New Mexico Elk

by **elkoholic** » 02 28, 2014 • [Post 1]

Any of you guys putting in for New Mexico this 2014 season?

by **Trophyhill** » 02 28, 2014 • [Post 2]

Yep. With a little luck I'll be hunting 2 states

by **elkoholic** » 02 28, 2014 • [Post 3]

I should have added to my post: what unit are y'all hoping to draw?? And where are you traveling from?

by **nuevo_eph** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 4]

I'm going 16D and 17 (since I live in 17).

by **GWH** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 5]

Hoping I will draw out for Unit 34 again this year

by **zpd307** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 6]

for us nonresidents, its too bad the odds aren't very good.... 6% tag allocation and no preference points. was going to put in for unit 52 for s&gs, but decided not to. some day.....

by **pointysticks** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 7]

i did.

but as a californian..it is like winning the real lottery. fingers crossed.

by **Trophyhill** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 8]

pointysticks wrote:i did.

but as a californian..it is like winning the real lottery. fingers crossed.

Yeah kinda like a non res drawing a Cali tag

by **Trophyhill** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 9]

zpd307 wrote:for us nonresidents, its too bad the odds aren't very good.... 6% tag allocation and no preference points. was going to put in for unit 52 for s&gs, but decided not to. some day.....

Don't want to give outfitters a black eye but you can thank the outfitter lobby for that

by **Indian Summer** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 10]

Trophyhill wrote:
zpd307 wrote:Don't want to give outfitters a black eye but you can thank the outfitter lobby for that

I know nothing about that but wouldn't outfitters want their non-res hunters to be able to get licenses?

by **Fireball** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 11]

Yep, I'M in :idea:

by **navet** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 12]

I am in 34 and 52.....I can only hope. If I don't win the CO here we come....again

by **Trophyhill** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 13]

Indian Summer wrote:
Trophyhill wrote:
zpd307 wrote:Don't want to give outfitters a black eye but you can thank the outfitter lobby for that

I know nothing about that but wouldn't outfitters want their non-res hunters to be able to get licenses?

We have a very convoluted high tension, controversial and political mess in NM when it comes to big game hunting especially when talking about elk. There is a line in the sand between most residents vs Lo/outfitters. A couple years ago a NM senator had the balz to stand up to the coalition of landowners/nm outfitters and guide council seeking a reduced "handout" of guaranteed tags to outfitters so as to increase the resident quota from 78% to 84%. The compromise the outfitters and guide council agreed to was a 2% reduction from 12% to 10% leaving 6% for the nr non guided pool where previously the nr ng pool was 10%. Had the guaranteed guided pool been reduced to 6% guaranteed tags the nr ng pool would have remained 10%. That is the gist of it.

That being said there are still thousands of "Transferable" landowner tags with many being unit wide tags available outside the draw in which brokers and outfitters have a lock on that mostly go to nr's because residents aren't willing to pay the inflated prices for. So in the end the nr ng folks are the ones that got the screwins put to them. There was a lot of controversy on the bill that changed the quota but in the end it is what it is. My fear is that we have a "Sportsman for Fish and Wildlife" NM chapter president sitting on the commission now and we've seen what this organization has done in other states.

by **dapper** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 14]

My son and I are in. We know our chances are slim to come out with tags from that 6%, so we are planning on a Colorado trip again this year.
The one thing about New Mexico is that I have a (slim)chance to hunt a good area. At 61 years of age and having never applied for preference points I'll never see a limited area in other states that would compare to a New Mexico hunt. My son currently sends several thousand bucks to different states every year setting up preference points for future hunts for different animals on his bucket list. He gets most of the money back and by the time he has enough preference points I'll be to old to join him. So for me 6% is better than nothing. It makes one appreciate states like Colorado that have OTC tags.

