Anybody Turkey Hunt New Mexico, Unit 36 or 34?

[rbljack]

Did some research and found out they do OTC licenses for turkey. Based on the timing, that might work out to serve dual purpose....turkey hunt AND shed hunt. Anybody hunt either of these areas for spring turkey? from what I read on another forum, 34 is a pretty good area for turkey, but haven't heard anything about 36 yet. Ive never hunted that area, but we do make an annual trip over there on the motorcycle. Looking to get off the roads a bit and explore on foot now. Looking for more info....

I know there are turkeys in Unit 34 because ive seen them out there crossing the road on the ride up around Cloudcroft. But im more interested in hunting turkey in 36 if they are there, because I want to Scout the area and get to know it better for Deer and Elk in case I can draw my tag there.

 

[hunter4life]

Plenty of turkeys in both areas. 34 has more than 36. Sheds are getting harder to come by than they used to be due to fewer elk and more shed hunters. G&F has been hammering the elk in 36 the past few years and with the recent burn they have been easier to kill.

 

[rbljack]

No doubt, the drought and fires yall had the last few years were bad. When we went up there last Sept for the Golden Aspen Rally, you could see the fire damage right up the mountain from in town by the walmart. Lots of fires. This year everything was green from the heavy rains it seemed. I figured this year, with the rains that came, the deer and elk were/are probably feasting on the greenery.

 

[rbljack]

another question about this area....how well does shed antler hunting coincide with the turkey season in that area? Looks like turkey season starts on 15 april. Do I miss the treasure hunt if I wait till turkey season to shed hunt too?

Im sure it depends on weather and snowfall in the area too, but as a general rule, am I better making a mid march trip for sheds, and then head back for turkey?

 

[JPD350]

My favorite time is during the first week of April, kind of a turkey scouting trip, I have often gone down south the last week of March but usually see many bulls still with their head gear.

 

[unm1136]

I regularly hunt turkey in 37. Lots of birds year around...EXCEPT the last two weeks of the spring hunt. Last year I went in May 1st, and got snowed out and still couldn't find a single bird.

pat

 

[reaper10]

Plenty of turkeys in both areas. 34 has more than 36. Sheds are getting harder to come by than they used to be due to fewer elk and more shed hunters. G&F has been hammering the elk in 36 the past few years and with the recent burn they have been easier to kill.

Can you point me in the right direction to a area in 34 for turkey? I havent hunted Turkey in 34 before. Gonna buy a tag and go during the week before all the pressure