Tips for a first time elk hunter.

[slayer831]

Hey guys, new here and new to elk hunting. im going to be going to NM for my first elk hunt this fall in Unit 13. Any tips would be great because i am going non guided and hunting on a friends ranch. I turkey hunt alot so i know how to use a turkey mouth call so i shouldnt have any trouble with calling. I would love to hear any good tips on elk hunting, gear, calling and what calls are good for starting out . Also if anyone knows whats the weather going to be like out there around end of sept early oct? Im from the east and have never been out west so this is all going to be a whole new experience for me so any tips at all will help.

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[Elk101 Admin]

Very exciting!


If you are hunting the tail end of September going into October you will still encounter bugling elk within their harems and primarily pulling in more rag-horn bulls then herd bulls. Will you be hunting with a bow or rifle? I have never hunted NM but here are a few tips. Using the National Weather Service (NOAA) you can find average temperature for your location and dates. I did a little recon for you, the average temperature near Hells Mesa (Albuquerque) was 68 degrees with .98 inches of perception in September. Average for October will be 57.1 degrees. You can find this information here: http://www.weather.gov/abq/sepabq


Your altitude will be around 6,000 - 8,000 ft in elevation based on Google Earth. Here is quick look at land ownership for this particular unit from a website I use called, TopRut: https://www.toprut.com/hunt/new-mexico-elk-unit-13/
You can download a free google earth map of the area and look at a plethora of addition information for elk hunting this unit. 


Biggest advice, make sure you have solid boots (like we mentioned in your other thread) the terrain is rocky and rugged. Practice your calling and pay close attention to what the thermals are doing throughout the day. Elks sense of smell is unreal and it's the #1 factor that rookie elk hunters forget, so bring a few wind detectors. Thermals are always changing in areas like this.

Best of luck!
 

 

[slayer831]

Thanks for the great reply and the links!! Well I got the boots ordered so I will start breaking them in soon so that 1 thing taken care of haha. I still don't know the for sure date we are going because my friends kid is due mid Sept and we can't go till after he is born but we r planning for Sept 15ish and we would be taking a bow, if it's later that they have the kid we may end up taking muzzle loader. I am hoping for it to be Sept 15 with a bow.

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[slayer831]

What kinds of calls should I order? The stores near me don't carry much elk gear.

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[Elk101 Admin]

Try a few out, I recommend starting with the TRIO Set: http://www.elk101store.com/bugling-bull-tst-trio-3-pak-diaphragm-kit

Given your previous calling experience you should be good to go.

Corey will be coming out with his new prodigy matrix one next month! It was 6 month in the making! Learn more about it here: http://www.elk101.com/2017/05/new-diaphragm-elk-call/


I cant wait for it to come out! 

 

[slayer831]

Ok great im going to order these and whenever that new one comes out ill probably have to order it to haha.

 

[Wyo67]

Highly recommend the Temptress for a good all around external cow call.  Sometimes it gets the bulls to respond with a different sound.