Dan

by **easeup** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 15]

yes sir;
this Texan throws enchanted money every year. I never actually plan on going but if I draw then change everything so I can make it.
I threw a pitch at 52 archery this year 1st choice just because I have never been there.
Also throwing some cash at the deer lotto also this year having never even tried for that before.

by **rowdycwby1** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 16]

34 & 36 hopeing we draw 34 again its going to be my cousins first elk hunt!

by **zpd307** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 17]

I will say thank you Colorado and Idaho for otc tags! that was the original plan, put in for nm and then hunt co when we didn't get drawn in nm. but we have an in for the big horns in wy, but need a few points to draw.... we changed co to id since our area in co wasn't exactly the best and why not id if we are looking at a different area. we still could put in for nm, but in the grand scheme, why not spend wisely.... the money not spent for nm will help get a new pack.

by **elkoholic** » 03 01, 2014 • [Post 18]

I am from New Mexico so the odds of me drawing are a lot better for me. Even though I live here I don't agree with what the governor did, I think having nonresident hunters brings in more revenue for the department. But it is what is.... I apply for unit for a non quality, non high demand hunt, better odds for me drawing and I am able to scout heavily as it is only 15min drive from my house. Colorado is always my back up plan

by **nuevo_eph** » 03 02, 2014 • [Post 19]

Adding on the elkoholic, I throw in one dream hunt 1st and then get back to business of playing odds (lower demand and non-high quality) for the 2nd and 3rd choices in NM.

by **Trophyhill** » 03 02, 2014 • [Post 20]

nuevo_eph wrote:Adding on the elkoholic, I throw in one dream hunt 1st and then get back to business of playing odds (lower demand and non-high quality) for the 2nd and 3rd choices in NM.

I go the other way. I hunt CO every year OTC (and apply for draw units) and put in for the high demand high quality hunts in NM now. CO is close enough that I opt for a long season rather than a short season in the lesser NM units where the quality of animals/hunt can be no better or less than that of CO. it's really nice when you draw NM and can hunt CO in the same year.

by **nuevo_eph** » 03 03, 2014 • [Post 21]

Really good points - I haven't evolved in my hunting career to the point where I am going out of state. Maybe one day, though!

by **ABQ_Chica** » 03 03, 2014 • [Post 22]

nuevo_eph wrote:Really good points - I haven't evolved in my hunting career to the point where I am going out of state. Maybe one day, though!

Ditto for me. Southern CO would be great hunting, but the NR fees are out of my reach. I'll drool over the spectacular units here in NM while putting in for ones that are easier to draw. A girl can dream, but I should decide soon...maybe units 9, 50, and 52.

by **zpd307** » 03 03, 2014 • [Post 23]

to listen to hear someone in elk country speak of nonresidents fees..... is hard and also makes me giggle. I can only dream and drool of a long elk drive being a couple hours drive. not to speak of the cost of the tag. I would love to be able to scout several times a year. Colorado was 17 hours and Idaho looking to be 19. I have been working on the wife in letting the family head west

by **ABQ_Chica** » 03 03, 2014 • [Post 24]

zpd307 wrote:to listen to hear someone in elk country speak of nonresidents fees..... is hard and also makes me giggle. I can only dream and drool of a long elk drive being a couple hours drive. not to speak of the cost of the tag. I would love to be able to scout several times a year. Colorado was 17 hours and Idaho looking to be 19. I have been working on the wife in letting the family head west

Oh, sorry...not trying to rub it in. You remind us that those of us living in elk country are lucky to be here whether we draw a tag or not. :oops:

I hope you make it out west one of these years!

by **Csrbowhunter** » 03 03, 2014 • [Post 25]

I put in for NM and AZ every year with an outfitter! I never draw and hunt MT or this year it's going to be CO. I'm not real big on using outfitters but for a once in a life time tag I don't want to screw it up! Lol I love hunting on DIY hunts, the planning and calling to the elk myself but one year it will be nice to let some one else do all the planning and all I have to do is show up. Maybe this year is the year, the sun shines on a dogs ass every once in a while! Lol

by **RichM** » 03 04, 2014 • [Post 26]

I bought more lottery tickets for Valles Caldera (unit 6B).
I plan on putting in for and archery deer hunt and rifle elk in 34 with some friends as soon as they do and I can get the application number.
The deer archery hunt is a justification for the purchase of a bow and opportunity to scout the area for elk.

