New Mexico unit 51 setting my goal too high?

[Hawk Tuah]

I understand not wanting to show your child. I have a daughter and am very protective. Im sorry that she had to experience that. Shit like that needs to stop.

My thoughts on if youre an adult are different. This is a hunting forum and you arent going to be blasted for hunting pictures like that on here. Also, if your friend circle would put you, as an adult on blast for hunting, id think about finding a different friend group. Personal opinion, of course. I also dont care what other people think about my hobbies, so things dont affect me like that. I guess i would post an "as they lay" photo over plastering a silly emoji over my face.

Thank you for responding and showing me a different perspective, though. I was curious as to why I see blured photos. To each their own.

I see what you're saying, but was coming at a different angle.

I'm not worried about HuntTalkers, and I'm not worried at all about my friend group...but this is a completely public forum available to all 7 billion people on Earth. The people that found my daughter's photo go around looking for photos like that to post and attempt to get people in "trouble" publicly. I have a public job, and hold off posting photos of some species I've hunted, particularly African game. Of course they found my kid's photo of a ten-year-old struggling to hold up a big lion with a big smile and went from there.

I live in Idaho. A lady a few years ago had a photo put on the front page of the local newspaper of her and a dead giraffe. She worked at a university and was somehow in hot water. She kept her job, but I think it was a pain in the butt for her. And this is Idaho.

All I'm saying is that there are people out looking for ways to attempt to use kill photos to shame or get people "in trouble"...whatever that looks like. Likely, an elk photo wouldn't be a low hanging fruit...until some "pet" elk named "Teddy" or "George" is shot when it steps out of Yellowstone or RMNP and ends up on CNN. Then all elk hunters are evil.

I don't have shame in what I kill, but don't want posting the wrong thing hurting my career. It doesn't matter if it is legal or whatever...if it falls out of public favor and you have a public, visible job, who knows? And I hate that my daughter's name can be googled and that is the first thing that shows up. Will it cost her a job someday? Idk. And obviously, like you said, the kid thing is different.

That being said, I am just happy a "just joined for advice" guy actually came back and followed up. This is about as rare as a Sasquatch riding a unicorn sighting.

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I've never hunted 51 but 50 just to the north. Lots of elk. As others have said anywhere that an atv can go, count on them being there. That's what happened north of Tres Piedras. People down there are lawless and some of them can be lazy, druck, rude and dangerous. Don't engage with them because they will claim the land there's. I'm sure there will be some nice "locals" in the unit, but I never found them in 50. They will all be gone on the fourth day of the hunt or too drunk to actually hunt. Try and walk up into some of the peaks/mountains where the ATVs can't go. The elk will do that to get away from the idiots. Glass up high and plan on some climbing and stocking. By this time in the seasons, the elk will be high and smart. If there's a lot of snow they may be lower and moving south and east. Best advice is just get away from the ATVs and you should be good. That's what we did and we were successful. Good luck!

Locals are territorial everywhere we go. These Norteños are different in that some families have been there predating USA, likewise with Puebloans also in 51. I’m kind to them, frequent their shops and I think they’d roll out if we really needed help.
Now, the ATVs may be local or from really anywhere. And you know, it was the SxS crowd that really bugged me this year. SxS are like an ATV for those too inept to handle a 4 wheeler or dirtbike. And they’ll get everywhere. Someday I’ll draw 52 and enjoy the serenity of wilderness.

 

[Westelker]

Locals are territorial everywhere we go. These Norteños are different in that some families have been there predating USA, likewise with Puebloans also in 51. I’m kind to them, frequent their shops and I think they’d roll out if we really needed help.
Now, the ATVs may be local or from really anywhere. And you know, it was the SxS crowd that really bugged me this year. SxS are like an ATV for those too inept to handle a 4 wheeler or dirtbike. And they’ll get everywhere. Someday I’ll draw 52 and enjoy the serenity of wilderness.

I agree in most part. I did talk to a group of about 10 guys, staying in one mid-size trailer, six or seven were carrying guns and one of them told me they had a couple of tags. One guy said he was carrying for bear protection. Okay! Must be some mean bears in those parts. They also had three or for ATVs and said they were from ABQ. I gave them plenty of room and I was cordial to them.

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I agree in most part. I did talk to a group of about 10 guys, staying in one mid-size trailer, six or seven were carrying guns and one of them told me they had a couple of tags. One guy said he was carrying for bear protection. Okay! Must be some mean bears in those parts. They also had three or for ATVs and said they were from ABQ. I gave them plenty of room and I was cordial to them.

protection from bears, my ass! He should be so fortunate to see one a those pretty color phase bears in that area. And yeah, that style of hunting is a big time event for some families.

 

[Westelker]

protection from bears, my ass! He should be so fortunate to see one a those pretty color phase bears in that area. And yeah, that style of hunting is a big time event for some families.

Of course there are few bears in that unit, just a bunch of yahoo's with rifles, riding their atv's off-road harassing elk.

