BigGameHunt.net Hunting Forums

Rackasaurus · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Missouri

My research is underway and looking for some people who have experienced bowhunting NM before I decide on what unit to put in for.

This will be a Camp/Hunt on your own, looking for some feedback where to look and not to look in choosing a unit.

Thanks for any help

frednfrog · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 22 Location: New Mexico

What type of weapon are you hunting with? Are you looking for a B&C type bull or just looking for a unit with large numbers? Do you have horses? Give me some more info on what type of hunt your looking for and I can give you some suggestions. I'm born and raised here in NM and have hunted Elk all over the state.

Rackasaurus · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Missouri

Thanks for the reply, Didn't think anybody cared, This will be a Sept. bow hunt, no horses only on foot/camp, looking for in the 300's or so for elk. I don't mind walking it's getting them out is the problem.

I have been in contact with one warden, looking over harvest data and the number of tags available in units on the fish and game website. My group are avid hunters in Missouri and can get around in the woods.

I have been looking at unit 34 that seems to have the most nonresident tags with some fair harvest odds, The warden I spoke with pointed me towards 16A and 16B and 15.

I guess that like most hunters we don't want to camp and hunt with 3000 guys in the same small area running all the Elk out like some places here in MO. on opening day of deer season. Please email me I would like to continue conversation with you if possible. My email : sctferguson@charter.net

Scott

Full Draw · Joined: 05 Sep 2007 Posts: 71 Location: Scottsdale, Arizona

I don't know 34, but listen to the warden when he tells you 15, 16A and 16B. I have hunted that whole area and can tell you that there are real monsters there. Possible world record class in good years. At least plenty of 350 range animals. I'll probably get some mad at me for writing about this area, but believe me it is no secret. While I have never been drawn for archery there, the muzzle loader hunting is great. 15 never has a rifle hunt so they grow old there! Millions of acres of public lands with plenty of access and great camping. If you are so inclined, you can hunt in areas where you won't see any other hunter. Just get out of your truck and get off the road. It never ceases to amaze me how many hunters like to ride around in there truck, yes even in bow season. If you have not hunted the west, you are in for a treat. The only down side I can even think of is the reintroduced wolves. If you happen to get onto their turf like I did a couple of years ago, they can start howling at the worst moment. It still beats crowds of hunters. At least if you see one, you will have a good story when you go home. I recommend getting your hands on some good quality optics and get in shape. Running up 40 degree slopes with a pack and your bow or packing out meat at 7,000 to 9,000 ft. can really surprise you even if you think you are in shape. Start now. Practice shooting from all imaginable positions. Learn to work a diaphram call too.

Good luck getting drawn, I hope to see you there!

Rackasaurus · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Missouri

Full Draw

Thanks for the heads up :thumbsup1: I was not sure where to even start but you and Frednfrog above have been a great help. My intrest in 34 gives me better odds 1 in 10 to get drawn. My real interest is in the 16's but was not sure how far back we would have to hoof to do any real good.
We will be camping so camp close to the road/trucks is nice, But if we have to pack it back in away's that fine.
Being 50 I'am in good shape can't say much about the other fat slobs I'll be Hunting with. I got my first Elk in 1984 in Montana so I'am fine with the High contry. Please keep in touch as I will drive the both of you guy's nuts with questions. sctferguson@charter.net

lovato18 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

Rackasaurus wrote: My research is underway and looking for some people who have experienced bowhunting NM before I decide on what unit to put in for.

This will be a Camp/Hunt on your own, looking for some feedback where to look and not to look in choosing a unit.

Thanks for any help

Hope your search is going well,

My name is Anthony and have been hunting elk in New Mexico for some years now here is my Advice

All Units in the Gila National Forests are exellent for Elk Hunting but drawing a tag is difficult. Unit 6, 9, 5b, 55 are all good units for elk.

Rackasaurus · Joined: 30 Dec 2007 Posts: 5 Location: Missouri

Thanks Anthony,
I'm looking over unit 15 real hard right now based on Full draws info and emails with Game Agent Rodden.

I'm going to start calling the list of landowners in that unit for the cost of landowner tags, PRICY ? :o

Rack (Scott Ferguson)

lovato18 · Joined: 18 Jan 2008 Posts: 22

[quote="Rackasaurus"]Thanks Anthony,
I'm looking over unit 15 real hard right now based on Full draws info and emails with Game Agent Rodden.

I'm going to start calling the list of landowners in that unit for the cost of landowner tags, PRICY ? :o

Rack (Scott Ferguson)[/quote

I feel that Unit 15 is the best unit in the state. We killed four bulls out of there last year and all of them were over 300. Good luck finding a landowner tag. They run around 2000 or higher