New Mexico Archery Elk

[Bonecollector]

Looking to go on my first elk hunt this year. Looking at New Mexico and Co.

In looking at Archery Elk options, I've got some leads on some areas in New Mexico areas 6 & 7.
Does anyone know anything about these areas? Looking at areas around La Jara.
Sounds like there is elk quantity over elk quality, but that is more of what I am looking for in my first Elk hunt. I can learn more if I can find some elk.
Thanks for any input anyone has. Private message if you don't feel comfortable on the open forum. I'll return the favor if I can be of any service to you.
~Bill

 

[tdcour]

I've heard unit 6 is good and had bugling action, but don't have any personal experience yet. Put in for it this year as second choice. From what I hear it is remote and big country but good opportunities. seems more like a pack in or backpack style hunt, but it can be done from the truck just have to get in a ways to get away from the crowds.

 

[chsdaddy]

I don't know anything about 7 but live in 6. Depends on what your looking for. 6a is great in the parks, but more of a backcountry hunt although there is good access for truck camping too. 6c has a lot of access and is a little harder to get away from the crowds but it can be done. 6c is easier to draw and I think success was pretty close in both units.

 

[Dark Mavis]

Use CO as a backup plan

Make sure to at least by a preference point for CO, and use that state for plan B if you don't draw out in NM. The CO over the counter archery option sure is nice. I love chasing elk in NM, but if you want to hunt elk every year, don't put all your eggs in this basket. Hopefully you will have better luck in the NM draws than I do!

 

[Bonecollector]

CHSDADDY: Is this true even in Archery Season?

I don't know anything about 7 but live in 6. Depends on what your looking for. 6a is great in the parks, but more of a backcountry hunt although there is good access for truck camping too. 6c has a lot of access and is a little harder to get away from the crowds but it can be done. 6c is easier to draw and I think success was pretty close in both units.

 

[chsdaddy]

If you're asking about access and crowds, yes. Success I think I remembered looking at the total harvest bow, muzzle, rifle, and it was close.

Unit 6 is close to 2 NM major population centers Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The month of September here "is" the best month to be in the woods for everyone. You will run into a lot of people using the forest for stuff other than hunting, like picnics, camping, fishing, wood cutting, ATV/dirt biking. Its better during the week.