NM archery elk

[MLog]

As a non-resident I have always applied for the Gila and VV units in NM....and have never pulled a tag. I know those areas are quality hunts with the potential for big bulls. My question is this. Are there units in NM where a guy who is willing to work can find a quality hunt with smaller bulls and better draw odds? Not that I'm against killing a big bull but I do like to go hunting every once in a while. I have done a lot of backpack type hunts so I'm not afraid to pack in a ways and hunt from their.
Mike-TN

 

[NMHUNTNUTT1]

Unit 6A could fit that bill and still give a guy the chance of hunting big 300-350 class bulls. Its a great unit with plenty of elk and better odds and if a guy is willing to pack/hike into the San Pedro Parks Wilderness . This a great unit....

 

[archeryelk]

Looks like 6A is 11-14% unguided. Still not the best of odds unless I missed something.

Archer

 

[Wailing4Wapiti]

Try 44/45. It is a wilderness unit with good elk numbers and decent quality. The draw odds aren't too bad, at least not like the units you mention.

If you are willing to do some homework and some leg work, you would have a great hunt.

 

[CAelknuts]

You might also consider unit 9, Mt. Taylor. It has a ton of elk and lots of permits. The bulls aren't as big on the top end as the Gila, but there are still pleny of very nice 6 pt. bulls killed there every year. The unit does have some issues with checkerboard lands, so you need to have good maps and know how to read them, along with a GPS.