NM 16B, first legal or wait?

[mano_a_mano]

I am heading out to the Gila Wilderness for my first real rifle hunt for Elk. I have done quite a bit of archery elk hunting experience but I have never hunted mid October.
I'll be on foot, what should I expect?
Should I take the first legal bull (antler point restriction of 5 or better on one side) or hold out? If hold out, how large/small a bull should I wait for? I'm not looking for a trophy and don't want to go home empty handed but something bigger than deer size antlers would be nice. Any suggestions/recommendation from those who have hunted this area?

 

[Warren]

300 inches...chance to do much better if you are patient.

 

[operation400]

We have hunted 16B for years. We've hunted bother rifle hunts as well as the late archery hunt. We had another good year this year.

http://www.monstermuleys.info/dcforum/DCForumID7/5346.html

Chances are really good that the first legal bull see is a 300" bull. If not, wait a day or two before taking a smaller bull. We saw about 20 bulls on the archery hunt this year, 5 of which were smaller than 300 class bulls.

email me if you have any more questions.
[email protected]

 

[WMK]

I hunted 16 D&E the last 5 years. I personally would hold out. There are 350+ Bulls in the Gila's but not aroud every tree. Get in shape then hunt hard and all day. Set a time frame when you will settle for a lesser Bull. I personnaly took a 389 7/8 gross / 383 7/8 net in 2003 with a bow. This year I passed up two 320 - 330 Bulls for the chance for a 350+ Bull. I found a 350+ Bull but blew the stalk.

 

[larrbo]

Are you going in on horses and or using an outfitter? Having hunted there I know that there are alot of nice bulls. I would hold out for at least a 300-325 bull. The last time I hunted there I saw 13 6 point bulls in the first two hours of hunting.