New Mexico Elk

['Ike']

Ok, I'm trying to stay positiive, but just in case I may look at land-owner tags.....16c is one that I've seen more than a few in...Anyone hunted in this unit or know anyone to really talk to about it....I know it's a decent Gila unit, not sure about access....Thanks for any info and good luck!!!

 

[BradCa]

Ike,

I don't have any info to offer you, but wanted to wish you luck in the draw. My buddies and I have put in for 16A archery elk. If we draw, we will be hunting with JKF Outfitters. One of my buddies is friends with one of their guides. Let me know if you draw, and if nothing else, he may be able to point you in the right direction.

Brad

 

[rhnm]

I've hunted 16-c several times. The outfitters buy most of the landowner tags well before the drawing. If you draw send me an e-mail. Good luck in the draw!

 

['Ike']

Hey thanks guys!!! I'll keep you posted......

 

[wmidbrook]

Ike, even though most landowner authorizations are snatched up by Outfitters you can still find them. I hunted unit 5b last archery season. It's was a decent hunt and most residents call it a marginal unit at best....

Some people wait 'til a few weeks before the opener with a list of units they're willing to hunt and try to find left-over authorizations at rock bottom prices--they're usually deals to be found.

I'd call a local warden and ask about public lands accessibility.

 

['Ike']

Wmidbrook, thanks, kind of looking at taht option.........I've heard mixed reviews as you do form time to time about 16C....Trying to get a feel for taht unit!

 

[Reuben]

Originally posted by rhnm@Jun 23 2004, 11:35 AM
I've hunted 16-c several times. The outfitters buy most of the landowner tags well before the drawing. If you draw send me an e-mail. Good luck in the draw!

I would have to agree here. The Gila units are really saturated with Outfitters buying up the landowner tags. Someone else mentioned 5b, but the more northern units have smaller bulls and are thus not sold to as many outfitters. I dont know everything about these units, but i did work for a couple outfitters guiding their clients while i was in grad school. I mostly worked in the Gila and surounding ranches. I will try and post a little more info later on when i get off work.
I do think your best bet, like others have said, is to contact outfitters in the area. You will go a long way and be off to a good start.

 

['Ike']

Thanks Reuben!!! It's one of those 'what to do if you don't draw anything' options..........

 

[wmidbrook]

Outfitters are for sure a great way to go if the price fits your budget that's for sure....the landowner tag system can be a great way for DIY'ers to get into a decent area with good numbers of mature bulls. And landowner authorizations are typically a lot more affordable outside of the Gila.

 

[drjrobjr]

Ike, I have hunted 16 C several times, and I have two nice bulls from that unit. Two years ago, I hunted it again and was disappointed with all the pressure. It seems that they had issued several cow tags which overloaded the area with hunters. As you probably know, 16 C is fairly accessible and was very "crowded" at that time with hunters. With that said, I saw that Ken Swaim of Beaverhead Outfitters had some landowner tags for sale. I read this in Garth Carter's magazine "Huntin Fool". Hope this helps.

 

['Ike' @ HM]

DrJ, I've heard those stories about the access part also....I'll have to hit Garths mag again, I've got all the Archery tags highlighted

 

[Bill in SD]

George, check out http://www.newmexicobiggamehunting.com/ and talk with Jim Wells. He is extremely helpful.

FYI
Bill

 

['Ike']

Thanks Bill!!!