New Mexico Unit 16E

juanjaime82 · Aug 11, 2010

I have a landowner unit wide tag for 16E in new mexico, the dates are the 23 oct rifle season, hunting is my passion and my obession, but this will be my first time hunting elk, can anyone give me tips about this unit, what are the honny pots, where can i find elk, can someone point me in the right direction, i am looking for throphy bull and ill work hard to get one...

NMelkhunter · Aug 11, 2010

It is a unit with trophy potential. I have only hunted around Luera Mtn. but I know lots of others that like Pelona Mtn. Get back off the roads where many are cruising and you will be in elk everyday. Look in the canyons on the southwest side of Luera and don't overlook the some of the more open country. It might surprise you how many of these 16E elk hang out or at least briefly travel in the open.

juanjaime82 · Aug 12, 2010

thanks elk hunter... what throphy potential can i expect from this unit.. what do u think an average bull is in that unit?

Bill_in_MI · Aug 12, 2010

I didnt see a bull over 300" when I was there a few years ago.

Bill in MI

tayhot · Aug 13, 2010

Luera Mt is a great spot. Its big enough to get away from others. Pelona has private land pocketed everywhere and you need to be very careful. This is the case with 16E, lots of private land thrown about. Also try the arean near Collins Park. This might be the western edge of the boundary, but i have hunted it for years and there is always elk there.

NMelkhunter · Aug 13, 2010

You definitely have the advantage of a good moisture year and horn growth should be above average. Although there can be some big bulls in the area, I wouldn't pass up a decent bull opening morning in hopes of getting something bigger over the next four days. But I guess it all depends on what your goal is and only you can define that. A trophy to me is a legal bull and spending time with family and friends in the mountains.

nmelktrout · Aug 13, 2010

Get away from the roads, look South to the flats, and if you are willing to glass and hike you should have no problem finding a bull in the 300" range or better... There are a alot of 280 to 320 bulls in the unit if you are willing to work for them. Luera can be great as mentioned above.

You will need something to get you into the unit as you can't camp in it but get away from the "roads" and you will get into elk. There are a few giants in the unit. If you don't get off your butt and work this is a tough hunt. If you are willing to get off the driven path you will get into plenty of elk.