Unit 1 bull

coozfever · Aug 2, 2005

My father got real lucky this year and drew a unit 1 archery bull tag with zero bonus points, he drew late rifle bull tag in 23 last year, but still didn't get his antelope tag with 14 bonus points. He also drew 36b dec w.t. I guess its just the luck of the draw. Its been 6 dry years for me on elk. We have never been to 1 besides fishing big lake a few times in the past. We are headed up this weekend to look around. I was just seeking a little info from anybody who has hunted the early hunts there. Do alot of tag holders hunt near the reservation boundary? Or does the whole unit get same amount of pressure. Also I believe towards eager the terrain changes to juniper country, am i right? Is there much elk down in that country or should we stick to higher elevations? Just looking for some starting points. It looks like a good size unit, just dont know where to start. Thanks for any info?

bullwidgeon · Aug 2, 2005

The entire unit has elk at times, even the treeless plains down along HWY 60. Usually there will be more hunters up high (I.E. Escudilla, Big Lake, Burro Mountain, Black River, Greens Peak and such) than down low and I am pretty sure there is a reason for it. There are probably alot more elk up there than down low most years during the archery hunt. If you are not seeing them in the day time just drive around a night or two before the hunt (take all your weapons out of the truck when doing so, game and fish is out in force up there this year). You will find them somewhere and you will certainly hear them cruising around at night. I have been seeing bulls around town and in the flats while scouting antelope that are solid 330-350 class animals, so who knows whats up in the higher stuff this year. Yes, all the country on the far North end of the unit could be characterized as Pinon and Juniper and just like every other elk unit with P&J's there are some elk in portions of it. Anyways, congrats, it should be an awesome year to have that hunt.

Bret M.

mickeyelk · Aug 3, 2005

Great unit! I drew this hunt two years ago and had a blast. Lots of bulls and plenty of bugling. At the same time of your hunt there will be archery cow tag holders that may influence the way you hunt. Pm me if you want additional information. I would love to have your tag this year.