Gila 16A and 16B

[Shootwice]

Well, it has sunk in. 16A 1st season rifle. What can we (Grizzlyhunter and me) expect to pass on for the first few days. If you have been reading our boasts here you know we hunted Valle Vidal last year. We were ready to pass on 290 bulls early on in the hunt and passed on a bunch of nice bulls. We had our expectations set and need to set them realistically for the Gila. I emagine 16B is really similar so, for those of you that have first hand knowledge of these areas, what would you pass on for the first few days? 330? 350? Heck, a whole bunch of the State's records come from that area.

 

[crazyaboutcoues]

No one in their right mind should pass a 350" unless they have one under their belt already . Both units have potential for a 400". Realistically a 340" is very attainable.

Good Luck

www.gilawildernesshunting.com

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

DITTO crazy!
I'm going out on a limb and geussing , but WAY MORE THAN half of all elk hunters don't really know how big 350 really is Magazines and cross eyed scorers have given a huge misconception about 350+ bulls and 200 inch muleys . Guys 320 is big , 170 for muleys is big. All to often people get caught up in scores , I say if he looks good and you can get a shot and in the end you'll be happy , hammer one .

 

[GrizlyHunter]

Thanks guys for your input.

Anybody else? We're not sure what we can expect as far as quantity and quality of the elk in 16A. We'll be hunting 10/14 thru 10/18...will they still be bugling?

Grizzly

 

[schmalts]

I bow hunted there 4 years ago. I saw in 11 days 4 bulls that would go over 350 without a doubt and 2 that would have topped 370. Hunt far off the roads if you can and get away from crowds.
Bad news for you though, 16A was/is burning right now and who knows how much of it will burn this year. I talked with a guy i know down there and he said the area i hunted is charred. it will be great in a couple years but will suck this year unless it rains.