources in the portion of the unit south of Valles Caldera, and it looks like the same situation in eastern part of the unit near Los Alamos and the ski area. Any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks

[82ndreddevil]

This unit was my second choice so I already started talking to Game Wardens prior to the application deadline. This unit is a few hours from my house but I am not familiar with it all. The Game Warden told me to get up close to the northern end of the Valles Caldera (6B). He said there are deep canyons and some areas that deny vehicle access which keeps a lot of people out. Id suggest you call NMDGF to get in touch with him, he had a lot of info on where to find them.

[jheintze]

Do you remember who you talked to? I was in the unit last weekend and I ran into a young game warden. He was a very friendly guy, but didn't have a whole lot of information at the time. He gave me one of his cards and asked me to call him in August. You can PM me the info if you have it. I am going to be back up there next weekend. If you are up there and see a silver F-150 with Idaho plates flag me down.