New Mexico Unit 13, 3rd season

[Burnt Reynolds]

So, myself and two others have these tags.  Background is that my cousin and his two close buddies (one of whom I've become a regular hunting partner with locally here in Oregon) drew these tags.  My cousin also drew an AZ elk tag which conflicted with this, he opted to go to AZ and offered me his tag at his cost - I took it. 


I've been doing as much research as I can but mostly seem to come up with guide/outfitters homepage links when searching the internet.  The NM game and fish site as the core elk range map which overlaps nicely with the southern part of unit 13, but I'm wondering if anyone here would be willing to point us in the right direction in terms of concentrating our research efforts; cibola east or cibola west?  Those two sections that are in the unit and the core elk range look like a good starting point (on my computer anyways).


Not looking for anyone's honey hole and I'd be more than happy to return the favor for anyone wanting to get after some Oregon Rosy's!

 

[hank4elk]

Howdy,I live a few miles away from 13 and have hunted the 3rd mz  hunt. Helped with bow hunts for outfitter buddy.  Know it well. Live by west side.
All of 13 is good and holds some dandies. They should be screaming some, if it's an archery hunt.

One ?   
  NM tags are not transferable. How did you get one if you didn't apply? Unless it's a LO tag,then your good to go if it's for 13.  Did you go with outfitter/guide? Who,I know some good ones.

PM  me for info.

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

It's a unit wide LO archery tag 9/19 - 9/24, we'll be there on the 15th.


As best I can I've been google earth scouting in Cibola East of Pie Town and northwest of Datil; specifically the section of peaks noted as the Sawtooth mtns. but I'm stumped at finding water sources.  There's lots of great looking country - but I'm really just guessing.  Any pointers in the right direction are greatly appreciated!


Also been looking at the slim blm stretch east of acoma pueblo reservation and east of hwy 117 but that's well north of what's noted on the NMGF core occupied elk range map.

 

[hank4elk]

Water is key in 13. Most FS tanks and wells are dry,no maintenance and vandalizm.
I do know where there is water. Hunted the Sawtooths,deer and elk. I'm 20 mi west.
Should be some rain then to fill what tanks aren't filled with sediment. Otherwise they drink from puddles and vernal lakes.
The peak of the  rut has been last week of Sept. and first week of Oct. the last few years. Last year they were real fired up halfway thru Sept ,and they bugled until Nov.
You guys will be in good shape rut wise. Bring rain gear.

Watch the roads,they get real nasty when wet. Hell, they are bad when they're in good shape.Wait for it to dry a bit,otherwise you'll go off the road and get stuck.
PM me for more info. Hank

 

[hank4elk]

Oh, the Malpais wilderness area you mentioned is excellent too. And no veh.
Looks bleak in spots but there are some big bulls in there.
Lots of elk here abouts,big elk. 8) Even the cows......

 

[Mac898]

This summer has brought tons of rain to New Mexico so take that lil bit of info into your planning. The low spots will be holding water if the rains keep up like they have for the past month or so.

 

[hank4elk]

Heavy rain today predicted. Very green. Water all around. Elk healthy and fat. Nice year for racks.

 

[Burnt Reynolds]

Weather definitely appears to be cooperating for antler growth! One member of our party has been in contact with nmgf biologist who's telling us the same thing. Hopefully I can do my part and bring home a stud! And, what's up with not needing to affix your tag to an antler? Part of the fun if you ask me...