New Mexico Unit 34 Elk Questions

[Archelk]

Quick update- I had a weekend free, so I went out scouting in this unit, more or less for a good base campsite. I’ve never spent too much time in this area in the past, I’ve lived in Ruidoso for about five years as a kid. Such a beautiful place when you’re up high in the mountains, I did see signs of elk, but did not see any besides the ones on the side of the road. Overall was a decent trip and I look forward to the hunt. Was not impressed with the site. I chose to camp, but I have time to find another spot before the hunt.

Understand they have already had pressure on them from 2 archery hunts. Get away from trails and roads. Get on a mountain before daylight and start there. Good luck!

 

[cflong]

Wife and I made the trip from Arkansas to scout a bit for a day or two, mainly road scouting. We saw some elk but all cows, all on private. Headed out again at daylight tomorrow and Wednesday. Talked to a guy very familiar with area and he thinks numbers are off a bit due to lack of rain.

 

[Popapurpadurp]

Wife and I made the trip from Arkansas to scout a bit for a day or two, mainly road scouting. We saw some elk but all cows, all on private. Headed out again at daylight tomorrow and Wednesday. Talked to a guy very familiar with area and he thinks numbers are off a bit due to lack of rain.

As mentioned above by Archelk, the bulls have had pressure on them. I went over the weekend and found a few bulls that I would take if i could. I think with patience and a little bit of effort, we should be Okay getting one. I’ve been at the firing range a few days a week in preparation and walking in my treadmill- the air is thin up there for me and I will have to pack out if I am successful in the area I found

 

[cflong]

Ended up seeing a few more elk including a couple bulls. Also saw some successful youth hunters, three cows and two nice bulls. I am excited for the hunt! Would anyone be willing to talk with me on the phone about the unit? The scouting trip generated some great info, but also a few more questions. Send me a message or email me at [email protected] if you would like to talk. Thanks, Chuck

 

[BrokenChicken]

Bringing this thread back up.
I was lucky and drew unit 34 archery (2nd) tag for 2024
Already talking to prior tag holders and just found this thread. Hopefully people are willing to talk on here in DMs or phone call? I’ll hit up few members on here who seem active.
Super excited for this archery hunt
Im coming from CO but am not sure if I’ll make it down there for a preseason scout trip (young baby at home).
So if anyone is willing to talk to me and has hunted or helped on a hunt in this unit please let me know.
Thanks

 

[Valley1320]

Good luck! Lots of elk in that unit. Should be a fun hunt.

 

[shale]

Broken Chicken, I also have that same tag and have hunted in 34 two other times. Would be glad to help anyway I can.

 

[BrokenChicken]

Broken Chicken, I also have that same tag and have hunted in 34 two other times. Would be glad to help anyway I can.

Thanks Shale. I’ll send u DM lil later.
Congrats to you as well on drawing that tag. Are you a NM res or non-res?

 

[shale]

NR

 

[Iceman2010]

I drew second season archery as well for 34, second time in 6 years. It is the best place I have ever seen for elk...
Good luck to all

 

[Deerhunter6250]

Send me your phone number I hunted it a couple years ago with muzzy be glad to help.

 

[sromer2715]

Bringing this thread back up.
I was lucky and drew unit 34 archery (2nd) tag for 2024
Already talking to prior tag holders and just found this thread. Hopefully people are willing to talk on here in DMs or phone call? I’ll hit up few members on here who seem active.
Super excited for this archery hunt
Im coming from CO but am not sure if I’ll make it down there for a preseason scout trip (young baby at home).
So if anyone is willing to talk to me and has hunted or helped on a hunt in this unit please let me know.
Thanks

Man what a killer tag! Place is crawling with elk. It will probably still be hot so higher elevations are where you will want to be. Id avoid east side of unit although it does hold some elk. It's hard to give a spot because I've seen elk everywhere there on my turkey and deer hunts

 

[BrokenChicken]

Thanks. I had an opportunity to talk to number of prior tag holders already. Sounds very encouraging to say the least. Super excited to get out n have a great hunt during the rut.

 

[Popapurpadurp]

I have this unit this year for cow elk . I hunted this unit last year and it’s full of elk. They are not shy at all.find a base camp and go do some glassing. You will run across them. We seen a lot signs posted “no hunting” in areas that onX and go hunt show as “huntable” so there’s that.

 

[outdoorjack]

Stumbled on this thread as I am putting together all my research into some notes to take with me. I also have a Until 34 Archery Elk tag for the second set of dates Sept. 15th-24th. I can't believe that I drew that tag with this only being the second season I have put in. BrokenChiken and Shale maybe I will see you guys out and about. I will be trying to film the whole hunt for my YouTube channel so any pointer out there would be a blessing. Bringing the whole family down so it should be interesting.

 

[outdoorjack]

Bringing this thread back up.
I was lucky and drew unit 34 archery (2nd) tag for 2024
Already talking to prior tag holders and just found this thread. Hopefully people are willing to talk on here in DMs or phone call? I’ll hit up few members on here who seem active.
Super excited for this archery hunt
Im coming from CO but am not sure if I’ll make it down there for a preseason scout trip (young baby at home).
So if anyone is willing to talk to me and has hunted or helped on a hunt in this unit please let me know.
Thanks

I have the same tag. I am excited for the hunt. Coming up soon! Hope your ready, I know I am not but I will give it all I got.

 

[Popapurpadurp]

congrats on the tags! I hope we’re all successful this season

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Whoever hunts there - be sure to get a hearty breakfast at big daddy’s diner. I always stopped there when I would camp in cloudcroft.

 

[Hawk Tuah]

Stumbled on this thread as I am putting together all my research into some notes to take with me. I also have a Until 34 Archery Elk tag for the second set of dates Sept. 15th-24th. I can't believe that I drew that tag with this only being the second season I have put in. BrokenChiken and Shale maybe I will see you guys out and about. I will be trying to film the whole hunt for my YouTube channel so any pointer out there would be a blessing. Bringing the whole family down so it should be interesting.

I'm sure posting the hunt on YouTube will help the odds for next year...

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I'm sure posting the hunt on YouTube will help the odds for next year...

I hope to hell this tactibro doesn’t generate revenue because then this: https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lincoln/passes-permits/event-commercial

Fresh Tracks secures permits for the awesome content we all enjoy and it’s a process that cannot be done quickly.