If my southern friend decides he isn't putting in this year I'll probably put in for one of the Unit 16 hunts since it's a little closer to home, a friend at work said it is pretty good. The vegetation should be recovering from the fires in the Gila... if they get just enough rain.

Keeping my fingers crossed and looking forward to some quiet time in the woods.
Time is running short though, deadline is March 19th.

by **zpd307** » 03 04, 2014 • [Post 27]

chica. I hope I didn't sound offended.

to clear things up, I have been elk hunting 3 times since 2010. I couldn't go in 2011 as my wife was finishing up her r/n degree. first trip was to Utah to a private ranch, 27 hour drive..... over 30 hours on the way back after driving through 3 snow/ice storms. the last 2 years we have diy'd it in central Colorado, that was 17 hours of a drive. this year we are changing it up and going to Idaho, supposed to be a 19 hour drive. we spent over $1k in fuel going to Utah and $600 going to Colorado. then on top of that having to pay nonresident fees for the tag. after splitting up the fuel the hunt averages to around $1k. that's eating rehydrated meals and tenting it in the national forest. so, i'd love to live out west...!!! that is what I have been bugging the wife about for the last couple of years. even if we don't move, I still plan on hunting elk every year. I cant wait until my three boys are big enough to go with, although that's a lot of nonresident tags....

by **elkoholic** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 28]

Zpd307,
I hear you man. I am very fortunate to live here in New Mexico. And as far as kidos being old enough to go, I feel you on that. My son is now 6 and is starting to be able to do some hunting with me. Nothing like it! Keep bugging the wife!

by **zpd307** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 29]

haha. my oldest is 8. hes gone turkey hunting with me several times, actually all three have. I am not picky when they are with and I have been lucky enough to have taken several jakes with them! we won a shotgun last fall at a ducks unlimited banquet, so I traded it for a youth shotgun that im picking up tomorrow. anyway he is super pumped to shoot one this spring. the next boy will be 7 next month. the youngest boy will be 6 in july... yes, I am blessed!

by **elkoholic** » 03 05, 2014 • [Post 30]

zpd307 wrote:haha. my oldest is 8. hes gone turkey hunting with me several times, actually all three have. I am not picky when they are with and I have been lucky enough to have taken several jakes with them! we won a shotgun last fall at a ducks unlimited banquet, so I traded it for a youth shotgun that im picking up tomorrow. anyway he is super pumped to shoot one this spring. the next boy will be 7 next month. the youngest boy will be 6 in july... yes, I am blessed!

My son has also been turkey hunting with me too. Took a nice gobbler last spring, hoping to do it again this year. He is my only biological son. Have 2 step boys 17 and 14, neither like to hunt. Took them both, just not there thing.But my boy takes after me

he took his first archery medal last summer. Hunting is my passion right next to my family

by **Csrbowhunter** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 31]

dapper wrote:My son and I are in. We know our chances are slim to come out with tags from that 6%, so we are planning on a Colorado trip again this year.
The one thing about New Mexico is that I have a (slim)chance to hunt a good area. At 61 years of age and having never applied for preference points I'll never see a limited area in other states that would compare to a New Mexico hunt. My son currently sends several thousand bucks to different states every year setting up preference points for future hunts for different animals on his bucket list. He gets most of the money back and by the time he has enough preference points I'll be to old to join him. So for me 6% is better than nothing. It makes one appreciate states like Colorado that have OTC tags.

Dan

I put in for NM and AZ but plan on hunting CO this year. This will be the third year we put in for there and am not holding my breath! :shock:

by **nuevo_eph** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 32]

Tonight's the big night I hang with a bunch of buddies, smoke a cigar, and finalize our plans on how the applications will go. I can't wait but we'll have to, all the way to the 23rd of April!

