Need everybody\'s opinion

[timberland]

Applying to NM next year and I have a couple choices to make. I have good intel on two zones. One zone, higher numbers of elk but the last season is a HD/Q and I don\'t want to pay the extra $. The other Zone has less elk, but the quality is just as good and all three seasons are standard priced.

A friend is hunting the second season, first zone right now, and all the bugling is at night, and they have had very few sightings. Blame it on hot weather or full moon, they are having a tough hunt.

SO... Would you rather hunt where there are fewer elk but a better time period, meaning closer to the rut. Or due you take your chances with weather and hunt pre-rut where there are more elk.

Draw odds are are 10 times better for the zone with fewer elk. I don\'t believe hunting pressure is an issue with either zone/time period.

1st, 2nd, and 3rd seasons are 10, 8, and 5(?) days each. Success % seems pretty much the same across the board 20-25%

 

[cnelk]

Barry
Since this isnt your typical \'Bread & butter\' elk hunt, like where you go each year to drop the string on whatever you want,
I would opt for the fewer elk/better time frame, lower cost.

 

[Wapiti7]

FYI-NM is in the process of updating their rules on most big game species (happens every 4 years). From looking at the hunt days you mention, I\'m guessing you are looking at units in the southern part of the state. In the proposed elk changes (link below), one of those changes is to go back from 3 hunts to 2 for archery (1st = 9/1 to 9/14 and 2nd = 9/15 to 9/24)...that would be statewide, including the Gila. Assuming the changes go through, it might be hard to make assumptions on draw pressure based upon previous draw statistics though it should still give you a general idea of draw pressure. The way NM draws their hunts, allowing 3 choices, you can probably include both areas. Guessing you would put the Q/HD 1st and the other area 2nd.

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