NM Elk Bottom Feeder

[Zim]

Was looking over applications dates and it looks like New Mexico is next? After 15 years of elk rejections, I just want a bull tag. Any bull tag. So I'm dropping all the way down from Good/Mid/Low unit choices, to Low/Low/Low, including both unit 2 archery hunts. I don't expect the results to change. Anyone else lowering their sights this year?

 

[Nick87]

Its not like you've got points you have to use. Do you just want to be able to say you hunted New Mexico and be done with it? Did lowering your sights get you into double digit odds?

 

[ccc23454]

Maybe send them a email to make sure they understand how many points you have in other states and how important you are because of that. It might impress them so much that they move your application to the winners pile. I am sure it's just oversight they haven't gifted you a tag yet.

 

[Zim]

Its not like you've got points you have to use. Do you just want to be able to say you hunted New Mexico and be done with it? Did lowering your sights get you into double digit odds?

I cut my elk teeth in the Pecos when you could draw a 4 week hunt every year. Just miss going. Had a lot of great memories. Took a big one in 2011. In fact, I don't need any more big ones. Would just like to revisit with my bow, have a good experience, hear some bugles, and bring home some meat. Yes it got me up to 28% in the guided pool but still no luck.

 

[Zim]

Maybe send them a email to make sure they understand how many points you have in other states and how important you are because of that. It might impress them so much that they move your application to the winners pile. I am sure it's just oversight they haven't gifted you a tag yet.

Why am I not surprised there's another tool on a web forum making unprovoked personal attacks? What a novel idea!

Someone piss in your corn flakes this morning?

 

[Nick87]

Yes it got me up to 28% in the guided pool but still no luck.

Didn't realize you were going in the guided pool. If you were going that route and are neat hunting I think there are some cow hunts that outfitters offer no draw and cheaper.

 

[Zim]

Didn't realize you were going in the guided pool. If you were going that route and are neat hunting I think there are some cow hunts that outfitters offer no draw and cheaper.

Actually will have to rethink that this year. I retired and am still kind of sorting out a budget on SS & IRA withdrawals. Definitely won't be applying across the board.

 

[Blackcats06]

If your'e going to apply I would at least make your first choice a good one.

 

[Zim]

After 15 years of bull rejections that's completely understandable. One thing worth considering while you keep applying — cow elk tags in Wyoming are historically much easier to draw and you still get the full wilderness hunt experience.


We actually have a guided cow elk hunt listed on Xploreum (xploreum.io) — 3 days horseback into the Washakie Wilderness of Shoshone National Forest, 12 miles in, November dates running September 30 through December 20. Licensed outfitter with a special use permit, meals included, small group up to 12. It won't scratch the bull itch but it's a genuine wilderness hunt while you keep grinding those applications.


Happy to share more details if you DM me.

It may actually come to this. I’m glad I made hay when the sun was shining back in the 90’s & 00’s. Bull tags are like hen’s teeth now. Wife is asking for elk venison.

 

[hank4elk]

Only cows this year, bull in maybe LO tag deal. I know a guy...me, who drew 8 of 12 bull tags as a NR. Before 06'....lol 95-2009.

 

[Addicting]

Only cows this year, bull in maybe LO tag deal. I know a guy...me, who drew 8 of 12 bull tags as a NR. Before 06'....lol 95-2009.

I put my son in for your unit so I could come out there and get some peanut butter pie. It will be the only elk hunt I’ll do where I gain weight.

 

[2rocky]

I'm in the "Shoot for the Moon" category. Of course I drew Valle Vidal the first year I applied. If I recall there is a 4th (or 5th ?) choice for population control hunts where you are on call by region?

I would love to take my horses into the Pecos when the Elk are bugling. I'd probably have Circle S pack my feed and duffle in to one of their drop camps, Ind ride my own stock in. .

 

[Valley1320]

I'm in the "Shoot for the Moon" category. Of course I drew Valle Vidal the first year I applied. If I recall there is a 4th (or 5th ?) choice for population control hunts where you are on call by region?

I would love to take my horses into the Pecos when the Elk are bugling. I'd probably have Circle S pack my feed and duffle in to one of their drop camps, Ind ride my own stock in. .

That pecos hunt is terrible. No elk there and it's all thick aspens. Just a terrible place. Anyone that is considering that hunt should re think their mental health and apply for unit 52 or something like that. Only thing I've seen there is sasquatch

 

[Kaitum]

I'm in the "Shoot for the Moon" category. Of course I drew Valle Vidal the first year I applied. If I recall there is a 4th (or 5th ?) choice for population control hunts where you are on call by region?

Don't get your hopes too high if you get called for the Middle Rio Grande population management hunt. 134 tags issued, 10 elk harvested.

 

[PRO MO]

That pecos hunt is terrible. No elk there and it's all thick aspens. Just a terrible place. Anyone that is considering that hunt should re think their mental health and apply for unit 52 or something like that. Only thing I've seen there is sasquatch