I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

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Fri, 2008-09-05 08:34

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Location: Texas

Joined: 08/29/2008

Posts: 14

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

I am from Texas and have been invited to tag along with my buddies on their elk hunts in Unit 53 in New Mexico. Not wanting to just sit by and watch as everyone else gets to shoot something, I purchased a bear tag.

I have been a hunter my whole life. In fact, I've been an elk guide in colorado and a white tail/mule deer guide in Texas. However, when it comes to bears, I know nothing. Any information ya’ll may have regarding that particular unit or the best way for a beginner to be successful would be helpful. We will be there from November 5th to 13th this year.

By the way, I'm not looking for the biggest, I just want a successful hunt whether its an average female or a boon and crocket male.

Thanks much.

Tue, 2008-09-09 10:33

syndeis

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Joined: 10/16/2007

Posts: 62

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

I purchased a dvd from Walmart for 8 or 9$ by Carlton? They Come to Eat.
He hunts New Mexico in this dvd which may be of interest to you.

You will be spot & stalk hunting unless you get lucky and find fresh bear sign where your friends will hunt.

Tue, 2008-09-09 13:54

Watts

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Location: Texas

Joined: 08/29/2008

Posts: 14

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

Thanks for that. I am very hesitant about hunting shows due to a "Hunting Celebrity" that I guided a few years ago. However, if you say it is worth it, I will give it a shot.

In general, what should I look for in terms of sign? Tracks, Claw marks, Poo. Anything else?

Tue, 2008-09-09 14:05

syndeis

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Joined: 10/16/2007

Posts: 62

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

I would be looking for scat since your time will be limited.

Depending on what you have to hunt, I might be looking for bear through glasses.

DVD isnt a celebrity hunt by any means, but will give you an idea of the type of area you will be hunting and give you some ideas. I dont find many hunting DVDs to be keepers and this one isn't one either.

Thu, 2008-09-11 12:09

SoCoKHntr

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Location: Pueblo Colorado

Joined: 12/18/2006

Posts: 1673

Re: I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

Watts wrote:

I am from Texas and have been invited to tag along with my buddies on their elk hunts in Unit 53 in New Mexico. Not wanting to just sit by and watch as everyone else gets to shoot something, I purchased a bear tag.
I have been a hunter my whole life. In fact, I've been an elk guide in colorado and a white tail/mule deer guide in Texas. However, when it comes to bears, I know nothing. Any information ya’ll may have regarding that particular unit or the best way for a beginner to be successful would be helpful. We will be there from November 5th to 13th this year.

By the way, I'm not looking for the biggest, I just want a successful hunt whether its an average female or a boon and crocket male.

Thanks much.

Come Nov. they will really be packing away the food to fatten up for their hibernation. Look for areas with a lot of acorns, choke cherries, berries, and glass these areas/slopes hard. A food source whether plant or grubs will be what I focused my efforts on.

If legal in NM you might try a wounded rabbit or fawn call as well. I've read of hunters calling them in this way, but they say it takes awhile.

Good luck!

Thu, 2008-09-11 22:25

Watts

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Location: Texas

Joined: 08/29/2008

Posts: 14

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

Thanks for the info. What time of day is best?

I'm considering doing a 15-20 mile hike through the Carson Forest. If bears are only active in the mornings and evenings this would give me time to cover some ground during the middle of the day. Otherwise, I might just travel via atv to different areas on different days.

Fri, 2008-09-12 11:14

SoCoKHntr

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Location: Pueblo Colorado

Joined: 12/18/2006

Posts: 1673

I heed help with northern New Mexico bear hunting

Again, at that time of year and their instinct to feed and fatten any time of day should be good.

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