Unit 7 Elk NM

Texican · Jun 23, 2006

My dad and I were drawn for a Muzzleloader Elk Hunt in Unit 7. We did not intend to put in for this unit but by a typo or an error on the game dept's part this is what we are stuck with. I grew up in New Mexico and we always hunted unit 34. Any help out there on our chances or were to start. We plan on going on a scouting trip soon.

NMRaptor · Jun 23, 2006

Thats a tough draw. Looks like decent deer country in spots but I don't know much about the elk in this unit. I expect you'll see alot of jackrabbits.
-Raptor

Garion33 · Jun 23, 2006

We hunted unit 7 (Oct rifle) last year and did not see a live elk. We did see one bull dead and his antlers cut off in the ditch next to the road. We saw very few fresh tracks as well. The F&G warden I talked to laughed and said he was sorry I bought the tag. According to him, it is a good hunt only if CO gets snow and pushes the elk down. He pointed out an area in the middle of the unit and said a couple of guys harvested two decent bulls. All in all, try to find a roadless area and get as far away from the road as you can. It did not help us, but maybe you'll better luck. It is checkerboarded, so make sure you get good maps. I never did get hold of the biologist for the area. I left several messages and made about 50 calls before I gave up. I'm sorry to be such a downer on this unit. Maybe someone that lives there can give you better intel than I got.

Good luck, I hope you have a better hunt there than I did. I probably still have the maps for the area if you are interested.

Take care,
Dave

lth · Jun 23, 2006

If this will help, I Have never hunted
unit 7, but have hunted unit 9 many times, Lot of elk unit 9, have harvested, several elk on the north end of unit 9. What im suggesting is if you are not having any luck in unit 7 you might try hunting along the south border of 7 , and the north border of unit 9. The elk are there, that land is decieving, there are many coulees and hidden areas that you dont see from the roads.Unbelievable areas for elk to hide there, find some spots that are isolated. If its windy be sure and check the low lying areas. We have suprisingly had good luck on windy days. Also Stop and ask landowners in the area, you will find most are helpfull. Some will even possibly let you hunt on their property if elk are there. I grew up in New Mexico, it is a great state but economicaly, a stressed state , to some landowners a few extra dollars looks good , never hurts to ask. Hope this helps!

clish · Jun 28, 2006

My first thought is to stay home and not waste the gas. Ith's advice does sound good though. When is the hunt. The elk #s do vary and you have to be awaare of the land status, particularly stay off the reservations. The private property should be posted.

Texican · Jun 29, 2006

Dave, did you hunt the south end of this unit much?? Luckily we have a friend who lives in Aztec that can do some scouting for us so we will give it a try. If you don't need the maps anymore and want to get rid of them I will take them Otherwise we are going to the area at the end of July so we can pick some up. You can email me @ [email protected]

Thanks Chris

Texican · Jul 25, 2006

Just got back from a scouting trip to Unit 7. Wow, lots of vast wasteland in this unit. The jackrabbit reference was appropriate, however we did find a pretty large herd of Elk and a spot with lots of water. We got a chance to speak with the rancher in the area and he gave of some good advice. He also said if the high mountains get snow we will be in very good shape. I am a little more optimistic that we at least have a chance.

NMRaptor · Jul 25, 2006

Sounds like a little bit of work is starting to pay off....good job. Hopefully you can get a bull outa there and post some pics later. Did you see any good mulies? I know of a buck killed in 7 that gross scores in the 230s. Good luck.
-Raptor