What I enjoy are the different priorities. I'm a more interesting in getting my first elk, no matter if it's a cow or bull, while other guys are hell-bent on their first bull. Some guys want the easier hunts while others, like me, want to spike camp and get out in the boonies.

What is also neat is that of the 8-10 guys tonight we are all essentially rookies trying again for a 2nd season. Only one guy drew, and got, a cow last year. Here's to 2014.

by **welka** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 33]

In. Landowner tag and can't wait!

by **zpd307** » 03 06, 2014 • [Post 34]

picked up the new shotgun today. boy was he excited! nothing like seeing a scrawny 8 year old hold up a shotgun.... the wife says he is super excited! now we have to wait for all this snow to melt....
chewy, how old is he?

by **elkoholic** » 03 07, 2014 • [Post 35]

zpd307 wrote:picked up the new shotgun today. boy was he excited! nothing like seeing a scrawny 8 year old hold up a shotgun.... the wife says he is super excited! now we have to wait for all this snow to melt....
chewy, how old is he?

My son Brayden is 6 will be 7 this august

by **zpd307** » 03 07, 2014 • [Post 36]

nice. my youngest is 5, will be 6 in july. that stubborn little bugger will follow me anywhere. he was right on my butt last spring while we were on our hands and knees stalking a group of jakes. we sat behind a round bale for over a half hour before they finally came. and I do mean in, as right on the other side.

by **elkoholic** » 03 07, 2014 • [Post 37]

Kids are great man. If you would like to send me a PM and we could exchange some info...

by **zpd307** » 03 11, 2014 • [Post 38]

just read this and sent you a pm

by **nuevo_eph** » 04 02, 2014 • [Post 39]

FYI NM hunters, because of the Terk ruling (affected ibex, oryx, and b. sheep quotas) NM G&F is delaying ALL big game draw results by a week until the 30th.

by **pointysticks** » 04 02, 2014 • [Post 40]

Thanks for the info.

by **pointysticks** » 04 02, 2014 • [Post 41]

One more week to pray. Haha

by **elkoholic** » 04 02, 2014 • [Post 42]

nuevo_eph wrote:FYI NM hunters, because of the Terk ruling (affected ibex, oryx, and b. sheep quotas) NM G&F is delaying ALL big game draw results by a week until the 30th.

Thanks for the info

by **slim9300** » 04 02, 2014 • [Post 43]

pointysticks wrote:One more week to pray. Haha

So they are saying next week?

by **nuevo_eph** » 04 03, 2014 • [Post 44]

No, April 30th, which is a week later than originally planned. I was impressed, I got an email back from them within a few hours of asking.

by **rowdycwby1** » 04 03, 2014 • [Post 45]

Thanks for the info I wish they had sent us a email about it!

by **slim9300** » 04 03, 2014 • [Post 46]

nuevo_eph wrote:No, April 30th, which is a week later than originally planned. I was impressed, I got an email back from them within a few hours of asking.

Thanks!

by **rowdycwby1** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 47]

Who's got emails? I've got archery deer in 33 so far I guess tomorrow at 10 am we'll no for sure.

by **nuevo_eph** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 48]

Yeah, so much for the delay they told me about.

It looks like I got skunked but a buddy drew last cow in 17 and another drew 1st bull in 17. Lucky turds. Now I look forward to helping them scout and hunt!

by **Trophyhill** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 49]

Drew my favorite deer tag but no elk for me this year in NM unless I get a LO cow rifle tag later in the year. If I draw a CO tag, the sting will go away lol

by **Willie makit** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 50]

Appears I got a unit 36 archery first hunt, I'm stumped, perplexed, speechless and totally lost now, something must be wrong.

by **elkoholic** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 51]

No elk tag for me this year! Whay whay whay.... I did manage to get a unit 10 deer tag. Might try OTC elk in Colorado, anyone know any good over the counter units in Colorado?

