Unit 45 elk questions

Mattcraig721 · Oct 3, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Oct-03-17 AT 06:43PM (MST)[p]Good afternoon everyone. I am new to New Mexico hunting and new to elk hunting for that matter. I haven't had a chance to get up to the unit and scout yet (been TDY for the Air Force). I am heading out on the 20th. My plan is to go to Jacks Creek trail head, hike 5 miles north, set up camp and then figure it out from there. I would take any tips or advice that anyone has. I also have a deer tag in this unit 2 weeks later. This is going to be a lot different than deer in Georgia. Thanks in advance and good luck to everyone!

Trad Bow 1979 · Oct 3, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Oct-03-17 AT 08:19PM (MST)[p]Dude, if you hike in 5 miles than what are u gonna do if you get an elk on the ground? Simplify your plan. If your hunting on your own and say you kill an elk 1 mile from the road. It will take you 6 trips to haul out your elk. That's 12 miles of walking with 6 of them being under a heavy load depending on how big your bull is. Also being that late in October there is potential for harsh weather hitting during your hunt, especially if your going north of Jacks Creek. That may not be the best hunt for backcountry style hunting. I like the hardcore approach to hunting you have but for late October elk in Northern NM you gotta be safe first.

Mattcraig721 · Oct 3, 2017

Thanks for the reply! Sounds like I may not need to go in so far. I am all ears for any suggestions.

BUGLEnmIN · Oct 3, 2017

Extraction should always be #1 plan. This isn't a 100 lb white tail.( With all due respect) cut that distance in half at least, or find someone to pack out your elk . Idk what your money situation is but I'm a wilderness Hunter myself but I own my own horses and mules . If I was in your shoes I'd be paying for a drop camp, paying for a pack out ,or hunting close to the truck.

Trad Bow 1979 · Oct 4, 2017

You should call NMDGF and speak with the Game Warden for that area. 45 is a great unit but I know little to nothing about it. Also try the National Forrest service in that area. They can give you good intell as well on road conditions and things like that.

Mattcraig721 · Oct 4, 2017

Thanks reddevil. I appreciate all the input from you fellas.

zia · Oct 4, 2017

Matt, I have been horseback in the Pecos wilderness a lot this summer , just got back from making a big loop from Jacks Creek to the north . You can PM me for more info. Its big wild wonderful country, if you kill an elk 5 miles in on foot you better bring a match and a fork to eat the thing there, one hindquarter weighs as much as your cute little Georgia deer. I was riding in snow already and at night it was 38 degrees. It's proper wilderness , don't be a pilgrim, have a plan.

Thomas11 · Oct 5, 2017

Yelp! I just got back from UT and I shot a bull roughly 3 miles in and it took two of us roughly a day and half to pack out in the snow and I'm from Alabama. I'm not sure I coulda got it done on my own. Elk are huge animals! And then u got your camp to pack out as well. U can get yourself in trouble w/o the right gear and being prepared that far in that time of year in that kinda country.

Mattcraig721 · Oct 26, 2017

Well I didn't have any luck with elk. I saw a lot of cows but that was about it. I have the deer hunt in the same unit next week so maybe I'll have more luck. Thanks everyone for the help.