16a bow 1st season

lovehunting · Apr 21, 2019

Finally drew this tag. Hunting. Mostly in 13 and 15 and thought not getting any younger so here we go. A few questions for those of of u that hunt or have hunted this unit. First off I will only be able to hunt 8 days due to being a teacher. Will be scouting all Sumer and looking forward to learing new country.

1. I have horses would this benefit me not worried about the pack just better access to remote areas? Is there remote areas?

2 Have a camper to camp in concerned about bad roads another option is it could be a base camp thoughts?

3. Not going to be picky don't want a small bull rag horn but would like a good opportunity at a 280 or up. Is this possible in 8 days?

Recomdations on maps for the area. Please fill free to pm me would love to here your thoughts and experiences on the unit.

Thanks,

Jack

BUGLEnmIN · Apr 21, 2019

I'm sure you'll get mixed feed back about horses, I take mine everywhere and will as long as I can ride. Cover more country, there is area that are very remote considering a majority of guys do not have access to stock and you do. "280 bull is very doable, hunt hard leave it all in the field, you never know if you'll draw this tag again. If you can pick to hunt the first part or last obviously the second part is the way to go.

Bowdeadly · Apr 21, 2019

The unit is fairly accessible. I would recommend an atv to get you from camp to where you want to start walking into. That way you don't beat your truck to heck.
Hunting is hunting can't say you will or will not get one in 8 days. If you go in threw Reserve the road is paved for a good 10 miles or so. After that it is gravel which is still a good road even with a camper. It's a great area iv hunted it in Sep for deer for many years and have seen some great bulls coming out. I'm pumped also my daughter drew 1st rifle hunt. So save the 400 for us. Lol

lovehunting · Apr 21, 2019

BUGLEM,

Thanks for your input, never thought about the second half maybe the 7 thru the 15 th would be better. Would love to hear thoughts from others that have had this tag in the past on this. Maybe not as many people will be out forgot about labor day

lovehunting · Apr 21, 2019

Bow deadly,

Will let u know what I see for your daughter. Good luck

Turkeyking12 · Apr 22, 2019

I know it's a very difficult hunt to draw I hope somebody is willing to help you I wish I had information for you.

Muleman · Apr 23, 2019

You don't "need" horses for that unit. They will help your pack out. Lots of good camping and plenty of roads. Roads are generally good unless there is an above average monsoon season, I have seen it flood there but its not the norm. You will see good bulls, likely some bruisers and plenty of elk throughout the unit.

Your average 6X6 is going to be bigger than 280 so opportunity for a good bull is there. Whether you want to hold out and can get an arrow into one is on you. If it was me I wouldn't shoot a 280 bull, I would go home broke or big. With the spring moisture we are having this is a good year to have an elk tag. Good luck you will have a blast

lovehunting · Apr 23, 2019

Muleman,
Going to give it hell for sure. I have hunted elk for 40 years 27 of those in NM, rest in CO. Never been in the unit and looking forward to the challenge,hoping it's what everyone says it is. Love seeing new country. One of my big decisions is to hunt from the 1-7 or the 8-14 would love to hear people's thoughts on this that have hunted the 1st bow season. Thanks for your reply.

Jack

Bowdeadly · Apr 23, 2019

Last 8 days of the hunt would be better. Hell last year the elk didn't start bugling till late Sep. And into October. Even up north it was a crazy year. My cousins Valle Vidal elk hunt Oct 10th the elk were still going crazy.

Mfresh222 · Apr 23, 2019

This is without a question my favorite unit to hunt in NM. I have either had the tag or hunted with friends on the early bowhunt 5 years in a row. This year I got lucky and both my son and I somehow pulled the October rifle hunt. I would definitely recommend hunting the last part of the hunt. The last two years the elk didn't really get bugling and coming to calls until Sept 9th and 10th, any earlier and you would likely need to sit water or hope they come in silent. Good luck.

lovehunting · Apr 23, 2019

Mfresh222,
That's kinda what I am leaning towards the second half. Just started to look at the unit through onX wow are there a lot of roads. Going to be key to get away from other hunters. And the furthest tanks from road access. Thanks for your Imput.
Jack