Any bugles in NM 16C yet?

jjsilva · Aug 17, 2017

We went scouting this last weekend and did not hear a single bugle. I have the second archery hunt and am trying to see if the Rut is going to be at the normal time this year.

Pilot048 · Aug 17, 2017

Should be an excellent hunt. 16C is a great unit.

jjsilva · Aug 18, 2017

Yes its an awesome unit. Just stressing about the Rut timing.

leftturnabq · Aug 18, 2017

You won't hear a lot of bulging for another month still.

Mfresh222 · Aug 20, 2017

Just got back for 16c today, no bugles at all yet, only saw one bull all weekend, no cows and we glassed for miles and miles. Also picked up a camera that I had out, had a few cows and a nice bull but nothing overly impressive.

jjsilva · Aug 22, 2017

That's what I was hoping Mfresh222. What hunt did are you going on? I also have a couple of cameras out there I plan on picking them up next week. I haven't messed with my honey holes hoping not to disturb them till opening day. Thanks for the Reply!!

jjsilva · Aug 22, 2017

That's what I'm hoping! But a lot of it depends on the weather and tons of other things. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

bowhunt3r4l1f3 · Aug 22, 2017

I love posts like this.

I'm sure you are aware, but I'll say it anyways. The "rut action" meaning actual mating, will happen with our without bugles.

It happens every year coinciding with the fall equinox, regardless of weather or temperature. The animals will mate. You can guarantee it.

www.utahscoutingservices.com

leftturnabq · Aug 22, 2017

Yep. The equinix falls on Sept. 22 this year.

The bulls will be bugling hot & heavy in the 16's from mid-late September thru early October. There is a reason there are no elk hunts in NM at that time.

Bulls will sound off year round, but they get flat-out crazy during that time period.

Mfresh222 · Aug 22, 2017

Hey JJ- We actually have the early hunt, this last weekend we were primarily glassing all the hills around indian peaks and it was quiet with very little sign, was pretty odd. My camera however, was in the southern portion of the unit, closer to beaverhead. May go back this weekend and try out a couple of different spots.

jjsilva · Sep 6, 2017

I was there on Monday. I talked to some hunters and they said an Outfitter placed blinds and tree stand on every water hole and is not using them every day. What do you guys think about this? I think if they are not going to hunt it that day they should take it down. What are the hunting Ethics for this situation?

STOMPER · Sep 10, 2017

The bulls are lit up in the southern units 36, and 34. I hunt all over nm and the south is the last to hit. So if the rut kicked off here where i live i can promise you its the same in the gila.