NM Unit 17 Elk

[jruet19]

Hi, I'm pretty new to this site but have found some great info on it. I was drawn for elk either sex archery early september. I have hiked the apache kid wilderness a few years back and ran into a young spike but haven't been back since. My tag is public land but thats the way I like it. I have only been hunting two times before and although they were both lots of fun I didn't get anything. Any advice on this unit would be a great help so would any pointers you veteran hunters might want send my way.
Thanks

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

Unit 17 is one of the top trophy units (huge bulls!!) in New Mexico, but success is low. My understanding is that it is a tough hunt even for a seasoned elk hunter.

 

[jruet19]

I've heard that too. As far as being in shape for physical aspect I'm good. I work out regularly, run, and go backpacking all the time. As for this unit I hear that it is tough both physically and can be difficult to locate elk. I plan on spending a three or four weekends down there this summer and will be heading down for my hunt a few days early. Don't know much about how the hunting pressure is and I know the weather can be a huge factor in were the elk are. It's normally pretty warm that time of year.

 

[Umpqua Hunter]

I'd do some work on Google Earth and look for some potential watering sites off the beaten path.

 

[jruet19]

Umpqua, I'll check that out. Good place to get an idea of whats out there.

 

[jay]

Couple of 17 bulls my bro and I got last year...It is a tricky unit to hunt but there are some good bulls.

 

[jruet19]

Thats the kind of motivation I like. Nice bulls. jay I think I saw some of your pics from another unit 17 thread.

 

[Don K]

Been in that unit three times. The Elk move, you need to find them. Look in places you would not think they would be, and dont rely on water if it rains that will be out the window. Success rate are low, but its a great place to hunt

 

[jruet19]

Interesting that they aren't places you'd expect. Guess thats why they are bigger there. Don K do you know how tough the hunting pressure is? I have the first hunt of the year.

 

[dhershberger]

There's a ton of hunting pressure, guys driving all over the place with atv's and there's a blind at practically every water hole...unless you know where the backcountry ones are

 

[jruet19]

Thats too bad but one of those things I'll just have to deal with. Hopefully I can locate a good out of the way spot. Does anyone know about how the wilderness areas (Apache Kid and Withington) are, I will be on foot but if I can get away from the hunting pressure there I'm willing to work harder.

 

[dhershberger]

Thats too bad but one of those things I'll just have to deal with. Hopefully I can locate a good out of the way spot. Does anyone know about how the wilderness areas (Apache Kid and Withington) are, I will be on foot but if I can get away from the hunting pressure there I'm willing to work harder.

Let me tell you, that is some STEEP country! Up and down, up and down non stop. I'm sure that there are some trophy bulls in there because of how rugged the country is but if you want to hunt deep in there be sure to be in good shape. Several years back (2008) the NM governnor's tag holder took a bull in the Apache Kid that went over 400". They are in there but you will have to work your butt off. Some parts are even too steep for horses, good luck.

 

[Don K]

I did not notice a huge problem with pressure the times I was there. Yes, there where hunters out and some of the water holes had people set up on them. Did not have a problem getting away from the people and getting into Elk. I really enjoy hunting NM, the people there are great and the Elk are incredible.

 

[dhershberger]

I did not notice a huge problem with pressure the times I was there. Yes, there where hunters out and some of the water holes had people set up on them. Did not have a problem getting away from the people and getting into Elk. I really enjoy hunting NM, the people there are great and the Elk are incredible.

Probably for a guy from Illinois there didnt seem like there was a lot of pressure because your used to seeing more people than I am. haha You are right though, the people in NM are some of the nicest people you will ever meet and if you know where to go the elk are fantastic.

 

[jruet19]

I hope to find one of those places that has the fantastic elk. There were only 75 tags for the public land on that first hunt and it is a pretty big area. I've been looking at several different maps and google earth plus I have an SD card for my GPS that covers the whole state in pretty good detail. Will be going down there this week for a few days to check things out, I know that the elk will likely be in different places by the time my hunt comes around but I will have sometime in mid August to do some more scouting.

 

[tdub24]

Good luck jruet19! Its good your going to get down there to do a preliminary scout, checking out access points and finding some water holes. With only 75 tags, you should have a great chance and a very high quality bull. Sounds like you are willing to work, so getting away from folks will not be that difficult.

 

[Don K]

Probably for a guy from Illinois there didnt seem like there was a lot of pressure because your used to seeing more people than I am.

Yep, you sure got that right!!!

 

[jruet19]

Just got back from a pre-pre scouting trip. Saw a ton of turkeys, just a week after the spring turkey hunt. Saw a few elk on private land and found some nice deer sheds off of forest road 478.

 

[jasonh89]

my 16 year old son drew this muzzleloader tag unit 17 oct 4-8 I know nothing of the area just swant to get as big as I can for him.im from mt so just comin down early is only scout option without help.not afraid to hike

 

[Cobbhunts]

I wish ya the best on that hunt. Seems like that would be a great time to be there. Start yourself a new thread, this one is old. You may get some better info. Good luck!!

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