Gila 1st or 2nd archery

[Bigway2]

I'm going to put in for the Gila archery hunt and go with an outfitter. Either 7 or 9 days, haven't decided yet. Being a whitetail hunter from NJ, I'm not an elk expert. But I have killed 2 elk on 3 hunts. What are the pros and cons of the first hunt compared to the second? Pressure, water, full moon (sept.7) stages of the rut? Will put in for 15, 16e, and 13. Probably that order. I just want to put myself in the best possible situation to be successful on a big bull. Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

I personally like the second hunt , the rut will more likely be heating upduring those dates of the 16-24 . Get ahold of Tommy Maldanado (crazyboutcoues) I spoke to him this morning , he had a couple clients kill bulls in 16E this past Sept , he could help you for sure .
I hunted 16B four years in a row all the second hunt . The elk hunt was great every year ....NMHUNTNUTT

 

[nmelk13]

I have got to ask have you ever hunted 13?

Now on to your other question I would say later. Of course who knows if any of us will be allowed into the mountains if we dont get any moisture soon.

 

[Bigway2]

No, I've never hunted 13. Or anywhere in NM. I've read good and bad about 13. "alot of land for a little elk" is one quote I remember.

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

13 can ruin an elk hunting experiance for guys new to elk , but could also spoil a guy if they were in the right place at the right time . Yes your right , alot of ground and very few elk , but with plenty of hard work and a great deal of good fortune 13 could make your dreams of a giant bulls come true . I know two brothers from up at Los Alamos(unit 6 country) , both have many animals in the Pope & Young book that have continously killed massive bulls in 13 , but they have the time to pre-season scout , these guys live in that unit on their free time , but the success shows for it as well . If 13 was in your plans , I'd seriously consider hiring a guide that has consistantly put clients on elk in there , talk to referances and call the G&F , get the area game wardens'phone # and speak to them . Otherwise theres a boat load of quality units offered to non residents where you'd find a bit more oppertunity on finding good numbers of elk....NMHUNTNUTT

 

[sharpshooter]

bigway,
what part of jersey are you from?

 

[Bigway2]

I live in central NJ. About 5 miles west of six flags Great Adventure.

 

[ELKMAN]

You could hunt 13 for a week and not see an elk very easy, but there are a few big boys.

You can bet Ross J. has the all located etc from above.