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Started By
Message
Drew a NM Elk Tag - Unit 50 Sept 1-15 - Archery
Posted on 4/22/21 at 8:21 am
Posted on 4/22/21 at 8:21 am
Was able to draw this year. Have heard solid things about this unit and odds were reasonable. Anyone been here before? Any areas I should concentrate scouting efforts on?
Will be my first elk hunt so a little hesitant to DIY without gaining some info first. Any insight is appreciated.
Will be my first elk hunt so a little hesitant to DIY without gaining some info first. Any insight is appreciated.
9
Posted on 4/22/21 at 8:26 am to KABoss02
elk101
Sign up and take the course
ETA: NM 50
Sign up and take the course
ETA: NM 50
quote:
Elk are found throughout the unit in decent numbers but can take some searching to locate. During the archery seasons hunters can find good success by targeting water sources. Because of the open terrain here, calling can be difficult at times but will be viable in some situations. Spot and stalk hunting can be a great option here.
This post was edited on 4/22/21 at 8:28 am
Posted on 4/22/21 at 8:26 am to KABoss02
I was unsuccessful in the draw :(
ETA to clarify
ETA to clarify
This post was edited on 4/22/21 at 11:20 am
Posted on 4/22/21 at 9:26 am to KABoss02
You lucky bastard!
No particular advice. A DYI hunt is public land hunting and all the things that go with that. Are you familiar with hunting public land?
No particular advice. A DYI hunt is public land hunting and all the things that go with that. Are you familiar with hunting public land?
Posted on 4/22/21 at 10:09 am to DownshiftAndFloorIt
Thanks for the responses so far, much appreciated.
I have done some both outfitted and solo so I think i can handle the logistics of it. I am in shape and already have a lot of the necessary gear.
My main concern is that it is Elk, not deer, turkey's, or hogs. My skill set is only what I have read, watched, and been told. That is the part that has me a bit hesitant.
Jim Beam - Any insights on the unit? Any weird stuff to think about?
quote:
No particular advice. A DYI hunt is public land hunting and all the things that go with that. Are you familiar with hunting public land?
I have done some both outfitted and solo so I think i can handle the logistics of it. I am in shape and already have a lot of the necessary gear.
My main concern is that it is Elk, not deer, turkey's, or hogs. My skill set is only what I have read, watched, and been told. That is the part that has me a bit hesitant.
Jim Beam - Any insights on the unit? Any weird stuff to think about?
Posted on 4/22/21 at 10:27 am to KABoss02
Posted on 4/22/21 at 11:27 am to Jvalhenson
Well that got me fired up, thanks!
Posted on 4/22/21 at 11:56 am to KABoss02
Buy a good handheld Garmin gps. Buy and download the onx map for New Mexico onto it. Will show you all public and private land and landowner names. Many times ranchers have grazing rights to blm land and tell hunters they own it or its posted property. Some outfitters will try to tell you they have leased hunting rights to the property. The onx map will allow you see public land and avoid being cited for tresspassing.
On-X
On-X
Posted on 4/22/21 at 12:41 pm to boudinman
Thanks, big fan of onx an use it regularly. I have a gpsmap 64 but am considering upgrading to an in-reach model and ditching my spot.
Posted on 4/22/21 at 12:47 pm to boudinman
quote:No, you're not. Trust me
I am in shape
quote:You do not need a handheld GPS. OnX is perfect for that. Get a solar battery charger.
Buy a good handheld Garmin gps
I would definitely advise against going solo, especially for your first trip
Posted on 4/22/21 at 12:58 pm to KABoss02
I've hunted unit 50 many times. I tend to stick to the same areas. I've done it solo too. Feel free to ask any specific questions you may have.
Unit 50 is kind of a different animal than most parts of the state. It's a desert with a few big arse volcanic intrusions.
Unit 50 is kind of a different animal than most parts of the state. It's a desert with a few big arse volcanic intrusions.
This post was edited on 4/22/21 at 1:03 pm
Posted on 4/22/21 at 1:48 pm to mylsuhat
quote:
advise against going solo
If I had done my first elk hunt solo, I would have likely died on the trail. Came close enough as it was. It isn't a solo proposition.
Posted on 4/22/21 at 2:34 pm to DownshiftAndFloorIt
quote:
If I had done my first elk hunt solo, I would have likely died on the trail.
I am really only worried about the pack-out part physically, especially if I am a good ways in. I sure hope to have that problem, would gladly take the punishment.
I am going to do the same prep program I did for Mule Deer in the mountains last year, it worked well. No illusions that hopefully adding significantly more weight should make it way harder.
Posted on 4/22/21 at 2:38 pm to PetreauxCat
quote:
I've hunted unit 50 many times. I tend to stick to the same areas. I've done it solo too. Feel free to ask any specific questions you may have.
Unit 50 is kind of a different animal than most parts of the state. It's a desert with a few big arse volcanic intrusions.
Awesome - Thanks for chiming in.
Is there a better area to start e-scouting from and work out from there to formulate a game plan?
How was water access? I have heard that unit can be tough for it depending on rainfall.
How are roads within the unit? Do I need to bring an extra spare?
What are some of the bigger challenges you have run in to out there?
Are there a lot of road hunters in that unit? Can you effectively get away from them, or is just a reality to deal with?
I am sure i can think of 1000 more, thanks again.
Posted on 4/22/21 at 3:11 pm to KABoss02
Congrats on drawing. I've hunted unit 53, which borders 50, the past several years and will be there again this year for 1st archery as well. My limited experience with unit 50 has been around Ute mountain. It's mostly BLM type stuff. Just wide open with areas of pinion and juniper mixed in but definitely holds some good elk. Would think a good set of glass would be a must for this unit.
As mentioned before Elk101 is good to look at, and the elk collective is another good one to learn from if you are going to DIY. Good Luck and happy to help in any way!
As mentioned before Elk101 is good to look at, and the elk collective is another good one to learn from if you are going to DIY. Good Luck and happy to help in any way!
Posted on 4/22/21 at 3:13 pm to KABoss02
Lucky.. my brother and I were both unsuccessful in 6A for bow, muzzleloader, and rifle lol
Guess at least I’ll get that $760 refund
Guess at least I’ll get that $760 refund
This post was edited on 4/22/21 at 3:14 pm
Posted on 4/22/21 at 3:18 pm to Teddy Pain
Thanks a bunch - You have an outfitter or a group you are going with? Definitely going to do elk 101. I have my 10x42 vortex viper hd binos and the the newer diamondback hd spotter at 16-48X65. Both worked well in san andres mountains last year but it seems like that was steeper terrain, so didn't need to look quite as far as i might want to in 50.
Posted on 4/22/21 at 3:30 pm to KABoss02
Going out with my dad and another guy we hunt with this year, and we have an outfitter. Gotten to the point where I could probably DIY but have also become good friends with my guide and just enjoy hunting with him. Plus, he lives out there and keeps tabs on the elk all year
Posted on 4/22/21 at 4:19 pm to Teddy Pain
quote:
r. Gotten to the point where I could probably DIY but have also become good friends with my guide and just enjoy hunting with him. Plus, he lives out there and keeps tabs on the elk all year
Would love to have that situation for this one. He have a buddy or another outfit he would recommend?
Posted on 4/22/21 at 5:27 pm to KABoss02
If odds were reasonable in NM, the unit is nothing special. If DIY, plan on at least 10 days. Find the water sources. They may not be rutting much that early in September. They’ll bugle early in the morning, then shut up. Congrats and good luck.
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