by **rowdycwby1** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 52]

I'm still hoping for a elk tag we'll now for sure in the am but if not looking at CO otc tag as well.

by **RichM** » 04 22, 2014 • [Post 53]

I don't want to have a bad attitude about the draw but.... as of 10pm MDT my account still reads "pending" for both elk and deer. :cry:

But I guess it's better than unsuccessful or failed of some other adjective.

by **dapper** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 54]

Last night when I went to bed mine stated on the new mexico website "pending". I had even scheduled my vacation for Colorado on Monday because I was reading this back door stuff and I could add a license to my cart.

THIS MORNING I have an email that says I'm a Valles Caldera winner.
I feel bad for you that didn't draw since I knew I was disappointed when I thought I didn't draw New Mexico. I still feel bad for my son who now will get his elk hunt shortened because of my good fortune. Maybe I'll see more than the five elk I've seen the last couple of years in Colorado.

Dan

by **RichM** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 55]

Congratulations Dapper. Sent you a pm with some places to look at that I thought might be good from last year.

I got the email this morning that I was "not successful" for the Valles Caldera this year.
[strike]And, the state page still lists my draws as pending.[/strike]

Edit:
State page updated finally from "Pending" I drew for Unit 34 deer archery and a late season unit 34 cow elk hunt.

by **rowdycwby1** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 56]

Well its final no elk in New Mexico so it's time to really start looking at CO.

by **navet** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 57]

rowdycwby1 wrote:Well its final no elk in New Mexico so it's time to really start looking at CO.

Ditto

by **slim9300** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 58]

No elk or deer in NM for me.

by **Csrbowhunter** » 04 23, 2014 • [Post 59]

Man I'm still smiling from ear to ear that I got first choice area 16a. I thought for sure I'd be hunting in CO this year. I haven't had the heart to tell my hunting buddy that I'm not coming out to hunt with him. For me this is a once in a lifetime hunt so he'll just have to find a substitute. I can't pass this up!

by **mattmcmen** » 04 27, 2014 • [Post 60]

New to the forum here, I also drew the Valles, but a late cow tag (8-10 Nov).

RichM, I read you hunted there last year and saw your pics. Any advice you, or any one has, would be more than welcome.

The first question that comes to mind, 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?

Just moved to NM two years ago (I felt the pain of the guy from MN wanting to move west and was finally able to make it happen) and last year was my first ever elk hunt. I had 16B (Gila Wilderness), was unsuccessful, but learned a ton. The biggest being I need to be willing to get in and follow the herd. I tried and in/out approach last year from a "base camp" and don't want to waist the time (and energy) doing it again.

Second question would be, during the orientation mtg when they tell you where your specific area will be, do they help with info on migration, water holes, "this is a good part of the zone" type thing or do they just give your area and say good luck?

Thanks.

by **RichM** » 04 28, 2014 • [Post 61]

mattmcmen wrote:New to the forum here, I also drew the Valles, but a late cow tag (8-10 Nov).

RichM, I read you hunted there last year and saw your pics. Any advice you, or any one has, would be more than welcome.

I'm a complete novice hunter so take this all with a grain of salt, but it makes sense to me and is what I will do the next time I get to hunt the Caldera.
Get in early, stay late. Be ready to hike above 10,000 feet. Take your time.
I wasn't successful last year on my late cow hunt (Nov 23-25) because I didn't put in the time during the hunt.

mattmcmen wrote:The first question that comes to mind, 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?

Nope, in and out each day. Last year we were allowed in at 4am but they wanted us to be out by 7pm if possible. The gate code was provided in the event we didn't leave before the ranger left.

