Jeronimo 56
Member
- Joined
- May 7, 2021
- Messages
- 47
Intro:
Thanks to all the folks who have posted the stories and photos of their hunting experiences, I've learned a great deal from you. I have a rifle tag for Units 16B/22 in the Gila Wilderness this fall and have been studying maps, stories, and all the history I can find. Some of what I've found would make for a good introductory guide to the area but a lot of it is less obvious... the later is what I'm trying to get a grasp on.
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Reported Common Knowledge:
There are a few common elements I've picked up:
- It's a huge area - Google maps and onXmaps can make it seem smaller than it really is
- Parking gets crowded around the Willow Creek campground during any hunt
- It's remote and a bit rugged - not heavily forested and lots of burn scars
- It can be hot, even in the fall time
- It can be cold and the roads in/out can turn impassable at times
- You need to be in top physical shape (like most elk hunts)
- Elk and water are plentiful except when they are not
- Road access is very limited
- You gotta scout it out and do your homework to hunt it effectively
- Etc
Evidence of some subtle trends and potentially useful hints:
- There are more elk in the northern half, but plenty of elk everywhere
- Elk are often located in the burn scars
- The big bulls and outfitters prefer the interior part of the unit
- The further you get from the road the better the hunting tends to be
- A "pack it out" plan is critical before you have an elk down
- Don't expect to find a water hole and have to yourself for an entire hunt
- Listen for bugles then run and gun in the morning
- Sit the water holes and sweet spots in the evening
- Be aware and prepared for rattlesnakes, bears, and wolves to be in the area
- Don't believe everything you read on the internet
- Etc
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A few questions that might help hunters prepare for this area:
What is the nearest town(s) to get supplies:
- Gas station(s)
- Any nearby Restaurants or Hotels
- Food, drinks, ice, ammo
- Medical services
- Cell phone service
- Meat processing options in the area.
- I'm putting together a list of guides and packers but feel free to mention them and provide contact info for them all again
What to pack in:
- Typical elk hunting stuff... plus anything specific to hunting the Gila?
- Communications equipment - 2 way radios - do cell phones work there?
Thanks to anyone who can make a contribution.
Jeronimo
Thanks to all the folks who have posted the stories and photos of their hunting experiences, I've learned a great deal from you. I have a rifle tag for Units 16B/22 in the Gila Wilderness this fall and have been studying maps, stories, and all the history I can find. Some of what I've found would make for a good introductory guide to the area but a lot of it is less obvious... the later is what I'm trying to get a grasp on.
------
Reported Common Knowledge:
There are a few common elements I've picked up:
- It's a huge area - Google maps and onXmaps can make it seem smaller than it really is
- Parking gets crowded around the Willow Creek campground during any hunt
- It's remote and a bit rugged - not heavily forested and lots of burn scars
- It can be hot, even in the fall time
- It can be cold and the roads in/out can turn impassable at times
- You need to be in top physical shape (like most elk hunts)
- Elk and water are plentiful except when they are not
- Road access is very limited
- You gotta scout it out and do your homework to hunt it effectively
- Etc
Evidence of some subtle trends and potentially useful hints:
- There are more elk in the northern half, but plenty of elk everywhere
- Elk are often located in the burn scars
- The big bulls and outfitters prefer the interior part of the unit
- The further you get from the road the better the hunting tends to be
- A "pack it out" plan is critical before you have an elk down
- Don't expect to find a water hole and have to yourself for an entire hunt
- Listen for bugles then run and gun in the morning
- Sit the water holes and sweet spots in the evening
- Be aware and prepared for rattlesnakes, bears, and wolves to be in the area
- Don't believe everything you read on the internet
- Etc
--------
A few questions that might help hunters prepare for this area:
What is the nearest town(s) to get supplies:
- Gas station(s)
- Any nearby Restaurants or Hotels
- Food, drinks, ice, ammo
- Medical services
- Cell phone service
- Meat processing options in the area.
- I'm putting together a list of guides and packers but feel free to mention them and provide contact info for them all again
What to pack in:
- Typical elk hunting stuff... plus anything specific to hunting the Gila?
- Communications equipment - 2 way radios - do cell phones work there?
Thanks to anyone who can make a contribution.
Jeronimo