New Mexico Elk Unit 16C

[Alabama]

Well I finally drew a limited entry elk tag! Unit 16C 2nd rifle season: Oct 24-28. It's a 19-20hr drive so scouting is out of the question. I've ordered the unit map for 16C from mytopo and will look into downloading maps onto my GPS. I've never hunted out of a tent. I've only hunted by motels walking in and out of the area, but that will kill too much time on a 5 day long hunt. I will need some new gear but I will post those questions elsewhere if I can't find the answers in the vast knowledge of old posts.

My questions are: 1. If this was your 1st elk tag in a great hunt area would you go guided? Keep in mind that success rates are around 30%.
If not:
2. There seem to be lots of 4x4 roads and trails in this area except for close to the wilderness area in the south, will these roads be passable and/or open during the season? Will an ATV be helpful for moving from one area to the next? Or will a4x4 truck be enough?
3. Will there be any 2nd rut activity going on or will it be pretty much over? I don't plan on bugling but I do plan cow calling very sparingly especially if the ground is dry and noisy.
4. Does anyone have any past experience in this unit? Any tips or pointers? PMs welcome.

 

[CrossCreeks]

Good luck you drew one of my choices and dates. ( I was left out AGAIN !!!)

 

[Thomas11]

I've hunted this unit on second archery hint. I'm from Alabama actually. Pm sent

 

[Alabama]

Thanks, Thomas!

 

[pmcgovern]

I hunted 16E, primarily, last November for mule deer. The first week of November to be exact. We spent most of our time hunting in central/southern part of the unit, which borders 16C. I was in elk everyday. Lots of elk. Lots of bugling. If I'd had an elk tag, a 350+ bull would have been absolutely realistic. We went east out of Datil, then south at the VLA road. If I had that tag, knowing what I saw, I'd certainly be looking at the northern part of 16C. I think you're going to have a great hunt. We had temperatures ranging from 28-60 degrees. Sun, rain, snow. Wind. Lots of wind. I'm going to say its about an hour to hour and a half drive from Datil to the northern end of 16C. Access by road in the area we hunted was great. 4x4 didn't have any problem. I killed my buck on the north side of Pelona Mtn. which is on the southern end of the 16E, but very close to C, and the elk herds in that area seemed very plentiful with mature bulls. We glassed up 2 big bulls on the south end of E one day. Salvation mtn or starvation mtn. right on the border of C & E. One of which is probably the biggest bull I've ever seen on the hoof. Best of luck on your hunt, take lots of pictures(it's BEAUTIFUL country), and keep us posted!!!!

 

[Alabama]

Thanks, pmcgovern! The more I hear about the trophy quality on this unit, the more excited I get. I will definitely look into those areas.

 

[Alabama]

I would definitely be happy with a 300" bull, but from what I'm hearing that is the low to mid range of mature bulls in the unit. It's my 1st elk hunt and honestly my expectations for killing a good one aren't that high. I think I've decided DIY or bust. If I kill one or come back empty handed, either way it's on me. I'm just excited to be finally going after elk. That it will be in an area that has a chance for a giant bull and little hunting pressure is just icing on the cake.

 

[MWScott72]

Alabama-
Congrats on a great tag - you should have a great time. If you have camping experience, you should be just fine on a DiY type hunt. Just be prepared for anything from warm to freezing weather-wise. Don't underestimate how big elk are either. If you kill one in a hole and are by yourself, you will seriously ask yourself why after the fact. They are BIG.

If you have access to a 4-wheeler, i'd bring it. They can get you around faster than a truck and can go places regular vehicles cannot (or get stuck trying). In the mountains, you need to be prepared for everything! Good luck on your hunt - should be a great experience if planned correctly.

 

[JHB]

I'll be in 16c first two weeks of sept and can let you know how it goes.

 

[Alabama]

Alabama-
Congrats on a great tag - you should have a great time. If you have camping experience, you should be just fine on a DiY type hunt. Just be prepared for anything from warm to freezing weather-wise. Don't underestimate how big elk are either. If you kill one in a hole and are by yourself, you will seriously ask yourself why after the fact. They are BIG.

If you have access to a 4-wheeler, i'd bring it. They can get you around faster than a truck and can go places regular vehicles cannot (or get stuck trying). In the mountains, you need to be prepared for everything! Good luck on your hunt - should be a great experience if planned correctly.

I will be bringing along my 4 wheeler so if I want to check out a new part of the unit, it will be faster and not so rough on the truck. Getting the elk out is what intimidates me most. I'm thinking of having a packer lined up. It's expensive though.

 

[Alabama]

I'll be in 16c first two weeks of sept and can let you know how it goes.

I'll take you up on that offer JHB. Thanks!

 

[Dark Mavis]

Definately bring the wheeler, unless you really hate your truck and want to abuse it. The roads are pretty rough in places. I hunted the first rifle season a few years back and was into elk every day. There are plenty of roads and trails for atv access so I wouldn't worry about hiring a packer. There is some private scattered around in the interior of the unit so bring a gps chip. Get set up on a high point, use the glass, and you won't have any trouble finding the elk. They were still bugling and rutting like crazy in the middle of Oct. Your gonna have a fun hunt! Good luck!

 

[Alabama]

Bump......

 

[Bonecollector]

Alabama,
I'm traveling from Ohio to N.M. and am having a little trouble gathering intel as well.
It's a tough state to draw, thus not much info out there like WY & CO.
I'll be in 6C, bordering 6A.

 

[Alabama]

Well I have a new tripod and spotter: Vortex Razor 65mm and promaster xc525c tripod. Man that really hurt the wallet! I'm trying to look at it as a long term investment. I talked a buddy into going along so that eases my mind about safety and also packing one out. I think now that he committed to going he is just as excited as me.

Anybody have any updates? Looks like it was a great moisture year so antler growth should be good.

Good luck Bonecollector in 6C!

 

[ore hunter]

id be sure to take chains for all 4,,some of that nm mud can get bad at times,,,d.i.y.,,you will feel like you accomplished something,,good luck

 

[xtreme]

I am taking my grandson on his first elk hunt the last week of December. I don't have a clue what to expect, so maybe the first week of September I can go look. Google earth don't tell me much.
I will share with you what I learn.

 

[Bonecollector]

Same to you! I hope we are both successful!

Well I have a new tripod and spotter: Vortex Razor 65mm and promaster xc525c tripod. Man that really hurt the wallet! I'm trying to look at it as a long term investment. I talked a buddy into going along so that eases my mind about safety and also packing one out. I think now that he committed to going he is just as excited as me.

Anybody have any updates? Looks like it was a great moisture year so antler growth should be good.

Good luck Bonecollector in 6C!

 

[MWScott72]

Still excited about your hunt Alabama? It's getting close

Don't get greedy if this is your first hunt for elk. We all see the big pictures and hear about all the "big elk", but I think it distorts reality. Enjoy the experience, set realistic expectations, and don't pass a good elk if you don't have other options. A five day hunt isn't all that long to get it done, but based on people who have hunted the unit, you should definitely have your chances. Looking forward to the stories and pics that will hopefully be forthcoming.