 

[Klclark]

Good luck to you! I am going to the same unit for second archery season. I will hopefully have some info to share on this forum from my experience there.

How did you end up? Looking at putting in for that area with a guide this coming year.

 

[perma]

How did you end up? Looking at putting in for that area with a guide this coming year.

 

[Klclark]

View attachment 313709

So asking how someone’s hunt went is frowned upon? Got it. You joined like a year ago and already hating on new people on the site.

 

[tomcat1984]

Hey everyone first time hunting NM, finally pulled 3rd rifle 51 bull elk tag, just joined hunt talk, was wondering what that unit is like at that time frame 19th-23rd? How much pressure? Any input would much be appreciated, I'm from west virginia we have always hunted colorado and had success from advice from other hunters giving out information, email--- [email protected]

 

[Dsnow9]

Hey everyone first time hunting NM, finally pulled 3rd rifle 51 bull elk tag, just joined hunt talk, was wondering what that unit is like at that time frame 19th-23rd? How much pressure? Any input would much be appreciated, I'm from west virginia we have always hunted colorado and had success from advice from other hunters giving out information, email--- [email protected]

Welcome to HuntTalk

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

Hey everyone first time hunting NM, finally pulled 3rd rifle 51 bull elk tag, just joined hunt talk, was wondering what that unit is like at that time frame 19th-23rd? How much pressure? Any input would much be appreciated, I'm from west virginia we have always hunted colorado and had success from advice from other hunters giving out information, email--- [email protected]

We had really good hunting using a popup blind next to Hopewell Lake. Used Carlton’s cow elk piss in a bottle. Dumped like 10 of those bottles all over the grass and blind. Which reeks, but you have to stink really bad for big bulls or they won’t respond to calls. It also helps if you have a Razer with speakers to trick the elk into believing you’re not hunting.

 

[BAKPAKR]

We had really good hunting using a popup blind next to Hopewell Lake. Used Carlton’s cow elk piss in a bottle. Dumped like 10 of those bottles all over the grass and blind. Which reeks, but you have to stink really bad for big bulls or they won’t respond to calls. It also helps if you have a Razer with speakers to trick the elk into believing you’re not hunting.

Which side of the lake would be best to set up a blind? Asking for a friend.

 

[ImBillT]

I think you’ve received a lot of good advice. That part of the state has high densities, but also lots of tags. Success rates aren’t super high, and trophies aren’t common. Those units are managed for opportunity, not quality. By the third rifle season you can assume that a substantial portion of the mature bulls that existed have already been killed or have moved to private property. Does that mean no one will kill a giant in unit 51? No. Anything is possible. Should it be your goal? Probably not. If that’s what you plan to hold out for, I would take unit 51 off of your application.

If you can get there a day or two early and scout, then you can get some idea of what you might manage to kill before anyone puts a dent in the pool of possible bulls. Once the season opens, if you pass on a mediocre bull he may not be available the following day. There are going to be a fair number of hunters, and no matter how tough and determined you are, there aren’t that many places that other people aren’t going.

I personally tend to start my hunt with high goals and progressively work them downward, but on an opportunity hunt like that it’s hard to know where to set the bar if you can’t do some scouting. I would scout as close to the hunt as possible. Immediately prior would be ideal.

On an opportunity hunt, just filling the tag is not a bad goal. When it comes to aiming higher than that, locals and early season hunters have tremendous advantages for such tags.

 

[Dsnow9]

I think you’ve received a lot of good advice. That part of the state has high densities, but also lots of tags. Success rates aren’t super high, and trophies aren’t common. Those units are managed for opportunity, not quality. By the third rifle season you can assume that a substantial portion of the mature bulls that existed have already been killed or have moved to private property. Does that mean no one will kill a giant in unit 51? No. Anything is possible. Should it be your goal? Probably not. If that’s what you plan to hold out for, I would take unit 51 off of your application.

If you can get there a day or two early and scout, then you can get some idea of what you might manage to kill before anyone puts a dent in the pool of possible bulls. Once the season opens, if you pass on a mediocre bull he may not be available the following day. There are going to be a fair number of hunters, and no matter how tough and determined you are, there aren’t that many places that other people aren’t going.

I personally tend to start my hunt with high goals and progressively work them downward, but on an opportunity hunt like that it’s hard to know where to set the bar if you can’t do some scouting. I would scout as close to the hunt as possible. Immediately prior would be ideal.

On an opportunity hunt, just filling the tag is not a bad goal. When it comes to aiming higher than that, locals and early season hunters have tremendous advantages for such tags.

They also have to watch out for dudes in pink hats!

 

[Paul S17]

Hello all, I'm new here to Hunt Talk. I am from Upstate New York and currently residing in Virginia. I have been Hunting and Fishing my entire life, specifically whitetail, turkey, and waterfowl for most of that. Like many East Coast hunters, I was bit by the Elk Hunting bug and have hunted archery elk for the past two years in western Idaho (McCall Area). I was fortunate enough to harvest my first bull last year with my bow and am determined to make this a yearly pursuit wherever I can get myself a tag.

