Hunting Waterholes in the Gila?

letemgrow · May 18, 2015

I'll be in unit 16C NM, first 14 days of Sept. and had been planning on hunting waterholes and chasing bugles.

I've had several guys tell me that it looks like it will continue to be a wet year, and if it is still wet then, that waterholes would be a waste of time.

Sure seems like it would still be a good plan, especially if they've been wallowing in them.

What do ya'll think?

BRUIN4L · May 18, 2015

I was in 15 a few years back with lots of water and the tanks were not the way to go. Better being mobile I think.

trophyhunter · May 19, 2015

I'm thinking early Sept. They may be starting to gather a few cows but I don't think there will be many active wallows unless the Bulls are grooming them for later. I think the above post has it right. Spot and stalk, cover ground. Unless you know your into an active area with lots of fresh tracks sitting over a wallow or waterhole just burns up one hunting day IMO.

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letemgrow · May 21, 2015

Are the Bulls very vocal in the Gila during first two weeks of Sept?

Thomas11 · May 22, 2015

When I was there sept 11-18 the bugling wasn't overly impressive. Most mornings they would bugle until 7 or 8 and never a peep in the evening. I think it depends on where u r. I heard others saying they were bugling like crazy in other areas.

1ELKAHOLIC · May 22, 2015

I hunted 16d a few years ago. I would call and chase in the mornings and hunt water in the evenings. Killed a nice bull on water on the 6th day. It was the only day I sat water, if I had it to do over again I would hunt water every evening.