Hunting Waterholes in the Gila?

[JHB]

Anybody know if it's worth hunting waterholes after a wet summer monsoon in the Gila NF? Specifically if it's just rained and there lots of water all over.

I'll be in unit 16c (never been there) for the first two weeks of sept. I've had some guys say it's still good and other say it's a waste of time.

 

[Don K]

Cant tell you how 16C will be but I will share with you my findings on a different unit. I was there a week ahead of time, had some real nice bulls coming into water and was all jacked up. It rained, rained, and rained some more, and more.... And the elk where not coming into water holes for the next week as there was water everywhere. Total waste of time where I was.......

 

[JHB]

That's kind of what of been hearing on other forums. Guess I'll just have to see what the weather does.

What about wallows the first week or two of September if there has been quite a bit of rain? Seems like the Bulls would still seek out their usual wallows wouldn't they?

 

[Don K]

I would keep a eye on the wallows for sure as long as the temps dont drop

 

[Slugz]

JHB. I have the same bull, 3 years in a row at the same wallow. Rainy years,dry years. Didn't matter. I quietly hunt them from the opener till about 7 Sep here in Colorado with very consistent success. Key is an active wallow.