I was lucky enough this year to draw the only non-resident tag for the Valle Vidal hunt in NM for 1st season rifle, no guide. It's a once in a lifetime hunt. Being from WI, I won't be able to scout the area ahead of time. I plan to take 2 weeks off and arrive 5 days ahead of the hunt to scout the area and get acclimated. I've hunted NM 3 times before, but it's been over 15 years ago since my last hunt.
Has anyone hunted the Valle Vidal for elk before? Just wondering what to expect. They say it's the best public elk hunt on earth. Not known for big trophy elk, but many elk over 300". Being so, will this be a piece of cake hunt or will I really need to work at it still? I plan to go by myself as none of my friends want to take off 2 weeks. I tried to hire a guide, but he said I don't need one there and I'd have no problem on my own getting one as there are so many elk in the Valle. He was booked up too, so not sure if he was just trying to make me feel better.
If you hunted the Valle Vidal before, please share your experience. Not sure what to expect there, but it sounds like it will be the hunt of a lifetime! I'll do a post after my hunt on my results and take on the area, and hopefully some nice pictures of a 6x6!
Has anyone hunted the Valle Vidal for elk before? Just wondering what to expect. They say it's the best public elk hunt on earth. Not known for big trophy elk, but many elk over 300". Being so, will this be a piece of cake hunt or will I really need to work at it still? I plan to go by myself as none of my friends want to take off 2 weeks. I tried to hire a guide, but he said I don't need one there and I'd have no problem on my own getting one as there are so many elk in the Valle. He was booked up too, so not sure if he was just trying to make me feel better.
If you hunted the Valle Vidal before, please share your experience. Not sure what to expect there, but it sounds like it will be the hunt of a lifetime! I'll do a post after my hunt on my results and take on the area, and hopefully some nice pictures of a 6x6!