New Mexico 5b Bull Hunt

[Idahobuckeye]

Hello everyone was hoping to get some insight or opinion on this unit. I drew the 2nd rifle bull tag October 21-25 I will be driving from north Idaho. My question is I have hunted elk here in Idaho but this may be totally different territory. Is this a hunt I can do DIY or would it be worth hiring a guide? I was planning going two days early to scout. What class bulls should I expect or what kind of numbers? I'm just wanting to consider all possibilities I hunt hard get off the roads and hike but am wondering if a guide to shoot a big bull is money well spent. All opinions and comments would be greatly appreciated and I'd love to repay the favor if anyone wants to try Idaho!

Thank you!

 

[Idahobuckeye]

Lots of views no info? I'm wantin to know trophy quality population info wha to expect for terrain and cover. Even northern NM hunting tips would be nice. Thanks I appreciate it!

 

[Korhil78]

Sorry man, I have never hunted it. I did see in 2015 that they had a 30% success rate on the second rifle hunt. Lots of forest land. It looks like some rough country.

 

[Laelkhunter]

I hunted unit 4 (Chama) on two different Ranches (Quinlan and Gonzales) for 24 years. Altitude average was 8500' to over 10,000' on Chromo Mtn. Your area is South, and possibly still on the natural migration route. If snow pushes the Elk out of the high country, you could see Elk herds numbering in the hundreds. I shot a bull every year except 2013. Average bull taken on the ranches was between 275 and 300. Best 2 bulls I took was 313 and 312. I always shot on day one or day two, so I didn't hold out for the big one. These were private ranch hunts, so hunting pressure was very little.
Terrain varied from ball-busting side hills to some that couldn't be traversed. Some open flats near water that we hunted in the evenings. Cedar trees, pine trees, some pinion, plenty of scrub oak and some sage flats make up the vegetation.
Range of shots went from 50 feet in the scrub oak, to seeing Elk up to a mile away.
Probably not much help for your area, but could give you an idea what to expect.

 

[Idahobuckeye]

Yea that makes sense about the migration...is that snow induced or just time of year induced. What's the water situation? Is that a bring your own type of place? I'm still not sure what standpoint I am when shooting.... first nice bull or wait for 325+ I have some ideas on where I wanna go just kinda want to confirm them. Thanks for giving me an idea though!

 

[Laelkhunter]

The snow up high is what gets them moving. They have trouble grazing when the snow gets deep, so they move down for better grazing conditions. Bring your own water, the water tanks (ponds) aren't anything I would drink out of. I carry a Camelbak, and usually have to refill it when we go back to town for lunch.
If you are hunting with a guide or outfitter, ask him what size bull you can expect to see. Once you get there, make sure you know what has been seen on the ranch, so you don't set your expectations too high. 90% of the bulls I took were 6X6. SO as stated in my first post, if I saw a "nice one" day one or two, I shot. If you are with a guide, and he says "we can do better", then take his advice, but if he says "That's a good bull" I would shoot unless you just want to wait. Most of the guides I hunted with would not say "shoot that bull", instead they would say "That's a good bull", and leave the decision up to me. Since you mentioned a 325+ let me say that if I happen to see a 325+ bull, I would be burning powder regardless of what day of the hunt it was, and the guide wouldn't have to say anything.

What city or town is your hunting area near? Is it Espanola or Santa Fe of north of there?

 

[Idahobuckeye]

The unit consists of the Santa Fe national forest and is the southern border of the Jicarilla reservation. Can anyone speak of what kind of numbers you may see? In N Idaho we have lots of elk you just don't see many it's so thick!! T looks like Llaves is right in the middle of the unit and I'll be doing it DIY won't be using a guide hopefully that's something that can be done

 

[Laelkhunter]

The Jicarilla in Dulce has some monster Bulls and monster mule deer. Their prices usually start at $10,000 and go up from there. Have been to the reservation numerous times, some rainbow fishing in the Mundo, Stone, and Horse lakes there, but mostly just making donations at the Wild Horse Casino lately.

Have you already applied for tags, or were you able to score some landowner tags?

 

[Idahobuckeye]

I drew the tag as a non resident....I've heard there are some BIG bulls in there. I was going to try and diy it with a buddy. We are in great shape and will hike anywhere it's just a lot different terrain than home so a little intimidating

 

[Laelkhunter]

Keep up your training, especially legs and cardio. Find a stadium, and walk up and down the bleachers with a backpack with some sandbags in it. Look at Wilderness Athlete website, and order some altitude advantage pills, and some hydrate & recover to take on the trip. It's really crucial to stay hydrated at that altitude, drinking at least a gallon of water a day. I drink a 3 liter Camelak during the morning hunt, then refill it at lunch and drink another 3 liters during the afternoon hunt. If your urine isn't somewhat clear, you are not drinking enough water.

If I think of anything else, I will post it here.

 

[Idahobuckeye]

I appreciate all the tips and info I've gotten. I know it's tough to not want to give out a honeyhole. Is there anyone familiar with the unit that would be willing for me to pm them locations I had in mind to check out? That way I'm giving infor to credit just not asking for an elk on a stump lol thanks again to everyone!

 

[lilharcher]

Per my GoHunt.com membership, a realistic expectation for unit 5b is 260 - 300", with trophy potential of only 300+. With your hunt being the 2nd rifle hunt, and the rut being over, the site mentions this can be a tough hunt, with many bulls bedded in deep timber and isolated for much of the day. Like is always the case, those that get away from the crowd and work hard should find the Elk. But having a 325+ expectation in this unit may be extremely challenging.....and although it could happen, the % is low. Success rate for this hunt over the last 6 years has averaged 15%, with 2015 being an exceptional year at 30%. Regardless, you will be in a beautiful place, hunting to boot, so enjoy it and good luck.

 

[Jeremiah Newman]

I appreciate all the tips and info I've gotten. I know it's tough to not want to give out a honeyhole. Is there anyone familiar with the unit that would be willing for me to pm them locations I had in mind to check out? That way I'm giving infor to credit just not asking for an elk on a stump lol thanks again to everyone!

I know this is a really old thread, but I'm curious how your hunt went? I drew this same unit this year, except mine is late season (Dec.16-20). Information on this unit seems to be very hard to come by. I have a lot of the same questions as you.

Thanks,
Jeremiah

 

[Alb Greg]

If you want a quality hunt and can afford it call the UU Bar Express ranch in Cimerron N.M.