New Mexico GMU 51 elk tag

[leadsled9]

I just drew an archery tag (Sept. 1-15) for GMU 51 in New Mexico. I've never seen this country before. Any information would be much appreciated.

I don't expect anyone to give up their favorite spots, I'm just looking for some good general information about the area. It is a big unit.

 

[Wailing4Wapiti]

I've hunted it numerous times and if I were just starting out, I would focus on the eastern part of the unit. There are some decent areas on the West side, like Canjilon Lakes and Trout Lakes, but they tend to be very crowded and once you are set up that far in, it is hard to move to a different area. On the eastern side, there is more room to move around and there are still plenty of elk.

 

[leadsled9]

Wailing4Wapiti,

Thanks for the information. I will be going two weeks early to scout before the hunt, but scouting doesn't reveil what the hunter pressure will be like.

I will follow your advise.

What size bulls am I likely to see there? I am told that this unit is a good one for numbers of elk, but not big bulls.

It's been a long dry spell for me...so I'm probably going to shoot the first decent bull I get a chance at.

 

[southmountain]

check your pm

 

[nmhunter01]

Pm sent

 

[leadsled9]

Thank you southmountain and nmhunter01. I am getting excited about the hunt.