NM Valle Vidal

[hawkin]

I drew this unit for muzzleloader elk first week in oct. Never hunted NM,just wondering what to expect and any info would be helpful.

 

[outtabreath]

Expect the time of your life and if it just ends up being spectacular you won't be disappointed.

 

[Shootwice]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-29-06 AT 09:31AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jun-29-06 AT 09:29?AM (MST)

My buddy (Grizzlyhunter) and I hunted there last fall first rifle. We took 2 6x6's. Expect to see a ton of elk and perhaps pass on a bunch. The elk in the Valle don't get huge like the Western part of the state. Holding out for a 350 bull may pay off but is less likely than other areas of the state. If I were you, I'd hold out for a 320ish for a couple or three days but shoot anything over 300 if it has a nice rack you'd be proud of. We did see a bunch of busted up racks in our campground. We hired an outfitter after drawing an unguided tag since it is a once in a lifetime draw. The outfit was top notch. Let me know if you want details on them. The scenery will blow you away as much as the quality of the elk hunt will.

 

[GrizzlyHunter]

Outtabreath,

I hunted with Shootwice there last fall. I saw around 100 elk, including (11) bulls the first day. Lots of bugling going on. We hunted 10/08 - 10/12. I shot a real pretty symmetrical 6x6 that scored around 310 5 minutes before dusk on the first day. I also was with Shootwice when he shot his 6x6. What fun. You have to get off of the roads though. You might see a lot of road hunters since there's really only one road through the VV. It is an awesome place.

If you need a guide I would absolutely hire:

Mr. Vance Lewis
Bobcat Pass Outfitters
(505) 754-2746

In the Valle Vidal he runs fishing trips, snowmobile trips, photo trips, horseback rides & guides elk hunters. He's got more experience in the VV then probably anybody on the planet. Plus he's a great guy. Ask for Deke to be your guide.

PM me if you have any questions.

Grizzly

 

[hawkin]

Thanks for the advice on the guide,but we are going to do it on our own.We have horses,I was wondering if it would be worth bringing them.Also is it better to camp at one of the designated camp grounds or pack in and camp.Thanks again for any help.

 

[tega52]

What a great hunt you drew! I've guided the Valle Vidal for about 5 years and been riding that country for a long time. Horses are A MUST if you really want to access some good country. I'll actually be up there that weekend guiding that hunt so if you want to send me a pm I can give you more tips and details! Or e mail me at [email protected]

 

[GrizzlyHunter]

LAST EDITED ON Jun-29-06 AT 08:58AM (MST)[p]Hawkin,

I would absolutely bring horses...but I guess it depends on how far you have to trailer them and at what elevation they're used to. I hear trailering long distances requires a couple days for their legs to loosen up. Most everyone camps at one of the two campgrounds and trailers the horses to different areas early in the AM.

Grizzly