Unit 45 Pecos Wilderness

[Bullhonkey]

Hi All, Got drawn for the muzzleloader elk hunt in New Mexico 45. Wondering if anyone else got drawn or is going for the bowhunt. Any scouting reports or other helpful info would be greatly appreciated. Will be in the Peco Wilderness area trying to get my first elk. Thanks in advance.

 

[jay]

have you hunted here before?

 

[NoMoreOldNo7]

Check your messages, I sent you a PM. Btw, you know anything about unit 67 for Antelope or unit 38 for Elk in Wyoming?

One last thing, 1 post since Sept 2011?????? You gotta get more involved here.

Good luck, hunt hard but hunt safe

 

[Bullhonkey]

Hi Jay,

Yeah, I was fortunate enough to draw last year as well, but didn't end up harvesting anything on my first elk hunt. It was a great trip with my bro and Dad and am really excited to go back. We stayed on HM last year in a drop camp, but we are thinking we want to go in farther this year. What a great time of year to be out in the mountains for us flat landers!?! We will be on foot once we set up base camp. Feel free to PM if you would rather.

NoMoreOldNo7--Thanks for the PM. Sorry no help on Wyoming at all, but if you need any advice on any whitetails in MN, I am your guy!

Thanks
Chris

 

[zia]

Will be horseback on the east side for a few days hauling salt, be back late next week, let you know what I see.

 

[NDHunter]

Take a look at this thread. Should be something good in there for you.

http://www.eastmans.com/forum/showthread.php/509-Elk-in-the-pecos-wilderness

 

[Bullhonkey]

Thanks Zia, that would be much appreciated. Thanks ND I did read that one, but thanks for the help.

 

[jay]

sent you a pm bull honkey

 

[zia]

Doesn't look like finding elk should be a problem, saw large groups of 50 or so cows, calves and spikes in several different drainages. The bigger bulls were of course off by themselves in groups of 3-5 but it looks like antler growth is excellent. Right now most of the elk I saw were near or above timberline, our challenge was to find salting sites for the bighorn that the elk wouldn't destroy immediately. Have another loop to make salting the northern part but I suspect it will be the same...lots of elk in high ground at or above timberline.

 

[zia]

 

[zia]

great country, rock-footed pintos

 

[Zim]

Wish I were going back this year, but failed to draw. Will instead be headed in the opposite direction this fall. Of all places..........New Hampshire? Thought I would be shut out of any tags anywhere this year before beating 1% draw odds and lucking out with a bull moose tag. As far as the Pecos, I will miss it. I will rely on your guys updates and photos to get me through September. Will be rooting for you guys to score big.

 

[ntspdy]

My buddy and I were fortunate enough to draw the same tag Bullhonkey. We're really looking forward to the hunt. Can't beat those high elevation hunts. I talked to an elk biologist for NM and he said the elk look good in 45. Think Zia's pics back that up. Thanks for posting up the pics. Gives us some extra motivation. Btw, for you locals or regulars to the Pecos, whats a respectable bull for unit 45? I'm by no means a trophy hunter but I like to know where to set my expectations. Also, any recommended packers? We plan on hiking in and out but would like to prepare ahead just in case we get in a bind. If I can get out there, I might do a three or four day scouting trip towards the end of August. If I do, I'll let you know what we find.

 

[zia]

Just got back from another salting trip, packed 400# . The gps said 29 miles, highest elevation 12,614 feet (last trip it was 12,640 feet). Tired, beat-up horses and rider...I will try to post some pictures soon. Saw quite a few elk, not nearly as many as last trip but they do look like they are doing well. If I had a tag I would shoot most any legal bull, too many things can happen..weather etc. I thought Zims archery bull last year was a tremendous bull for the unit.

 

[zia]

Sorry no elk pictures this trip, saw 100-120 but they were lower in the bowls below timberline.

 

[Bullhonkey]

Thanks Zia for the updates and especially the pics!! Definitely got my heart pumping!! How has the rainfall been this year up there? Thanks again for the posts and comments. Good luck to all on their hunts this year! Got a MN bear tag to try and fill this September then my focus will be on one of those beautiful bulls and that beautiful country...

 

[bern0134]

Zia, have you seen any decent bucks on your trips? My dad, father-in-law and myself have deer tags in the area.

 

[zia]

bern I dont believe I have seen a single deer on those loops, maybe they are lower or I am missing them

 

[ntspdy]

Hey Zia, what's the cell service like up there? I'm sure it's horrible if not non-existent back in the wilderness but how is it near Cowles or off of HW 63? Reason I ask is I plan on hiking in but want to have a packer on standby just in case I end up too deep. While on that topic, you have any recommendations on some reliable packers?

 

[zia]

ntspdy, my cell phone is pretty spotty once I get in the canyon above Pecos, I do get some coverage on top of and west of Trail Riders and S.Truchas where I can see Espanola from altitude. On the east side I dont get any coverage which is good. You might call Bear Creek adventures or Ley's at the Tererro general store to see if they will pack you or know anybody that might.