How to hunt elk early season - New Mexico

[jadkins223]

I hope everyone drew a good tag and is looking forward to a good elk season.

I finally drew my first archery tag in NM. It’s in the very dry southern region. It’s 1st archery.

I’ve hunted NM for muzzy once and harvested a bull up north.

With it being first archery, can yall point me to any good educational resources for a first time archery hunt or just tips in general?

I know water will be the focus. I plan to arrive 2 days early and also an august scouting trip (hopefully)

Aside from getting up high and glassing to locate and then hopefully catch them between bedding and water are there other tips? I might do some soft cow and calf calls. Doubt I’ll bugle any. Wind and thermals will probably school me too. I’m pretty dang pumped to say the least.

Will the bulls move much during daylight or will it be first and last light ? Will they bugle that time of year?

I’ll be going solo. I’ll have my spike camp setup but due to water limitations I might have to truck hunt.


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[WRO]

Id sit water in the evenings, first season has really good moon phases, even if the bulls aren't super vocal, a lot of them will be cruising. I'd do long calling sequences, and sit everyone of them at least 30-45 minutes. In my opinion, the first season is better than the second. The woods will be less crowded and its probably the best time to a mature bull before they get all cowed up.

 

[Bowhuntone]

Last year did mostly spot and stock area I was in found a lot of elk on ridge tops in shade mid day. Seemed to be using the wind and shade to cool off. Also sitting water mid day or evening’s. Bugling picked up by end of the hunt.

 

[jadkins223]

Id sit water in the evenings, first season has really good moon phases, even if the bulls aren't super vocal, a lot of them will be cruising. I'd do long calling sequences, and sit everyone of them at least 30-45 minutes. In my opinion, the first season is better than the second. The woods will be less crowded and its probably the best time to a mature bull before they get all cowed up.

That’s encouraging to hear. I don’t have high trophy expectations so I’ll be pretty trigger happy haha.

The drought doesn’t look favorable for antler growth this year. I sure hope that changes. I think what I look forward to most is observing elk behavior and learning


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[LCguy]

We're supposed ot have a wet summer and it is currently raining across the state right now so I think it will be a good year for antler growth. In any unit in the southern half of the state, I would absolutely have trophy expectations.

First hunt south of Albuquerque will be HOT. I'm talking 90s during the day hot depending on elevation. In my experience on that hunt, they bugle a lot at night and then quiet down a bit during the day.

 

[jadkins223]

We're supposed ot have a wet summer and it is currently raining across the state right now so I think it will be a good year for antler growth. In any unit in the southern half of the state, I would absolutely have trophy expectations.

First hunt south of Albuquerque will be HOT. I'm talking 90s during the day hot depending on elevation. In my experience on that hunt, they bugle a lot at night and then quiet down a bit during the day.

Glad to hear good reports on rain currently. I am hunting southwest of ABQ. Sounds like I am in for a real treat. Any bugling will be a plus. I don’t like the idea of sitting water but absolutely will. Maybe I can find an active wallow too. Thanks for sharing


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[Beendare]

Bad idea to make a blanket statement right now. I have an archery Elk tag in SW NM, and have hunted it multiple times in the past...along with having a few buddies that guide down there.

Important to understand the dynamics of that country. It's dry as heck there right now with many water sources dried up. They get a lot of water in the summer monsoon season which typically fills them back up. There are years where it rains like a Biotch during that Early archery- like 2013 when I was hunting just over the border in AZ- it rained hard every day and sitting water would have been a total waste of time- there was water everywhere.

IMO, the best strategy; Play it by ear and take what the country gives you.

BTW, in those rainy years you will have a hard time getting around on some of those roads without an ATV.

 

[jadkins223]

Bad idea to make a blanket statement right now. I have an archery Elk tag in SW NM, and have hunted it multiple times in the past...along with having a few buddies that guide down there.

Important to understand the dynamics of that country. It's dry as heck there right now with many water sources dried up. They get a lot of water in the summer monsoon season which typically fills them back up. There are years where it rains like a Biotch during that Early archery- like 2013 when I was hunting just over the border in AZ- it rained hard every day and sitting water would have been a total waste of time- there was water everywhere.

IMO, the best strategy; Play it by ear and take what the country gives you.

BTW, in those rainy years you will have a hard time getting around on some of those roads without an ATV.

This confirms my questions of if I should take my ATV or not. Thanks for that! I’ll load it up. Should be a great time all by myself


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[Maverick1]

I hope everyone drew a good tag and is looking forward to a good elk season.

I finally drew my first archery tag in NM. It’s in the very dry southern region. It’s 1st archery.

