New Mexico Unit 36

[Stin14]

I have a first hunt archery tag in 36 this year. It's a big unit with tons of good public land, and I've scouted a good 75% of it. Does anyone know anything about the Ft. Stanton BLM hunt area in 36? FYI- I will be there the second week, so there will already have been some pressure beginning with the Labor Day hunters.


I wont be able to go down again before the season starts so I'm trying to get thoughts on whether there are any herds in the Ft. Stanton area, or if I should save my time and concetrate on the other spots I've scouted.

 

[DTP]

Save your time and don't dilute your efforts.
Hunt where you've already physically scouted.


36 as you probably know is a killer unit.  Strong elk numbers, decent management, and some very big bulls.
Dont dwell too much on the first season hunters too. Even in the units with larger tag allocations, the first season hunters barely phase them.


Im a numbers guy and 36 has great archery harvest rates:


2016:
1st season: 37% (40 bulls/7 cows)
2nd season: 42% (43 bulls/1 cow)


2015:
1st season: 40% (41 bulls/8 cows)
2nd season: 33% (30 bulls/4 cows)


That's a 38.5% average for first season and 38% average for the last four archery seasons. Those are good numbers.

I think you're going to be able to get into the elk no issue.


Have fun and let us know how it goes.

 

[KiowaHunting]

Ft. Stanton is a good area.  The problem you will have is that it is a wet year and water will be everywhere.  Remember that where you scouted may not have shown much but as the rut starts the elk change their patterns and move into areas where you may not have found many elk.