I drew a Valle Vidal elk tag ...now what?

[GrizzlyHunter]

Earlier this spring I talked a buddy into applying with me for a unit in New Mexico that I've heard about called Valle Vidal. Our thought was to start applying and in 20 or 30 years maybe we would be drawn. And much to our surprise we drew tags!!! Our tags are for the first any weapon hunt (rifle for us) for Mature Bull, without a guide. I've heard that it's a good area for Bull elk.

We weren't really ready for this but oh well...we'll just have to deal with it.

If anyone has any info at all like information sources, recommended guides/outfitters, are guides really needed, contacts, etc. we would be eternally grateful.


Thanx for any help and good luck hunting!

 

[paulc]

Griz, I am no expert on the unit but have applied for it myself several times. I went in on it understanding that it was a pack horse type unit and you either need horses or an outfitter.
I am most likely telling you what you already know.

By the way, welcome to JHO.

 

[jimm]

You need to get a hold of Jim Welles. He is an Outrfitter down in NM and I know he is familar with this unit. I think he personally hunts it every year. He is a memebr on here.

Real helpful guy.

505-294-7861

 

[TwoShot]

My advice, play the lottery, welcome to JHO

 

[shootwice]

Griz, I got a note from Jim Welles but he is elusive with his info. Perhaps he didn't have time to fill me in. USO said the same thing about being a horse hunt. Call me later.

 

[GrizzlyHunter]

I have contacted George T. w/ USO. He seemed very knowledgeable & professional about this hunt. He indicated that his group has guided numerous hunts,each year, in there for years. Since it's a once in a lifetime hunt I would guess they know the area better than almost anybody. It's not like you could hire him, have him show you his honey-holes, and then go back next year unguided.

Shootwice,

What is your # for me to call you?

Again, any info is, and will be, greatly appreciated.

GrizzlyHunter

 

[mickeyelk]

I've applied for this hunt for the pasts few years hoping to draw the tag you have. If I drew this tag I would go unguided. I wouldn't worry about an outfitter since the area has plenty of elk and the only thing you have to worry about is getting the elk out after you shoot one. They restrict off road use. Contact them and they will tell you about it. It will be the best hunt in your life for elk. Don't shoot the first one. Use the entire season and get a big one.

 

[GrizzlyHunter]

Mickeyelk,

Thanks for your input. I (we) are considering going unguided, but we're not sure yet what to do.

Anybody else???

GrizzlyHunter

 

[Captain Dan]

I used a guide in the Valles Caldera in 02 who is awesome. He specializes in the Vidal though. In fact one of the guys I hunted with had previously hunted in the Vidal with him. He is very reasonably priced and is totally set up for it. You really don't want to cut this hunt short. I can give you his info if you're interested.

 

[GrizzlyHunter]

Captain Dan,

I would appreciate your guides contact info. We've looked into a few outfitters and I think we're narrowig it down. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanx!