I drew a second season NM elk hunt in September! I've been on a few elk hunts before but This will be my second time being the shooter. I've already made 3 scouting trips and have 12 cameras out. On my first elk hunt I was willing to take any elk since it was my first time drawing the tag. This year my plan is to try to hold out for a 330" or better. I have a hard time holding out since I love the meat and it feeds the family for a good while. My first elk was a 5x5 I shot on the last day of the season. I'm hoping this year I can get one bigger to do a shoulder mount on. Here's a some of the trail cam pics I got. There's a couple of bulls showing some good potential and one with a very unique left side.
Congrats on drawing the tag. Do you know if the elk stay in that same area (as tit cams) through the second season? I know in CO they migrate a good bit between summer and fall.
I've deer hunted the same unit for the last 18 years and the elk are still in the same areas they normally are in during September. This is the first time I've started scouting this early but I'm curious to see if they move or not. I've been told for this unit they just go up in elevation during the summer then drop back down the mountain the beginning of September. I plan on going there every 3 weeks or so just to keep tabs on them. I'm hoping if they start to move I can move some of the cams to keep up with them.
330 is a decent sized elk. Good luck and I hope you pull it off. I'm kinda digging that one whose main beam seems to be turning down on on side.
If I get a chance in September to take the bull with the left side coming down I'll do it without hesitation! He such a unique bull. Going up there this weekend hopefully I'll be able to post a few more pics of him.
That's a good unit, somewhat overlooked at times compared to the Gila's. I have had it on a couple of applications over the years. Never drew. Good luck
Just got back from a scouting trip. Got another pic of the bull with the weird left side. He moved up in elevation about 3300'. Got a few other good pics as well.
I love this unit. Mostly because my dad started taking me deer hunting there since I was in elementary school. Definitely not a great elk unit compared to some of the other units in the state, but if you spend enough time there you can find some good bulls!
Best of luck! My husband and two of his friends put in and didn't draw. But, definitely on their bucket list!
NM is straight lottery. A first time applicant has as much chance of drawing as someone who has applied for 20 years. Sent from my iPhone using Bowhunting.com Forums
Got back yesterday from the mountains and finished going through all the pics. Saw some nice bulls and a few good deer on the cameras. Got a few pics of a very cool bull that looks like he broke off on one side. September can't get here soon enough!! 60 days till season starts!
