Unit 45 New Mexico - Elk Hunt

hunter101 · Sep 8, 2016

This year I was lucky enough to draw for a Bull Elk-GMU45, in the Santa Fe National Forest - I've done a little bit of scouting near Cowles, NM but had no luck seeing any elk. I went near Jacks Creek, but didn't have the chance to go deep into the wilderness. Unfortunately I live down in Las Cruces, NM near El Paso, TX so its hard for me to get up there, but I'm willing to go this weekend. Any tips/advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

tonsofguns56 · Sep 8, 2016

I have a hunt in 45 late Sept for deer, i'm going to start scouting this week. I am also going try near Jack's Creek, and Iron Gate.

RioHuntNutt · Sep 8, 2016

Get as far away from that main paved road up the canyon, and take a look at Barrias on the other side. The old burn area has grown in thick , but there is elk there.....Best of luck , its a good unit with plenty of quality elk there....Just get away from the road...

hunter101 · Sep 8, 2016

tonsofguns56, Good Luck bro let me know if you see any signs of elk, thanks!

hunter101 · Sep 8, 2016

RioHuntNutt, Thank You Sir, I will definitively have to take a look at the area for sure, Barrias - is that near cowles nm ? or would I have to drive around lil north of Santa Fe? Thanks! the only one im showing on the map is Barrillas Lookout but cant get an exact address/pushpin to locate it. I tried a google search and maps and nothing. thanks!

GoBigorGohome · Sep 11, 2016

One of buddy has this tag and he said as of yesterday he hasn't heard any bugles or see elk activity. He has put in a lot of miles but nothing.

tonsofguns56 · Sep 26, 2016

Saw plenty of deer and a few disappointed elk hunters...

muleywhisperer · Sep 29, 2016

There are a ton of deer off the roads but very few elk close to the roads. The key to this unit is to hunt north or east facing slopes. Hartman canyon has had a couple big bulls setting up residence for a couple years now and the area around the ski base is starting to hold good elk numbers. The key is to go to those area most people tend to avoid. Almost all that draw this unit drive around Valle de Ocha and elk mountain but very few will venture up towards Hamilton mesa or out towards Ruidoso canyon. A secret source with ties to NMDGF said the next potential state record non-typical bull resides in the area behind monistary lake but, so far that is just a rumor, no picture ,no proof, and the aerial photo that shows a monster bull could have been taken any where! Good luck I hope you kill a giant!

tallpine13 · Sep 29, 2016

I've always looked at that more low lying country and figured it held some big bulls

BUGLEnmIN · Sep 29, 2016

Which hint did you draw? I'd call Paul Gonzales and do a drop camp man.

hunter101 · Sep 30, 2016

Thank You all for this great information I really appreciate it. I was able to go last week for only two days though, but I did some scouting and saw plenty of droppings for elk. I did see 1 elk and it was in the evening kinda right before sunset and couldnt see how many points he had but I could sure see the antlers he was hiding behind a big tree. I did see a couple of deer, no buck though.

the area that I hit was around Jacks Creek. We parked down at Jacks Creek Campground and starting heading North off trail did a full look heading towards East Pecos Baldly Lake then circled around East Near or on Round Mountain and ended up on Jack Creeks Trail near Trail #25

hunter101 · Sep 30, 2016

hunter101 · Sep 30, 2016

freaknasty · Oct 1, 2016

I don't have a hunt this year but i live in Pecos and heard some rumors then saw it for myself (I was wood gathering) in the Osha area. There was a helicopter on and around elk mountain flying very close to the tree tops, I thought someone was lost and they were looking for them.
I heard from some other locals and they said they were chasing the animals trying to break up the elk herd. I don't know why they would do this during the hunt, but I haven't seen any elk in any spots that usually hold them.
go figure

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Jarhead · Oct 2, 2016

Somebody needs to make sure that helicopter doesn't ever fly again and if they are outfitters make sure they can't walk again.

leftturnabq · Oct 2, 2016

Watched a helicopter flying and hovering over elk in the Gila this weekend...

freaknasty · Oct 9, 2016

so I've been reading here on MM that the G&F do their surveys around this time of year, I can't remember seeing them before but you never know.

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