help needed unit 36 new mexico elk

ToddT · Jun 7, 2011

Normally if I draw a tag I will ask for help here, and I will also contact a local biologist and anyone else who may can help - and this year isn't any different in that respect. BUT, it is different in the sense that I have drawn a unit 36 elk first muzzleloader tag, AND, this is the first year that my dad - who is 60 - and I have ever applied for a hunt together.

For this reason, and plus the fact that after this year the nonresident allocation will drop significantly I doubt I will ever get a chance to share an elk camp again with my dad. I am truly hoping this will be a great hunt, as we have only hunted together a handful of times in my life and I would like to have a great hunt for both of us to remember for the rest of our lives.

The main reason I chose unit 36 was because of it's reputation of holding an abundance of elk as well as some truly quality elk.

Any information will be greatly appreciated. From where to camp, or stay in town, to possibly horse rental or a drop camp service. Thoughts or experiences, whatever you have to offer. As mentioned, this is somewhat more special than just drawing a tag, due to the circumstances.

For privacy you can PM me, email me at [email protected] or call 828-221-4006. Thanks to all.

DoeNob · Jun 8, 2011

Have no help for you currently, but I drew archery deer in the same unit, and will be glad to pass on any elk intel I get and let you know if I see anything on whatever scouting trips I may make.

ToddT · Jun 8, 2011

That would be greatly appreciated as I won't be able to scout - living in North Carolina, and my dad is atleast 8 - 10 hours away - he did mention possibly getting down there, but he stays so busy that may not be possible either.

I appreciate all information, new or old, but boots to the ground a couple weeks before the hunt may be most helpful. Thanks, Todd.

jodog · Jun 8, 2011

Get in shape! Last I heard the Lincoln NF was closed due to being so dry. Good luck.

JRABQ · Jun 8, 2011

Pray for some rain, and hope the forest doesn't burn down. Ditto on get in shape, much of the terrain is STEEP!

CompassWestOutfitters · Jun 9, 2011

Get your dad the best boot you can find and you better get in shape get in shape and then get in better shape, 36 is great but rough!!!!!!!!!!

www.200inches.com

npaden · Jun 9, 2011

I know several have already mentioned it, but the most important thing for you to do is to get in shape. Unit 36 is ROUGH. You need to be able to jog 6 miles in an hour and you still won't be in good enough shape.

I had a Unit 36 rifle tag last year and was successful, but I struggled and I'm only 43. I had hunted elk on foot in Wyoming earlier in the season and thought I was in shape, but I was struggling after 2 1/2 days in Unit 36. Boots are VERY important, you need to get started breaking some in yesterday. The terrain is loose and steep and that is hell on feet. My feet were in worse shape than the rest of me.

There are lots of elk (I saw 7 different 5x5 or better bulls on the day I shot mine), you just need to be able to get to them! All the tips folks can give you on where the elk are won't do you any good if you can't get to them.

In my opinion your success rates are going to be directly tied to what kind of shape you are in.

Here's the dink that I shot last year. Right at 310", but I was happy with him.

If you want to read a novel, you can read my blog on my hunt last year.

http://padens.blogspot.com/2010/11/successful-new-mexico-elk-hunt-novel.html

Good luck, that is a great tag.