Taxidermist and Muzzy question

trotsky · Jul 16, 2012

Ok I know I am a new poster and after 4 years of watching these forums I have finally lucked out and drawn a 34 muzzy tag. I would love to ask for some help in scouting but I realize that I can not expect that being a new poster. So I only have two questions. The first is where can I find a good taxidermist in this area. I know this is putting the wagon in front of the horse, but I would like to be prepared just in case. The second is what do you guys consider the best muzzleloader. I have a Omega BDC scope and don't want to spend over 600 on a smoke pole. Right now I have been looking at the Pro Hunter FX and CVA. Any feed back would be appreciated.

As far as scouting goes for you guys interested in unit 34 I will offer this up. I have been scouting for the past four weeks. The best bulls I have seen have been in Potato Canyon this year. I have been bumping into elk left and right as long as you are willing to travel a ridge or two from the road. I have some game cameras out that I plan to pull next week. They have been out for about three weeks and I hope they will deliver. Anyhow I want to say thank you to all the guys who post here. I have learned more about the unit by watching this forum the last couple years then I could ever expect. In any luck I will meet up with some of you this October or scouting season as I search for my first ever bull elk

junior · Jul 16, 2012

The cva surprised me with its accuracy. I wouldn't be afraid to buy one. On the BDC scope, I had two that were junk! The last one they give us so far is a good one.

Do you know how many people you just invited to steal your camera's? Or is this a reverse phychology post..lol I hope so, if not you may have some company on your hunt!

Make a poop to me, as I am out this year.

earcher · Jul 17, 2012

im not a muzzy hunter but i do know a taxidermist that can help u out and would be glad to!!! elite archery and taxidermy 575-762-7545

medicinebow · Jul 17, 2012

There is a taxidermist in Alamogordo. Mike Garcia, of Garcia Taxidermy and one of the best. He's also a member of National Taxidermist Association and won countless awards in the Master Class. I highly recommend. 575-491-4287.

If you get a chance break away from scouting and go check out his shop.

MBBGH

NMPaul · Jul 17, 2012

both are good taxis.

Keep in mind where you see the elk now, may not be where they are at come time for your hunt. Things change a lot after Aug.

I have that tag also, pm me and I will try to give you some ideas and can talk about muzzle loaders also. $600 will get you a gun/scope. powder, bullets, misc will be at least another $150.

tonyfalcon · Jul 17, 2012

I have the very same scope , and just went down too the local pawn shops and looked around I found one for 50 bucks a steal it is a CVA wolf mag . I know its a risk to shop for a muzzy like that but i took my time looked it over a ton. no cracks ,corrosion etc etc . top it with the omega and come sept its gonna draw blood . i have already fiered it a bunch on steel at multiple ranges and its good too go . but like paul said your gonna get an extra cost on the rest of the junk that goes along with the stick .

GOutes · Jul 17, 2012

Regarding the MuzzY:

Bought the TC Pro Hunter FX in May and have put 75 rounds through it, trying out different loads and bullets. Listened to the advice that I heard on the forum and all the different Muzzy's one could buy. I weeded through the BS, and can tell you, the Pro Hunter FX is awesome.

I put a Burris Scope on it, and have been 1/4 inch groups some days ~vs~ 1 inch groups on other days out to 200 yeards.

Now my only concern is should I start practicing out to 250.......

Pro Hunter FX, was a great buy!

trotsky · Aug 9, 2012

Hey guys

Sorry that it has been about four weeks since I posted this. That is one reason I was hesitant to post on an online forum because I know I am horrible about keeping up.

Just wanted to say that in the past four weeks I have been getting sent all over for work and my days off I have not been able to post again.

Since I pulled my last camera I thought I would give you my scouting thoughts.

The Good

I have seen numerous 5x5 and 6X6 while scouting for elk. The area is so green right now that you may mistake a regular cow for a cow elk.

I have had at least three cameras out since the start of June. I may have not gotten any pictures of a massive elk but I have never had a picture of someone else walking by my camera.

I have been out all but two weekends since the draw came out and it that isn't awesome I don't know what is.

The Negative

I have never gotten a good pic on trail camera of a nice bull. I have one blurry picture but that is it.

I purchased an Accura V2 and have talked to the taxidermist in Alamo. After seeing his work I can only hope I will be lucky enough to bring an animal there to have mounted. As far as the V2 goes I couldn't be happier. It is shooting tacks (as best as a muzzleloader can) and I will keep practicing until the season starts.

The only real negative I have had is that I had some ecoterrorist harass me about two weeks back. Unfortunately I camped next to her and she proceeded to call me an A hole and many other unmentionables. If you see some one camping with a gold F250 and about a 20 foot slide out, do yourself a favor and avoid them.

In closing it has been a great scouting season. I can not get out for the next two weeks and after that I have my archery deer tag. With any luck I won't sail a good 4 point like I did las year.