I was told they normally opened up a camp ground on the southwest side of the preserve but it was closed due to the Thompson Ridge/Redondo Peak fire damage. Also, because of the fires they didn't enforce the sub-unit assignments, we just had to let them know about were we where going to try hunting for the day when we checked in at the Hunt HQ. Check in and out was at the Hunt HQ which is accessed though the main entrance off Highway 4. It seemed like a lot of people brought trailers and stayed in the Santa Fe National Forest, and there is always the motel at Jemez Springs.

mattmcmen wrote:Just moved to NM two years ago (I felt the pain of the guy from MN wanting to move west and was finally able to make it happen) and last year was my first ever elk hunt. I had 16B (Gila Wilderness), was unsuccessful, but learned a ton. The biggest being I need to be willing to get in and follow the herd. I tried and in/out approach last year from a "base camp" and don't want to waist the time (and energy) doing it again.

Second question would be, during the orientation mtg when they tell you where your specific area will be, do they help with info on migration, water holes, "this is a good part of the zone" type thing or do they just give your area and say good luck?

Thanks.

I found that they are very willing to talk to you about were to go and how to get there. But I did get the feeling you had to ask the right questions, they weren't going to make it too easy for the hunters.

My hunt was late November and I am assuming the hunt pressure had gotten to the elk by then as they didn't seem to go into the valleys to feed until well after sundown and were out well before sunrise. On the drive out after shooting hours the elk would be running along side the truck, if I didn't know better they were taunting me. During the drive in early in the morning they would run right in front of the truck getting into the timber, I probably came closer to filling my tag with the bumper of the Jeep than my Savage. :lol:

I am also under the impression that the rules have changed and they are allowing more access to hikers during the year. I would suggest you take advantage of this or get a fishing permit and hit one of the streams during the summer to do some pre-scouting.

I hope some of this helps.

by **mattmcmen** » 04 28, 2014 • [Post 62]

RichM,

Some good info here, thanks. Especially knowing I have to go in and out each day. Guess I need to find some lodging.

I'm a invoice elk hunter too, only my second year. Plenty of deer hunting back east, but nothing like the open county of NM.

Thanks again.

by **hornart** » 04 29, 2014 • [Post 63]

Well I`d like to first wish good luck to all that drew, I also drew, the mobility impared hunt in NM unit 16A but with a rifle. I will be taking along a friend of mine who is a disabled Vietnam Veteran, he has never killed an elk and this is going to be the once in a lifetime hunt for the two of us, never expect to draw this one again, I have hunted 16A with the son and grandkids on the youth encouragement hunts so I know the area pretty good. Hope to find me a monster.

by **Csrbowhunter** » 04 29, 2014 • [Post 64]

Hornart,

I hope you both get a monster bull! Best of luck to both of you. I don't think I'll ever draw this tag again either. The outfitter acted like I was really lucky to be a nr and draw this tag! It seems like it's a good unit to kill a 400 plus bull. We can dream can't we!

by **hornart** » 04 30, 2014 • [Post 65]

Csrbowhunter wrote:Hornart,

I hope you both get a monster bull! Best of luck to both of you. I don't think I'll ever draw this tag again either. The outfitter acted like I was really lucky to be a nr and draw this tag! It seems like it's a good unit to kill a 400 plus bull. We can dream can't we!

Thanks Craig, I hope you`re right and I wish you the best of luck

by **Wapiti7** » 05 01, 2014 • [Post 66]

Here is a picture of the little bull I killed in that unit during 3rd archery hunt last year. There are definitely some big bulls in that unit. I'd be scared to think how big of a bull some of the seasoned elk hunters/callers on this site could stick in that unit.

by **Csrbowhunter** » 05 01, 2014 • [Post 67]

Man that's a nice bull! Were you hunting solo? Was there a lot of other hunter in that area? I saw where there is only 150 tags but I don't know how big the area is.

by **Wapiti7** » 05 01, 2014 • [Post 68]

