Hello all this is my first post and after a while of wanting to i finally applied for an elk tag in new mexico and i got one for late season either sex tag in new mexico unit 51. i am south texas resident and only know hunting whitetails and hogs. i have been up there to the unit once before already to do a bit of scouting but this was in early october and the elk and weather will be completely different. so i am here asking for any tips on where or how to hunt this late season bulls.
Late Season NM unit 51 HELP
- Thread starter plnewb
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- Aug 4, 2016
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Weather will be a big driver for this hunt.
51 has a healthy number of animals, but you're right; depending on the weather at the time they might be no where near where you scouted this Oct.
I'd recommend getting up there a few days before your hunt if you can and start pounding the mountains until you get into fresh sign or elk.
That way you at least have a general idea of where they are going into opening day.
The nice thing is that third rifle is almost over and then there is only one youth encouragement hunt between Thursday and your hunt. So the elk will have a chance to "calm down" a bit.
I believe they also forecasted that there will be no depredation hunts in 51 this year which is GREAT!
Anyways, back on topic.... 51 is a fun unit and I firmly believe that if you hunt smart and cover some ground, then you'll have some shot opportunities.
51 has a healthy number of animals, but you're right; depending on the weather at the time they might be no where near where you scouted this Oct.
I'd recommend getting up there a few days before your hunt if you can and start pounding the mountains until you get into fresh sign or elk.
That way you at least have a general idea of where they are going into opening day.
The nice thing is that third rifle is almost over and then there is only one youth encouragement hunt between Thursday and your hunt. So the elk will have a chance to "calm down" a bit.
I believe they also forecasted that there will be no depredation hunts in 51 this year which is GREAT!
Anyways, back on topic.... 51 is a fun unit and I firmly believe that if you hunt smart and cover some ground, then you'll have some shot opportunities.
