Got appltcation for Valles Caldera in NM have never tried for this Elk hunt any one ever draw this tag. I take it its just luck of the draw, is the hunting as good as they say? Seems like a pretty cheap for tickets into the draw, dosen't look like you can send in as a group or even 2 guys. Not something that I could do this year but wandering what it's all about.
Valles Caldera NM Elk hunt
- Thread starter streamer
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npaden
Well-known member
Supposedly the quality is down some from previous years, but it still sounds like a pretty good hunt. I wouldn't be expecting to shoot a 400" bull or even see one, and there won't be 360" bulls hiding around every tree, but from what it sounds like you should have a decent chance at scoring on a 320 - 340" bull if you put in the effort, and are almost guaranteed a 275ish bull if you put in the effort. Lots of elk, just not a bunch of monsters.
Here's the top 3 bulls score from 2004 to 2009. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/elk/Top3ScoresOnGoing.pdf
Draw odds don't seem that good for the end result, but like you mentioned, they are cheap tickets.
Here's the top 3 bulls score from 2004 to 2009. http://www.vallescaldera.gov/comevisit/elk/Top3ScoresOnGoing.pdf
Draw odds don't seem that good for the end result, but like you mentioned, they are cheap tickets.
CABugle
New member
One of the best hunts I have ever been on! There are elk everywhere and even in late Oct. the elk where still screaming at first and last light. I drew the 2nd rifle hunt and in two days of hunting I saw at least 30 bulls. The odds are just plain stupid but someone has to draw! They told us that the muzzy hunt is the best for big bulls, however any tag would be good. The hunt is terrian very easy and even though you will have a bunch of outfitters calling and emailing you DO NOT need a guide as even Stevie Wonder could find the elk there. Best of luck drawing a tag.
CABugle
CABugle
Khunter
Well-known member
my brother arrowed one of the top three bulls in 2004 on that list. Tagged along on the hunt. Lots of fun. He actually drew the next year as well and killed a smaller bull the 2nd time.
Draw odds for nonres have tanked since they decided to apply tight quotas on nonresidents, Used to be no resident/nonres preference and it was a worthwhile lottery, IMO. Not so much anymore.
Draw odds for nonres have tanked since they decided to apply tight quotas on nonresidents, Used to be no resident/nonres preference and it was a worthwhile lottery, IMO. Not so much anymore.
