New Mexico Elk Hunts

[upmuley]

Anybody have input on New Mexico elk hunting? I have not hunted elk there. I have looked at the statistics on a lot of the units and I think I know where I would like to apply. How is the terrain down in the Gila Wilderness? Is it realistic to try without a guide on your first trip? I am contemplating going on a muzzleloader hunt. Anybody have input on San Jaun River Outfitters?

 

[AZBoy]

Get hold of Jim Welles, owner of JFW Ranch Consulting. He can get you set up and is a great guy. Heres a link http://www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com/
Happy Hunting AZBoy

 

[draker]

The terrain is really rocky in some areas with some deep hell holes. We hunted it last year and we walk from before sun up to sun down and it was the most I have been pushed since the first Gulf war. Just make sure you have good footwear I thought i did and I was wrong. Good Luck

 

[theplatoon]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-11-05 AT 10:38AM (MST)[p]get with "crazyaboutcoues", he'll have any information you need, maps, springs, units, etc. check out his website: http://www.gilawildernesshunting.com/ the moon does affect any wild animal and it's been a good year for moisture...so water shouldn't be a major factor this year

 

[bittersweetmuleymeat]

Yes the terrain in the Gila 16 can be rough for sure. Man, are there some monsters there, very impressive genetics and if the rains come in the summer and keep the grass growing, oh boy. If you can find a waterhole (especially on a dry year) that hasnt got pressure from other hunters, and you have patients, use it, at least in the afternoons. Have confidence in water holes, they dont always have bulls use them everynight, but sit the same one for several days.
Might look into the Zuni Muzzleloader, it can be a screamer or in some of the flat land above Alamongordo. Good luck and be safe.

 

[KO]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-12-05 AT 06:07PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-12-05 AT 06:07?PM (MST)

Check out http://www.southwestoutdoors.us
I was in the camp with Pete last year in New Mexico and we shot a lot of nice bulls on Public Land. Give him a call and he can give you all the information you would like. He also has an elk hunting video that came out late last year that you can order off the sight. One of his hunters killed the new Safari Club world record archery bull in AZ last year. Great people, quality hunts!!!!

 

[MonsterBulls]

If the odds are good in a unit it is because the unit has very little animals or the terrain is very unforgiving. do your homework before investing that money in your elk tag. If you have the animals (horses) or the man power to haul out an animal then maybe you may not need a guide to supply them but it is up to you and how much you have researched into the hunt. Good luck. I am MonsterBulls and I live in NM if you have anymore questions.

 

[upmuley]

Thank you to everybody for the help. It is greatly appreciated. It is nice to have a forum like this to exchange unbiased information. Again, thank you to all who have replied.