16D Gila Rifle Elk for a Disabled Veteran

Val Kazansky · Sep 13, 2022

Well, I drew what may well be a once in a lifetime tag. Mobility Impaired Rifle Elk in 16D from 8-12 October. I've hunted New Mexico before, but in the Lincoln, never the Gila. Live in South Dakota and limited to eScouting until a couple days before the hunt.

Would love to talk to someone familiar with the area who has hunted it. Yes, I know its thick with bulls. I have a lot of logistics questions about road conditions, car camping vs spike camping, water availability, and more. I'm mobility impaired, but have been training to put in the extra mile for this hunt of a lifetime. Any friendly advice or conversation is appreciated. Thank you.

3TOE · Sep 13, 2022

I personally don’t have any intel or experience in the area. I just wanted to congratulate you on the tag & wish you luck on your hunt. I’m sure some folks will be able to lend some help.

bowelk · Sep 13, 2022

Val Kazansky said:
Well, I drew what may well be a once in a lifetime tag. Mobility Impaired Rifle Elk in 16D from 8-12 October. I've hunted New Mexico before, but in the Lincoln, never the Gila. Live in South Dakota and limited to eScouting until a couple days before the hunt.

Would love to talk to someone familiar with the area who has hunted it. Yes, I know its thick with bulls. I have a lot of logistics questions about road conditions, car camping vs spike camping, water availability, and more. I'm mobility impaired, but have been training to put in the extra mile for this hunt of a lifetime. Any friendly advice or conversation is appreciated. Thank you.

I would love to give you some intel. Send me a pm with contact info and I’ll reach out to you

muleywhisperer · Sep 19, 2022

We are currently hunting that unit as my wife basically has the Governors tag. She passed on 20+ bulls in 16-D on Saturday and Sunday morning including an 8x7 and 7x6 that were in the 350 range. Both could have easily been harvested from the truck if a 200 yard shot is acceptable. Lots of elk through out the unit and I will gladly share locations after we get back as we will be back down there from September 24 until October 1st.

Muleman · Sep 20, 2022

"my wife basically has the Governors tag." huh, she either does or doesn't have Gov tag? not much in-between if your hunting with a rifle in bow season???

To the OP its a great unit elk are throughout the entire unit so there isn't a bad place to do. Elk should be talking and easy to find. Anything 330 class and up is a first day shooter in that unit. There is bigger but they aren't in abundance. Muddier than crap right now and some areas are not passable-Bursum road closed at Y canyon. Hopefully dried out by your hunt

muleywhisperer · Sep 20, 2022

E-1-700 is what she drew from NMDGF.

Muleman · Sep 21, 2022

Lucky lady, enjoy!!!

Val Kazansky · Oct 3, 2022

muleywhisperer said:
We are currently hunting that unit as my wife basically has the Governors tag. She passed on 20+ bulls in 16-D on Saturday and Sunday morning including an 8x7 and 7x6 that were in the 350 range. Both could have easily been harvested from the truck if a 200 yard shot is acceptable. Lots of elk through out the unit and I will gladly share locations after we get back as we will be back down there from September 24 until October 1st.

I hope you and your wife found success. I'm hitting the road tomorrow to arrive a few days prior to my season start on Saturday. Any information your willing to share, primarily on road conditions and closures is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to PM me. Thanks!

muleywhisperer · Oct 3, 2022

Roads were fine from Apache Creak to Collins park. Call me if you have questions 505-795-5123

snpr700 · Oct 7, 2022

muleywhisperer said:
Roads were fine from Apache Creak to Collins park. Call me if you have questions 505-795-5123

By chance, do you know how the road to Snow Lake is? Bursum rd from the highway south?

windtalker · Oct 7, 2022

not accessible south of the highway at Y canyon. head south at apache Creek to avoid backtracking.

snpr700 · Oct 8, 2022

Thanks!

Muleman · Nov 6, 2022

How did the hunt go?????

Gutpilegus23 · Jun 5, 2023

Muleman said:
How did the hunt go?????

?

Slick8 · Jun 5, 2023

Inquiring minds would love to see a pic of a big Ole Gila bull...

Triple7 · Jun 5, 2023

muleywhisperer said:
E-1-700 is what she drew from NMDGF.

Wonder what the odds are of drawing that tag as a New Mex resident ? Non-res and outfitted applicants no chance at all (1 tag quota ) per NMG&F regs.

Triple7 · Jun 5, 2023

Just looked it up 1 out of 1,226 in 2022. A lot better odds than the raffles if only buying one ticket.

CFMuley · Jun 5, 2023

Slick8 said:
Inquiring minds would love to see a pic of a big Ole Gila bull...

He hasn’t been back on since his last post. He got the info he wanted and bounced.

RoughCountry · Jun 5, 2023

Those guys come on here all the time asking for info real polite like a school boy never to be heard from again….. I don’t want your honey hole but will you tell me where to start please.lol

nmbighorn · Jun 9, 2023

NM draw Gov tag holder killed a beautiful bull, they hunted hard and passed tons of great bulls, but I believe they had a emergency back home and settled for a great Gila Bull.

Saw the OP (saw his vehicle with SD plates) on the hunt didn't talk to him but he was in a area that had a few decent bulls but not very many elk were in that area, I'm not sure if he killed a bull or not.

Gutpilegus23 · Jun 9, 2023

I have an early archery tag this year, Found this tread from the fall looking for pics and stories, season can’t come soon enough!

BUGLEnmIN · Jun 29, 2023

Gutpilegus23 said:
I have an early archery tag this year, Found this tread from the fall looking for pics and stories, season can’t come soon enough!

I hear ya! I’ll be in A at the same time! Big heads up quality is wayyyyy down my friend! Sure big bulls can be found im not saying that, I’m saying if a solid 330” comes in I’d strongly consider taking him