NM Unit 52 licence options

[Silvercreek Hunter]

We'll be applying for unit 52 elk for 2012. As a non-resident I know the odds aren't that great so I wanted to figure out if the draw doesn't get us a tag what the other options are. From what I understand the options are outfitter or landowner tag. I'm not able to spend the $ for an outfitter, so I'm wondering if anyone knows if outfitters are ever just willing to sell a tag and for what cost? Also, how do landowners price their tags? Thanks for any input.

 

[xtreme]

What species are you planning to hunt? Landowner tags were out of my price range for either deer or elk.

 

[Silvercreek Hunter]

I'm looking at a Bull Elk tag. I'd go for a cow Elk also but Bull is my preference.

 

[xtreme]

Looking at the the MRS for NM drawing an elk tag without a guide will be difficult. I don't know any of the guides for that unit, good luck.

 

[Zim]

If you shop around you can probably find a LO tag for unit 52 for $1,500. Add to that the permit fee and yout total is $2,055.

It's worth it to many folk. Just not me. But that is where public land western hunting is going.

 

[Fink]

Zim- Can you hunt public ground with a LO tag, or are you forced to hunt only private land?

 

[Mwalczak]

I believe there are 2 types of land owner tags. 1 is good for the land owners property only, the other is unit wide. be sure to specify before you buy...

 

[chsdaddy]

The way it works with landowner tags is this:
1. The landowner can designate his tags as ranch only. If he does this the tag is only good on his ranch. This is usually done by the bigger ranches who outfit, as they can post their land and not allow hunting on it.
2. The landowner can also designate his tag as unit wide which allows you to hunt he entire unit, but he then also has to allow hunting on his property, by anyone licensed to hunt that unit.

Both types have advantages and disadvantages. My advice is if you go with the ranch only make sure you are not stuck hunting unproductive ground. We got screwed one year buying ranch only tags on a ranch that was the deeded access to surrounding ranches. Every morning all the other hunters would come through and blow the elk out. Don't be duped into paying more for unit wide tags also if the guy says you can hunt his ranch. He has to let you hunt it as well as every other person in that unit. I think NM G&F can give you a list of landowners and tags for the state. 52 is my favorite place to elk hunt, been hunting there for 20+ years.

 

[NM_Archer]

If your looking for a unit wide bull tag from a land owner the cost will double that of what was said above. They are way too proud of their tags in my opinon. 52 is a good area but not 4 or 5k good!!!!

 

[Silvercreek Hunter]

I'm excited, my Dad and I drew 1st rifle season bull tags in unit 52. Anyone willing to share any knowledge about 52? What kind of temperature should we prepare for in mid-Oct at those elevations?

 

[xtreme]

I have listed my house/cabin in Bear Creek and will be out about the 20th of this month to check on it, also hunting bear on the Jicarilla. Congratulations on your draw. While there I will be looking for a certian bear that uses both states, I should have a Colorado bear tag this year. After that trip I will pm you about what I find. I only know a small portion of the unit but I have seen lots of bulls there. I will give you a starting point.

 

[xtreme]

I forgot, you can pretty much count on mild weather with little or no snow

 

[Silvercreek Hunter]

Great- thanks xtreme, i look forward to hearing from you later. Thanks

 

[Silvercreek Hunter]

Its just a little over a month away and we'll be on our way to 52 for the first rifle season. I've got a couple maps and checked out elevations and have studied trails on google earth. I've got my supplies lined up and ready to go. Just hoping someone else out there has any input for me. Regardless of the outcome it will be a great trip and adventure. If we score, I'll post some pics in late Oct. Thanks guys!!