This year I drew a second archery tag in GMU 51 NM. I have heard nothing but great things about this unit and am doing my due diligence, mostly through e-scouting since I am on the East Coast and taking leave hasn't allowed me to get boots on the ground in the unit. I have 4 areas sectioned off in unit 51A and would like to connect with anyone who has been to this unit and discuss what worked for them in this unit. I am honing in on water, 7-10k elevations, N, NE, and NW facing slopes and drainages, and getting away from the beaten paths. I have spent much time out west training for the military, but have never been to New Mexico. Any help or discussion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Valley1320]

Hello all, I'm new here to Hunt Talk. I am from Upstate New York and currently residing in Virginia. I have been Hunting and Fishing my entire life, specifically whitetail, turkey, and waterfowl for most of that. Like many East Coast hunters, I was bit by the Elk Hunting bug and have hunted archery for the past two years in western Idaho (McCall Area). I was fortunate enough to harvest my first bull last year with my bow and am determined to make this a yearly pursuit wherever I can get myself a tag.

This year I drew a second archery tag in GMU 51 NM. I have heard nothing but great things about this unit and am doing my due diligence, mostly through e-scouting since I am on the East Coast and taking leave hasn't allowed me to get boots on the ground in the unit. I have 4 areas sectioned off in unit 51A and would like to connect with anyone who has been to this unit and discuss what worked for them in this unit. I am honing in on water, 7-10k elevations, N, NE, and NW facing slopes and drainages, and getting away from the beaten paths. I have spent much time out west training for the military, but have never been to New Mexico. Any help or discussion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Bulls will be screaming more than likely while your there. And lots of elk in that unit. Pry park your truck anywhere start hiking and you will find elk.

 

[Paul S17]

Bulls will be screaming more than likely while your there. And lots of elk in that unit. Pry park your truck anywhere start hiking and you will find elk.

That's great news. We're not afraid to go deep. Thank you @Valley1320.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Bulls will be screaming more than likely while your there. And lots of elk in that unit. Pry park your truck anywhere start hiking and you will find elk.

100% this ^

No shortage of elk in the unit.
I’ve hunted second season there a few times and that’s typically where you’re seeing some of the better bulls moving around.

“Off the beaten path” is relative out there because there are so many roads in that unit. Just don’t overthink it and think you need to get super far away from the road.

Lots of weekend warriors in that unit. So any easy areas to access will probably have more traffic on the weekends.

Same goes for water. Most tanks that are easy to access will have lots of people showing up on ATVs to sit.

I know you’ve hunted elk a few times now and have had success, but as a fellow whitetail hunter I’m going to give you some advice that you didn’t ask for.

Don’t let your whitetail tactics throttle your elk tactics.

Be aggressive.
There are plenty of elk out there to test your abilities and master the craft.

Have fun and be safe.


Final pro tip - don’t talk to the guides. Find a rancher in an old pick up and make a friend. They know the units like the back of their hands and can help tell you where elk are.

 

[Dsnow9]

Hello all, I'm new here to Hunt Talk. I am from Upstate New York and currently residing in Virginia. I have been Hunting and Fishing my entire life, specifically whitetail, turkey, and waterfowl for most of that. Like many East Coast hunters, I was bit by the Elk Hunting bug and have hunted archery elk for the past two years in western Idaho (McCall Area). I was fortunate enough to harvest my first bull last year with my bow and am determined to make this a yearly pursuit wherever I can get myself a tag.

This year I drew a second archery tag in GMU 51 NM. I have heard nothing but great things about this unit and am doing my due diligence, mostly through e-scouting since I am on the East Coast and taking leave hasn't allowed me to get boots on the ground in the unit. I have 4 areas sectioned off in unit 51A and would like to connect with anyone who has been to this unit and discuss what worked for them in this unit. I am honing in on water, 7-10k elevations, N, NE, and NW facing slopes and drainages, and getting away from the beaten paths. I have spent much time out west training for the military, but have never been to New Mexico. Any help or discussion would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Good luck, I can’t pm you till I have ten posts but have a rifle tag in there mid October. If I send you some rope can you tie up a nice one for me?

In all seriousness I would be happy to bounce escouting plans off you when you hit ten posts. See if we are coming up with similar areas or not. I haven’t been to the unit either but feel like I have a pretty solid plan together.

 

[Lostinthewoods]

Good luck, I can’t pm you till I have ten posts but have a rifle tag in there mid October. If I send you some rope can you tie up a nice one for me?

In all seriousness I would be happy to bounce escouting plans off you when you hit ten posts. See if we are coming up with similar areas or not. I haven’t been to the unit either but feel like I have a pretty solid plan together.

To note - I’ve been on all of the rifle hunts (as a guest, all my personal hunts in 51 were archery) and bulls were still talking each hunt.

If you are first hunt you could possibly have a wild, wild hunt.