unit 52-Lagunitas Drainage

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outtabreath

Guest
Just wondering if anyone has ever scouted/hunted this area in unit 52 (new mexico). Going up tomorrow to scout and was hoping for some feedback before I go. I only have a few more weekends to scout and I want to check out some new areas, but I don't want to waste precious time, if there are no elk there. Thanks for anything....
 
Might want to look at Ojito Spring. Had a research project cord. a few years back tell me that is where all the collared elk hung out. All the elk we have killed in 52 came off of San Antonio Mnt.


Good Luck.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

I think I will go see. As for San Antonio Mtn., i have heard it is good up there, but oof, what a hike. I suppose it would be great with a trusty steed, but I only have my hoofers. I would definitly live up to my nic if I got up there. I did notice a road that goes up aways on the South/Southwest side. It gets pretty close to the tree line there. Should I investigate? Is there water up there? Thanks for the info.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

There are generally alot of elk in the lagunitas area. you should have no problem seeing animals.
-Raptor
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

I have been north and west of Lagunitas, but was wondering about the area south of the road. It opens up alot and then drops down to the Rio San Antonio and Laguntias creek.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

People harvested elk where you are talking about last year. I don't know if right there, but camp wise elk were hanging at camps by the rio san antonio at the bottom by the laguna larga turn off. I seen an antelope there all by herself & one doe deer by the creek almost at dark on my way out.

Elk were also harvested at broke off mountain. That is kind of south from lagunitas.

1st two pictures: Unit 52 New Mexico San Antonio Mountian.

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Last picture: top of broke off mountain looking in the direction of forest road 80.

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RE: unit 52-San Antonio

I'm pretty sure you can no longer (legally) drive up the road on the south side of San Antonio Mtn. It was on BLM land (along a fence) and took you up to the edge of some trees, but probably moot point now. There is water at the top (SE side I think), sometimes you'll see antelope go all the way up, I'm pretty sure to get a drink. There was another road on SE side that took you to a corral, near a patch of trees, but I'm pretty sure it's also closed. Makes a long-ass hike even longer.

The Lagunitas area usually has a lot of elk, they just always seem to be downhill of the road, so it can be a tough haul getting one out. I shot my first elk up there 13 years ago, always liked the area, but haven't hunted it in awhile. The Cruces basin is another good spot (Wilderness).
 
I've guided and hunted 52 for years, I was up there 2 sundays ago and saw alot of elk up in lagunitas as well as 28 antelope I saw some good bulls hanging out in the wildneress all the bulls are up high because its so hot, some good bulls in TA grant. I would'nt spend much time scouting until the goat hunt is over again there will be 175 hunters out in a couple weeks and with all the shooting elk will take cover, go up Rio Nutrias toward the Ta grant you'll see elk in the aspens by the switchback or in that area.I also drove through to Colorado above the wilderness Colorado is dry even the grass is burnt. But if you drive by the Duran's high fence in Los Pinos you'll see a 380 bull at least it'll pump you up. nmbighorn
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

Josh, ooohhh those pictures got me very excited! Cannot wait to be back there in 8 weeks (muzzy elk 52).

I sent you guys emails - would love to talk 52 and access etc.

Thanks

DonV Ohio
 
going up to the top of SanAnt MT will probably be easier than going down into the Cruces basin for one reason... Getting an elk off of the MT will be much bettter that getting one out of the Basin. Been there, done that, not fun. But hey, its a good problem to have either way.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

nice pics Josh! Looks like my home away from home. We camped at Broke-Off last year. I got a bull up there. Just a dink, but my first elk, so who cares about antlers. This year might be a little different. I really want a 5x5 or better. Just hoping, but I'll pop the first legal bull I see. Unless he's smaller than last years bull.
Last time I was up on Broke-Off ( about a month ago) 419a was blocked by a fallen ponderosa. Thats not really the road to the top. but around the west side. I stopped the last time I was up and walked down the rio san antonio from the little bridge on 87. There were tracks everywhere along the bank. I was a little surprised, but I guess darkness changes everything. As far as Antelope season is concerned...well, I'll be in Alaska. So, no scouting then anyway. Not a bad trade-off.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

JRABQ-
thats what I thought too. Last time I was up there i went to check out the road that goes up the East side, but it said closed 1/2 mile ahead. Thats the one where all those houses are. I guess its a radio tower access road. There is one other road on the South side. Its closed by barbed wire fence/gate, but I was glassing S.A. Mtn and saw a car parked up there and then noticed a brown and white sign right in front of their car. I had never seen that before and it made me wonder.......will that be the thing that gets my butt up that tall SOB. Not realling looking forward to that hike. OOF! Pay to play.
 
schmalts has a very good point, going high or low is all the same until you get an elk.
 
RE: unit 52-San Antonio

outtabreath.... What season/dates are you going to be hunting? I have heard you can find deer close to mule canyon if the weather is cold!!!
 
I have to agree with nmbighorn about the Laguanitas area . Once the antelope hunters move in on friday , by sat. night most of those elk will have moved off . Not to worry though , that unit has elk all over it . Just wished I was headed there again , 52 is my favorite unit.....NMHUNTNUTT
 
I'm just curious, but have any of you guys in the "know" ever come into unit 52 from highway 17 between Chama and Antonito. I can't remeber the FRS Road but it starts out in Colorado and with in a few miles you are back in New Mexico. Unit 52 I assumed. Great looking country, but no one ever mentions it. Is this side (west) that bad? I'd like to hear comments. Not hunting there. Can't get drawn. But like the area.
 
Silverback1 ssshhh, I have heard about it planned to check that area out but always got into enough elk I was happy where I was. Not well known.
 
Very nice shots of the area~! I sure wouldn't mind going back there again at some point. Here's some wallows from that unit.

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