NM Unit 53

elkecho · Jun 22, 2013

Drew the archery hunt in NM Unit 53 any information would be helpful.

Thanks,

elkecho

Genesis 27:3-4

vthokee · Jun 26, 2013

I drew the same hunt. This will be my first elk hunt.

schmalts · Jun 28, 2013

Not a unit to hunt if your not in real good shape. This is one of the most rugged units in the state. Get your cardio in tip top condition.______________________________
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vthokee · Jun 28, 2013

I bought a great pair of boots and have been doing cardio 4-5 days a week with lifting mixed in. being at about 4250 for alt helps also. there is no way I could come here from sea level and be able to perform. When I moved here to NM a year ago from South GA and went out for a run I thought my chest was going to explode from the thin air here.

WillPower · Jun 30, 2013

I have hunted several units in NM and hunted this unit in 2009. I was in the best shape of my life when I hit this unit for 9 days in the back county. It is steep and rugged as it gets, but elk are around if you are willing to work. PM me and I will get back to you with some additional information. Good luck on your hunt, its nasty tough but beautiful country.

WP

"My only regret in life is setting my goals too low"

RioHuntNutt · Jul 8, 2013

schmaltz is dead on with his info, and if I'm correct he has personal experience arrowing a bull or 2 up there in both 52 and 53...

elkecho · Jul 21, 2013

Where do you guys suggest I start looking. I will probably skip the opening weekend because of all the labor day campers but will be up there the last 10 days or so of the hunt.

Thanks,

Bob

hunt1 · Jul 22, 2013

No need to hunt in the high country. There are herds of dozens to a hundred in the sage flats. Seriously in the sage flats!

elkecho · Jul 23, 2013

Can you direct me to the sage flats so I can go scout it out. I have not heard about any sage flats in this unit unless you are talking about the main road/highway leading to Colorado?

Thanks for your help.

hunt1 · Jul 24, 2013

From Questa north...they will be on both sides of the highway. I would hunt around Questa all the way to Ute Mountain. I've taken two archery bulls in that general area.

You might go scout and find elk up in the mountains around the Midnight area and even though it looks like elk heaven, you probably won't see them in there come archery season.

vthokee · Jul 25, 2013

Sounds like I will be up there hunting maybe a week before you. I am planning on going up on Labor Day and then hunting for 7-10 days. I will let you know what I am seeing and if they are starting to bugle or not.