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surefire44
Joined: 19 Sep 2009
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Sat Sep 19, 2009 10:30 am Post subject: NM Unit 5B |
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| I have a tag for the first rifle hunt starting Oct 10th. Anyone care to share any info on best places to hunt, camp, scout, etc. I have been reading about the unit on the bow hunter site and it has mixed reviews. Most say it's a tough hunt but some say it holds (or can hold) some nice bulls, especially after the weather gets colder. Anyway, any info anyone would care to share about where best to access the unit, camp, scout and where to find elk would be appreciated. |
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Indian Jim
Joined: 30 Aug 2009
Posts: 2
Location: Austin, TX
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| Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:23 am Post subject: Re: NM Unit 5B |
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surefire44 wrote: I have a tag for the first rifle hunt starting Oct 10th. Anyone care to share any info on best places to hunt, camp, scout, etc. I have been reading about the unit on the bow hunter site and it has mixed reviews. Most say it's a tough hunt but some say it holds (or can hold) some nice bulls, especially after the weather gets colder. Anyway, any info anyone would care to share about where best to access the unit, camp, scout and where to find elk would be appreciated. Quote:
Just got back from archery hunt for mule deer. Lots of old elk sign including elk rubs 2 weeks old, but no bugling. I think first two weeks of archery activity moved the elk into the most remote areas of the unit. Most access other than main forestry roads is locked. Take a backpack and plan to do spike camps, or take horses. If there is any bugling taking place that late in the season you can drive the roads at night, bugle, and listen for responses. If you hear a response, mark it on your map and return in the morning to hunt. If the weather is dry, check the tanks for fresh tracks and pellets. Don't hunt the tanks, though. They do not arrive at water until after dark in pressured areas like 2B.
Try the NE corner of the unit where it borders CO and the Jicarilla Indian Reservation. Try the south side of Highway 64 where La Jara creek crosses. Don't be discouraged by lack of new sign next to the highway. Go a mile deep at the base of the mountain where the sagebrush meets the pinon until you run into fresh sign. This area has been historically infested with elk. Lots of good camp spots, but if you're serious about harvesting a bull, don't plan your hunt based on your camp site. Base your camp on where you find the elk. If it rains, the forestry roads get slick and greasy, but not deeply rutted. Snow is possible. jsayles7@yahoo.com |
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