Elk in the pecos wilderness

[Zim]

PM sent. But does not look too good right now. Got all no's from my hunting buddies. Guess the bull I got last year did not motivate them enough? I am applied for quite a few other hunts with legit odds, but I could combo with all, and I sorely love that high country. Although successful, I really got gyped out of the bluebird days up there I love so much. I may ask the g/f to bury me up there when I pass.

 

[Zim]

I just ended up applying in the unguided pool so Extremely unlikely to draw, but hey at least I can say I tried. Went with unit 45, 52 & 49 archery. Figure I'l have maybe an 8% chance. I've hunted all 3 of these units before, so if I draw I won't have any research to do.

 

[Fink]

I just ended up applying in the unguided pool so Extremely unlikely to draw, but hey at least I can say I tried. Went with unit 45, 52 & 49 archery. Figure I'l have maybe an 8% chance. I've hunted all 3 of these units before, so if I draw I won't have any research to do.

Good luck. I applied for 45, 51 and 52... What seasons did you apply for?

 

[jay]

good luck guys, all are good areas depending on when the rut hits this year. Let us know if you draw.

 

[backus12]

Well Zim congrats. I watched that bull and six others for a week and I only had a deer tag. Glad someone got him. Hopefully I'll be back there this fall with an elk tag.

 

[Zim]

Good luck. I applied for 45, 51 and 52... What seasons did you apply for?

45 & 49 only have one archery season, but for 52 I chose 2nd archery.

 

[topdogjr2002]

What a couple of great stories in this thread. Thanks for sharing and congrats to everybody for the successful hunts. Has anyone been able to return to the Pecos area since 2011? My dad and I drew an archery tag for 9/15-9/25 this year and would really appreciate any advice on the area. Any advice on where to park a camper, a reference for somebody that will help pack out meat, suggested trails or areas to scout, and good vantage points for glassing would be greatly appreciated. I'm really hoping that he'll have a shot at a his first elk this year. He's 65 and this is a dream for him. After a very unsuccessful Unit 62 CO hunt in 2014, we were really close last year in Wyoming with a nice bull about 20 yards out but not a bow shot to spare. He got to watch him bugle for a half hour 75-100 yards out while I called from behind. When he finally came in, he never presented a clean shot. Exciting and a great time none-the-less. Thanks in advance for any help. It's hard to scout from the Diamondhead, MS.

 

[zia]

[image/jpeg:IMG_0936.JPG]

Here is what the Pecos was like last week, lol. This was June 30th

 

[zia]

Topdog,

I just got back from riding a big loop through the Pecos packing salt to bighorn sheep. I saw dozens of elk, several good bulls but all in country that even when the elk move to lower ground would be difficult to access, the Pecos is big rough country ( I am thinking about your dad). Have you thought about hiring a packer to do a drop camp? I don't have anybody specific in mind , if they are are already booked or if you are even interested. I can check around if you would like, speaking as a father.....hunts with dad are precious.

 

[Fink]

This is still one of my favorite threads ever.
Zia, how often and how much salt are you packing up for the Bighorns? Seems like pretty neat work

 

[zia]

Hi Fink, we spread between 2000-2800 pounds , 200-400 pounds per site from late June through August. 6 of the sites are in the Pecos , 3 in the Latirs and the rest in the Taos/Wheeler peak area. The dept just flew its Pecos sheep survey last week, they counted 342 sheep including 99 rams. It is amazing but hard work, luckily have a great string of horses and mules that bear the brunt of the challenge. We did a 30 mile loop in really rough country last week, as I type this it feels like we did 100 miles.