New Mexico Unit 16B

J

Jedk

Guest
Hey guys I am new here and like every one else I want to gather as much info for my upcoming hunts as I possibly can. I have put in to hunt New Mexico's unit 16b in Sept. of 07' archery, DIY. I have talked to as many guys as I can find about this unit and have heard some say that it has been over hunted. Has anyone had any experience with this particular unit? I spoke with one outfitter about a drop camp and when I told him I was thinking of just packing myself in on foot he kind of laughed as if I were nuts. Is this unit hard to access or is it just that far of a hike to get to the bulls? Would it be wise to employ an outfitter to pack us in? Thanks jedk
 
JedK....I and a buddy both put in for 16B as well...after lots of looking into it...it seemed to be the best fit for us. I've heard both ways from outfitters....some have said it's not possible without an outfitter and several I've talked to have said that a motivated do-it-youselfer would be just fine. One guy I talked to who puts in for the same unit said some of the best hunting is near accessible roads or trailheads...I'm also up for any info anyone is willing to offer....Jed where ya from and if you draw what are your plans?
 
Have hunted 16B four times , second bow hunt, shoot me over an email....Great unit !!!!
 
We are coming from San Antonio Texas. If I draw I plan on packing in on foot but so far I have been sort of laughed at when I mentioned packing in. Not sure why. I have talked to another guy that had an outfitter pack him in and hunted from his pack for 6 days and had good success at some shot opportunities. Where you coming from?
 
I backpack hunted this unit solo a few years ago during the first rifle season. I set up camp 7 miles into the wilderness. It is not near as difficult as some of the areas I have hunted in Colorado (much lower elevation, minimal deadfalls, good trails). Water accessibility can be a limiting factor in a dry year. I prefer archery hunting but went during the rifle season as I was concerned about getting my elk out in the heat of the archery hunt. It was still pretty warm during the rifle hunt. I harvested a 300" bull opening morning about 6 miles from the trailhead. I deboned the meat, caped him out, and got one load of meat out by sunset the first day. I got lucky and met a local hunter with two horses who offered to pack the rest of my elk out if I could get it as far as the bottom of the canyon. This saved me a day's worth of hard work.

There was a lot of pressure near the trailhead - even horseback hunters. There was also a lot of activity along the major access trials. The first major canyon pretty much stopped the majority of the hunters.

email me if you want more info.

Brian
 
Jed....we're from Utah...if drawn I'm sure we'll make some trips in July and August to scout. We're planning on backpacking it to. From every bit of info I can gather I think backpacking will work fine. The only thing that you'll have to keep in mind is getting the meat out before spoiling would be near impossible by yourself. I've talked to a guy already that would be willing to bring in horses and pack meat out....for a price. Anyway, if we draw I"ll let ya know and we can exchange info..good luck
 
16B on foot is do-able. the biggest problem you might encounter, like mentioned before, is getting the meat out before it spoils. There are a couple outfitters that will drop camp hunters gear into an area they (the hunter) choose.


www.gilawildernesshunting.com
 
LAST EDITED ON Feb-15-07 AT 01:55PM (MST)[p]Thanks guys if I backpack in I will definately have a meat packer on standby to haul out the meat. Thanks for all the input
 
Huntntrail,
If drawn I will contact you to see when you will be scouting and maybe we can hook up.

What are some good entry points to the South of this unit?
 
I hunted down there the entire bow season year before last. I was down there about 20 days total. All backpack as far back as you would ever want to go and then some.

It can be done but you will have to work at it.

Send me a PM.

Archer
 

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