Gila Forest Archery Elk Hunt Drop Camp Wanted...

[FitToHunt]

Hello fellow members,

I am looking to do an-unguided archery Elk hunt in New Mexico next year, and I'd like to concentrate my efforts around the Gila Forest specifically units 16B, D, and 17 most likely.

Since you get much better odds when applying if you contract with an outfitter, I am looking for one to sign a contract with, but all I really want is a pack in/pack out. I'd like to save $$$ and I really don't need anyone to hold my hand. Just get me into a good area, then be available to pack out my elk (hopefully). I've got all the gear I'll need also, and I pack light. It may be myself and 1 other guy, or just me

Know of anyone that might do this?

Thank you,

 

[hardstalk]

I see ads on Craigslist all the time for "consultants" in az. I'm assuming the market is flooded with guides in Az. Guys try to make a few bucks pointing others in the right direction for the o.t.c opportunities. I would check out craigslist and call a couple of those guys to see if they can help ya.

 

[cmbbulldog]

Tom @ San Francisco River Outfitters. 16B is the unit you want if you want a "drop camp". Plenty of roads in 16D.

 

[FitToHunt]

OK, I'll look into both of those suggestions. Thank you.

 

[FitToHunt]

I see ads on Craigslist all the time for "consultants" in az. I'm assuming the market is flooded with guides in Az. Guys try to make a few bucks pointing others in the right direction for the o.t.c opportunities. I would check out craigslist and call a couple of those guys to see if they can help ya.

Hey Hardstalk,

I just tried to look at Albuquerque CL. I tried "hunting", "consultants", "elk" and in for sale, services, ect. I didn't see anything. Can you tell me specifically where you found those?. Just a reminder, I'm looking in NM not AZ.

Thank you,

 

[hardstalk]

I just re read and feel like a doofus. I was thinkin Az. Disregard.

 

[FitToHunt]

No Worries brother

 

[Don K]

You can try Jim at http://www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com/ and pick his brain. He probably will point you towards Tom if your doing B but he can help you out on other units. They have options your looking for.

 

[WapitiBob]

You will need to have a guide for two days under the new rules. NM is a little odd in that a traditional drop camp is something they aren't real used to doing. You can find an outfitter that will let you simply apply but if you want camp setup they might get antsy.

 

[Fink]

You might try San Juan outfitters, they'll do a drop camp for you, although he'll try to talk you out of the gila.

 

[FitToHunt]

You might try San Juan outfitters, they'll do a drop camp for you, although he'll try to talk you out of the gila.

Why would he try and talk me out of the Gila?

 

[FitToHunt]

So, I just talked to a couple of different guides. Haven't found what I'm looking for yet. Although, I've been told that only 16B and a small part of 53 are the only true wilderness areas off limits to motorized vehicles. So, is it true that all the other units in the Gila and other area's will have plenty of road hunters and guys on quads ripping around , no matter how deep you pack in?

 

[Don K]

Hardest part will be getting a tag. (unless you plan on purchasing a LO voucher)

 

[FitToHunt]

Hardest part will be getting a tag. (unless you plan on purchasing a LO voucher)

That's the entire reason I want to hire a guide. Much better odds of drawing. Otherwise, I'd just do DIY.

 

[WapitiBob]

I wouldn't say they were that much better. Low dbl digit at best for gila units.

 

[Don K]

Yep, As bob said take a good look at the odds. Getting into the guided pool doesn't get you a whole lot of gain in many of the units.

 

[FitToHunt]

Its still low, but it more or less doubles it if you take into account all 3 chances. Its still about the best odds out there for a trophy bull Hunt for someone without points elsewhere.

 

[Alabama]

Just so you understand what Wapiti was saying about the guide requirements: Just providing you with a camp and maybe packing one out will not reach the minimum guide requirement. They must accompany you at least 2 hunting days to be legal if you draw in the guided pool.

 

[cmbbulldog]

16E would be the other unit you could pack in some in the Gila.

Unit 45 in the Pecos is one you could do thats easier to draw.... could always do that as a 3rd choice.

 

[cmbbulldog]

Just so you understand what Wapiti was saying about the guide requirements: Just providing you with a camp and maybe packing one out will not reach the minimum guide requirement. They must accompany you at least 2 hunting days to be legal if you draw in the guided pool.

You can get a drop camp where they pack you in the day before the hunt and come get you the day after the hunt.