Valles Caldera

[whitlow33]

Has anyone heard about how the elk hunts have gone thus far on the Caldera?

I have the first rifle hunt in October and the time can't pass fast enough!

 

[salsola]

Haven't heard how the hunts are so far. But, I'll pass along this map of the Thompson Ridge fire severity from earlier this summer. I'm not sure you could ask for a better "habitat" type fire. Lots of ground fire with pockets of high and moderate severity fire. Good luck on your hunt!

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[ABQHUNTER]

1st archery hunt ends this evening. Sounds like 8 bulls have been killed. The biggest is 358 from what I understand. Several bigger bulls have been seen but not taken. The bigger bulls are with cows and I heard there was bugling all day today off and on. I can't wait either, I drew the second archery hunt! The rain the rest of the week will cool things down and hopefully fire the bulls up even more! Good luck on your hunt!

 

[whitlow33]

Thanks for the fire info.

That's encouraging info on the hunts thus far. Good luck on your hunt! Let me know how it turns out.

 

[NMboltripper]

Burn or no burn......you are one LUCKY DUCK!!!!

-please tag a HUGE one!!!!

 

[NMPaul]

Wifey has the ML bull tag. Save a big boy for her.

 

[whitlow33]

Good luck to the both of you. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Anyone have pics from previous years?

 

[muleninja]

I have heard several 310"-330" bulls taken. Also heard of a bull that will push 390" with two more that are pushing 350"-360" mark. Wish I had a tag.

 

[GoBigorGohome]

Heard 10 bulls were taking out as of yesterday morning and 4hunters were still hunting evening... Heard there is a big bull(390") by the entrance of VC.
This weather should have the bulls talking alot!
Good luck to all tag holders throughout the season at the VC!

 

[whitlow33]

Any updates? I saw one taken on another forum but thats it.

 

[whitlow33]

I went to the Caldera last Saturday to participate in the Ranch Road Ramble, which allowed me to drive around the Caldera. I saw a couple bulls but it was too late in the day to see many elk. Man they were bugling like crazy though all day long.

I can't wait for my hunt in a couple weeks.

 

[NMPaul]

Roads must be in decent shape?

 

[jemezshedhead]

Valle bull
<img src=http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r717/jemezelksheds/0914131900q-1_zpsaa943182.jpg border=0 alt=>

 

[whitlow33]

>Roads must be in decent shape?
>


They were in decent shape. They had one section closed off because they were still bad. You could see where they had been fixing a lot of washed out areas.

 

[NMPaul]

That is a awesome bull even if his 5ths & 6ths were weak.

 

[whitlow33]

That's a nice bull!

 

[cosmic_cowboy]

LOL Paul Weak 5th and 6ths......GOOD LUCK to your Better Half on the Muzzy Hunt
Jack

 

[NMPaul]

>LOL Paul Weak 5th and 6ths......GOOD
>LUCK to your Better Half
>on the Muzzy Hunt
>Jack

I cant see his 5ths and 6ths, but, even if they were weak he is a slammer bull.

 

[whitlow33]

An interesting question came up today. If there is a federal shutdown will the hunts be cancelled or postponed on the Valles Caldera?

Does anyone know?

 

[salsola]

Don't know for sure, but I would guess it would be considered an "essential function" and stay open. Since hunting is vital to the VC business plan-- I don't see them disrupting planned hunts. But the GOV has a way of defying common sense...

 

[jamaro]

It would stay open and the Game and Fish would manage the hunts as usual

J-
PS.. I was wondering about this too so I asked..

 

[whitlow33]

Thanks for the info jamaro.