Well, here is a report for all you of that may be interested.
We had 4 hunters with tags and went 0-4. It was a tough hunt. I had some great info given to me from you guys, and the guys in my group had info given also, but from other sources. I was out numbered and we hunted on the very north end near Hopewell Lake.
We scouted for 2 days before the hunt and not found or seen a bull yet in the areas we were told to look. Saturday came and it was wet and windy. Light rain and snow mix. But not much of any accumulation. I only saw 4 cows and calves on Saturday. Sunday, I saw more cows, like 10-12 and 1 spike. We talked to a guy camped next to us and they had killed 2 bulls and shared some good info. It got our hopes up and we changed course a bit. Found a few more elk and another spike, but finally heard some bugles.
Monday came and we had a plan. And it went well. I had a bull screaming 75 yards away, behind the only patch of trees in the only open area we had found, literally, We had a fence between us and I was pinned down to make a move from 1 side or the other. After about 10 minutes, the wind switched to my back and I could here him walk straight away up the hill in the thick pines.
That night I wanted to give that area a rest and went to another spot that didnt produce a thing. So at camp Monday night, we went to get cell coverage and saw the weather report. We decided not to get stuck up there and broke camp up late Mon and early Tues and left by 7:15 and was on the road. Tails between the legs.
We did have a ton of fun. That area is BEAUTIFUL. VERY VERY VERY thick area. I felt like many times an open sight lever action 30-30 would have been a better option, lol! I feel like if did it again, knowing what I learned, that could be a productive hunt. I would do it again, like many people always say. But New Mexico in the Northern half is a beautiful place!!!!
Thanks,
Landon R