New Mexico Unit 16B 2nd season

KZ · Jul 7, 2011

My group drew elk tags for New Mexico, Unit 16b, 2nd season archery. We are planning on hiking in and hunting out of spike camps. I've got some advice from the guys on the bowsite. I was wondering if there was anyone on here who might have some more ideas? There are 4 of us in our group. A couple of the guys in my group suggested not even setting up a base camp. I thought it would be nice to have a base camp set up, so when you came out to resupply you could get a good nights rest. What do you all think?

Kevin

vmcfadden · Jul 7, 2011

Season in NM isn't that long rough it. IMO It will save alot of work and the guys that kill early can pack them back to the truck.

scottr · Jul 7, 2011

What trailhead are you planning on using? That would give us some idea of where you will be and what is close.

KZ · Jul 7, 2011

We were thinking about going in at the Willow Creek campground or the Loco mountain campground.

TOPGUN · Jul 8, 2011

I would agree in that if it is a 5 day season you should be able to take what you need on your hike in there and last for that length of time without a base camp. The only thing you might need to do is return to the vehicle for more water if there isn't any where you are hunting that you can make potable through various methods available for backpackers. Good luck, have fun and be safe, as the Gila is a great place to go. I was in ther right north of Silver City last Fall and it's some great country.

KZ · Jul 8, 2011

Should be an eight day season. Sept 11 through Sept 18.

leftturnabq · Jul 8, 2011

As stated, depending on where you end up, water could be your biggest problem.

GotBowAz · Jul 8, 2011

I have a different perspective on it. For 8 days I would definitely take a base camp if you intend to hunt the whole time. First off you won't need to take as much with you in your spike camps as you can come back and resupply. You can also split up the hunt, this would give you one good night in a good bed and a hot shower which can make you feel awesome and eager and want to get back in the field. I've done it both ways for extended times and I liked having the base camp/camper to go back to. I had clean dry clothes waiting for me, It was a nice warm sleep, a good cooked meal which all reinforced my desire to get me back out to my spike camp and hunt harder. My last hunt I had a spike camp down in a hole. Well on day 3 I had two mountain lion hunters on horseback and about 8 dogs blow every deer out of that canyon. If it hadn't been for having my base camp the rest of the hunt would have been ruined. Wouldn?t have made any sense to continue to hunt the area. Just my take on it.

GBA

KZ · Jul 8, 2011

GotbowAZ,
That's very similar to how I feel about it. I just wish I knew the unit better, that way I could put base camp where it needs to be. Does anybody know what the roads are like? The distance between trailheads and campsites doesn't seem too far, but depending on the road conditons, it could take hours to move??

GotBowAz · Jul 8, 2011

I dont know the area, sorry I cant help you out with that.

One more thought on the advantage of a base camp I would keep in mind. There are four of you, if one kills early everyone could help pack it out, then stay that night all cleaned up and well rested to go back to the spike camp the following morning and with whatever replenishment might be needed. It would be a win win IMO.

GBA

scottr · Jul 8, 2011

I would go with the base camp. It is hard to fit 8-10 days worth of supplies and contingencies on your back, especially when hunting. Part of it also depends on how far in you plan on getting. I know a lot of people set up at the Willow Creek trailhead. Some just camp and hunt Iron Creek Mesa, which holds a lot of elk. Some use it to get in a little further, Turkey Feather, Jerky Mtns, Jackass, and many other great areas.

PM sent with some suggestions that might help get away from the crowds a little.

couesmagnet · Jul 8, 2011

>I would go with the base
>camp. It is hard
>to fit 8-10 days worth
>of supplies and contingencies on
>your back, especially when hunting.
>Part of it also depends
>on how far in you
>plan on getting. I
>know a lot of people
>set up at the Willow
>Creek trailhead. Some just
>camp and hunt Iron Creek
>Mesa, which holds a lot
>of elk. Some use it
>to get in a little
>further, Turkey Feather, Jerky Mtns,
>Jackass, and many other great
>areas.
>
>PM sent with some suggestions that
>might help get away from
>the crowds a little.
This is excellent advise. We spiked camped at iron creek , andit is overwhelming how much other country you can hit from there. Go in at willow creek. Turkey creek and the jerkys are sweet . Lots of water close to there with the creeks and such. Good luck in there , the biggest bull we saw was 355. Those elk get bumped around more than you think by other guides in on horses.There is almost no way to hunt that stuff without a spike camp day in and day out.

TOPGUN · Jul 8, 2011

Great comments guys and I think if it's longer than a 5 day hunt I would definitely agree with GBA and others to set up a base camp. More than 4-5 days in just a spike camp would be pretty tough if the other option is available.