Chama, NM

[adbaby]

Any special considerations for a first-timer on a multi day elk hunt in mid October? Guide provided a packing list, but just want to be sure.

 

[wapitibob]

shoot the 1st branch bull you see

 

[Tmac]

If you live at low elevation, try to have a few days at elevation before the hunt to acclimate.

 

[Steve from GA]

Historically speaking, Oct in Chama is pretty warm. We're not talking about dramatic gains in elevation during your hunt or anything like that, but I agree that acclimating to the overall elevation is a good idea. Pretty easy land to hunt, very unlikely to see snow or significant cold. Very user friendly and cool little small town. Good luck!

 

[Chris in TN]

Chama is relatively low elevation but still higher than an easterner will be used to. Expect mild weather in early October. Be prepared for anything, but don't be surprised if you have warm days. The countryside is gorgeous, especially if you're coming in from the south.

(I didn't hunt there, but have hunted fairly near there in CO, and have been through there twice in recent years and stayed one night there on one trip)

 

[North of 60]

Northern NM has some spectacular bull elk

I would bring a mix of clothes as it may get toasty warm during the day and cooler at night...be ready to shed layers.

Edit to add: Keep shooting till their head goes down and stays down...it may take 2 or 3 shots to be safe.

 

[adbaby]

If you live at low elevation, try to have a few days at elevation before the hunt to acclimate.

Im below sea level in Louisiana so any elevation is elevation and any "mild temperature" to yall is arctic to me.

 

[North of 60]

Im below sea level in Louisiana so any elevation is elevation and any "mild temperature" to yall is arctic to me.

You'll be fine as long as you can get across the long drive of Texas, lol (if driving).

Think a cold front in Dec/Jan that warms up in the daytime in LA and you should be fine.

And if driving, you'll see lots of critters on roads off the main highways

 

[adbaby]

You'll be fine as long as you can get across the long drive of Texas, lol (if driving).

Think a cold front in Dec/Jan that warms up in the daytime in LA and you should be fine.

And if driving, you'll see lots of critters on roads off the main highways

work in texas often and was born in houston, thats not a problem!

thanks.

 

[Tmac]

Im below sea level in Louisiana so any elevation is elevation and any "mild temperature" to yall is arctic to me.

Well Chama sits just under 8,000 feet. I’m at 250 ish feet and am convinced there is little air above 5’ and no air above 8’. Seriously, a couple days to adjust helps, but it takes longer to fully acclimate. The better shape you are in the easier it goes. Good luck and have fun.

 

[North of 60]

There was a good thread about altitude sickness and IIRC the docs mentioned around 8K is where AS is likely to start to happen if it does...didn't realize Chama was quite that high in elevation. With that in mind i would go a couple of days early to better adjust to the elevation. Stay hydrated and get to a lower altitude if you start to have symptoms. AS is no joke...my son's buddy almost had to bail on our thru-hike of the Colorado Trail due to AS.

Another suggestion is to re-zero your rifle at elevation before hunting since you are coming from the low lands.