New Mexico Unit 34, archery, bull

[GWlearning2hunt]

Greetings fellow hunters. A little about me, I'm a 35 yr old active duty military, and resident, in NM. I am fairly new to hunting but was lucky enough to pulled a LATE SEASON, Bull elk tag for Unit 34. I am seeking advice and mentorship!!

I have been watching Randy Newberg's videos on E-Scouting and am still working through my hunt areas (lots of trails.... every where). I'm supplementing my own planning by looking for anyone who has hunting experience in Unit 34. I'm seeking any intel on what sections of Unit 34 the Elk like to hang in, and/or good places to check base on your experience.

My hunt will be 16-20 DEC. Weather will be ~40-45 for highs and ~15-20.

Thanks in advance!

GW

 

[bobbydean]

I hunted first rifle last week. During scouting, had bulls screaming on almost every ridge. Day of hunt, wind and high temps. Elk didn't move.

Still saw several good bulls. All were at 800 yards and all on opposite ridge separated by private.

Did locate one herd by hitting the backside and crossing 3 ridges. Located the cows in the timber, but herd bull was not there. We jumped the cows and almost immediately, the herd bull bugled and the cows fled to him in a straight line. He was located about 200 yards to my left and behind md ( a nice private glade). Spent better part of 3 days trying for that herd bull (he was worth it). No dice. 3rd morning, did get him to answer our bugle. Exciting, but he was a smart son of gun and stayed on private.

Had a blast. Had cows mew and bark at me. Staked out a water hole, and had 2 different flocks of turkey graze 10 yards in front of me. Elk did come in, but at dark and the big boy stayed back. Had him in my sites at last light. Big, but head hidden; would not fire. Was probably a big cow.

I hunted mostly around Weed, and some of the high canyons.

The elk are there. With cooler weather, you should have a great hunt. Make sure you have map or chips marking public and private. Essential!

Good luck and post your bull's picture.

This was my first elk hunt after applying for 30 years. Tag soup, but well worth the wait!

 

[GWlearning2hunt]

bobbydean- sorry to hear you didn't get that bull!

My main concern for a late season archery hunt is first, finding the Elk and second, getting close enough for a shot.

In terms of finding the elk, there is a LOT of private land in 34... and with how late it is in the season I worry they will all have found sanctuary either in private land or on the reservation to the North. So basically, I'm searching for the most impassable terrain I can find.... not sure where that is yet so it you have any tips I would greatly appreciate it.

Finally, getting close enough for a shot will probably be dependent on locating, then establishing their 'bed down' to feeding pattern and preposition for shot.

The odds are stacked against me... but it will be a good learning experience.

thanks for sharing

GW

 

[CTELK83]

Buy elk nut playbook... it will give you a ton of knowledge.

 

[NM34R]

GW,
Let me know how I can help. I'm also an adult onset hunter that started in 2013 after I retired from 24 yrs in the USAF and settled in Alamogordo.

I don't have much experience but I do spend a good amount of time exploring Unit 34. I haven't had a chance to hunt the bulls but I have a cow tag for Dec 9 - 13.
There are a few areas that access can be difficult, but the majority of the unit is public lands, it will just depend on what the weather does between now and then that will determine where the elk are going to be hanging out.

Are you local or are you going to be coming in for the hunt?

 

[bobbydean]

The one thought I had on the mountain. Talked with my brother , my nephew; we needed to go around this mountain and down this mountain and get it done. It was a military planning operation. That is what makes the military guys such great hunters. They live the life!

Get her done!

 

[hank4elk]

Let me get in touch with a buddy in Weed. He & his son know the area well and are great people.

 

[bobbydean]

You are a good guy! hank. You knew that, but I appreciate that!

 

[hank4elk]

GW,PM sent.
BD, I did not remember you getting a 34 tag or just do not remember...or I woulda put you in touch.

 

[bobbydean]

Try Bluewater Canyon. Very high canyon. May not be accessible in snow, Most scrapes on the mountain. The other site is the top peak and I do not remember the canyon. Top of the mountain. Site of the Scott Able fire ( 9 miles, not much help) . Tric tank on top (trickle for snow) take left at tank and tot the end of the road. would very cautiously go the road to deep forest. Go left.

Bluewater would be best, I got there with a 2500 Dodge diesel manual transmission with a LOW gear, You may not get there otherwise,

Bluewater is dense,, May work for an archer.

Rooting for you> Hope Hankforelk gave you better. Good guy and trust his advice!

 

[bobbydean]

Hank. thanks for the thought. I had a perfect hunt and a lot of wisdom, I just did not get it done,, BEST hunt of my life and a blast. Did not fill the tag and that not important to me

Did not get done!