My bro, my buddy and his bro and me were hunting. My buddy shot a nice 7x7 the first night also. I tried to post a picture of his but they're all taken from his gopro cam and the file size is huge. It is a big unit, but pressure is sporadic. We didn't encounter any hunters the first 2-3 days where we shot these elk, but moved a couple miles away and bumped into 2 groups of hunters. You oughta be into elk most days. If you're having trouble finding 'em, I'd go out at night and listen, they oughta be screaming by then. I'm sure you can find some places in deep, but honestly some of the biggest bulls we've seen haven't been but a couple miles off the road. Water situation in August/early September might dictate strategy. Country can get pretty dry if it's bad monsoon year and hunters kill a lot of em over water. But if it's a good monsoon, those tank sitters are SOL as every canyon will be running. We caught these elk up on top of a mountain in full on rut fest. Did you say you were guided? If so, who and where's he out of?

by **Csrbowhunter** » 05 01, 2014 • [Post 69]

Wapiti7,
My guide is Pete Davis with southwest outdoors, he's got some videos out called "pure huntin elk" I've never used a guide before but I used him to put in for AZ and Nm every year. I used to hunt Montana every year but wanted to try somewhere new. I was going to just put in by myself but my buddy wanted to use an outfitter once. There are pros and cons to it I guess. I just don't know what to do with myself because I'd be going over topo maps and trying to get as much info I could but I guess that's what the outfitters for. I'm still going to practice my calls just in case but that will be really different have a good caller for me. Are you hunting NM this year?

by **Wapiti7** » 05 02, 2014 • [Post 70]

Sent you a PM

by **Test Man** » 05 09, 2014 • [Post 71]

Drew Unit 15, second tag in 23 years of applying, can't wait. Hunted Unit 34 last time.

by **WapitiTalk1** » 05 09, 2014 • [Post 72]

Test Man wrote:Drew Unit 15, second tag in 23 years of applying, can't wait. Hunted Unit 34 last time.

Hey Al, welcome to "the" elk forum. Best of luck on your NM hunt this fall!

by **Test Man** » 05 12, 2014 • [Post 73]

Thanks Phantom. Been on the Bowsite for as long as I can remember. Someone mentioned this site and I came over and checked it out. Great site! Wish I would have found it sooner.

by **DXTrey** » 05 20, 2014 • [Post 74]

I stumbled upon this site today and I can't quit reading all of the posts. Such a good resource for a guy from TX without much elk experience. Thanks to all!

I got incredibly lucky this year and drew archery elk in Unit 55 (Valle Vidal) for Sept 1-15. This will be my first elk hunt and I'm kinda on overload trying to soak up all of this information. Has anyone ever hunted in the VV before? From everything I have heard this should be an outstanding hunt.

by **easeup** » 05 20, 2014 • [Post 75]

Congrats on the valle tag DXtrey. Outstanding and fantastic once in a lifetime event!!!!

are you going in solo? got a guide?
Welcome to the best elk hunter forum also.

by **JPD350** » 05 20, 2014 • [Post 76]

DXTrey wrote:I stumbled upon this site today and I can't quit reading all of the posts. Such a good resource for a guy from TX without much elk experience. Thanks to all!

I got incredibly lucky this year and drew archery elk in Unit 55 (Valle Vidal) for Sept 1-15. This will be my first elk hunt and I'm kinda on overload trying to soak up all of this information. Has anyone ever hunted in the VV before? From everything I have heard this should be an outstanding hunt.

You are going to have a blast!!! sent you a PM

by **WapitiTalk1** » 05 20, 2014 • [Post 77]

DXTrey wrote:I stumbled upon this site today and I can't quit reading all of the posts. Such a good resource for a guy from TX without much elk experience. Thanks to all!

I got incredibly lucky this year and drew archery elk in Unit 55 (Valle Vidal) for Sept 1-15. This will be my first elk hunt and I'm kinda on overload trying to soak up all of this information. Has anyone ever hunted in the VV before? From everything I have heard this should be an outstanding hunt.

Welcome to "the" elk forum friend. Pull up a log by the fire, a beverage of choice, and chime in whoever you want. Some good folks here