I’ve hunted NM for muzzy once and harvested a bull up north.

With it being first archery, can yall point me to any good educational resources for a first time archery hunt or just tips in general?

I know water will be the focus. I plan to arrive 2 days early and also an august scouting trip (hopefully)

Aside from getting up high and glassing to locate and then hopefully catch them between bedding and water are there other tips? I might do some soft cow and calf calls. Doubt I’ll bugle any. Wind and thermals will probably school me too. I’m pretty dang pumped to say the least.

Will the bulls move much during daylight or will it be first and last light ? Will they bugle that time of year?

I’ll be going solo. I’ll have my spike camp setup but due to water limitations I might have to truck hunt.


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If it is a dry year......

Hike and hunt uphill in the mornings.

Mid-day can be a grind. Take a nap, over a water hole.

Water in the afternoon/evening.

Everyone in the unit will know where the water holes are. Get there early enough to be setup for the afternoon hunt. Plan to have several other hunters walk in on you while you are setup over the water hole, and don't be disappointed when it happens. Smile and give them a nice wave. Don't be a jerk if someone else is already set up at a waterhole you were looking forward to sitting over.

Along those same lines, if it is an Eplus unit, recognize that you will run into all kinds of people - hunters and helpers - there are a LOT of Eplus tags, and some of the tags get resold for high dollars - some hunters and act reasonable, other "hunters" and their posse - not so much. (Their behavior can be downright despicable. Do not join their ranks.) Don't be surprised if you call in other hunters, and don't be surprised if they call you in, either.

Also, for hunting tactics - consider carrying a couple of days of water in with you later in the hunt. Depending on how far apart the roads, the elk know where the pressure is coming from and will quickly migrate to areas without pressure. It may take a couple of days, but it will happen. (Which is why you don't necessarily need to do it on day #1.) Hauling some water in for a couple of days stint can really pay off. Everyone else will be truck hunting due to water shortages too so you could have an advantage after a couple of days if you take this approach. And remember, water weighs 8 pounds per gallon - plan to go through a gallon per day - so 3 days worth of water will be 24 pounds. Choose your backpack accordingly.

Sleeping on the ground can be an option, just consider the various nighttime critters in the desert can be different than other states.

If it is a wet year - - - forget everything I just typed......

 

[jadkins223]

If it is a dry year......

Hike and hunt uphill in the mornings.

Mid-day can be a grind. Take a nap, over a water hole.

Water in the afternoon/evening.

Everyone in the unit will know where the water holes are. Get there early enough to be setup for the afternoon hunt. Plan to have several other hunters walk in on you while you are setup over the water hole, and don't be disappointed when it happens. Smile and give them a nice wave. Don't be a jerk if someone else is already set up at a waterhole you were looking forward to sitting over.

Along those same lines, if it is an Eplus unit, recognize that you will run into all kinds of people - hunters and helpers - there are a LOT of Eplus tags, and some of the tags get resold for high dollars - some hunters and act reasonable, other "hunters" and their posse - not so much. (Their behavior can be downright despicable. Do not join their ranks.) Don't be surprised if you call in other hunters, and don't be surprised if they call you in, either.

Also, for hunting tactics - consider carrying a couple of days of water in with you later in the hunt. Depending on how far apart the roads, the elk know where the pressure is coming from and will quickly migrate to areas without pressure. It may take a couple of days, but it will happen. (Which is why you don't necessarily need to do it on day #1.) Hauling some water in for a couple of days stint can really pay off. Everyone else will be truck hunting due to water shortages too so you could have an advantage after a couple of days if you take this approach. And remember, water weighs 8 pounds per gallon - plan to go through a gallon per day - so 3 days worth of water will be 24 pounds. Choose your backpack accordingly.

Sleeping on the ground can be an option, just consider the various nighttime critters in the desert can be different than other states.

If it is a wet year - - - forget everything I just typed......

This is all really good information. I appreciate you sharing.

I have found a few remote water tanks on the maps that are a few miles off the road, so hopefully those will be productive and worth the hike in.

Hopefully, I come away from this hunt with a higher level of understanding of Elk and their behaviors. But most of all, just enjoying creation.


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[WRO]

This is all really good information. I appreciate you sharing.

I have found a few remote water tanks on the maps that are a few miles off the road, so hopefully those will be productive and worth the hike in.

Hopefully, I come away from this hunt with a higher level of understanding of Elk and their behaviors. But most of all, just enjoying creation.


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Bring some cameras and run them mid day on water sources, they provide allot of intel.

I doubt you have many e plus tag holders first season but you definitely run into some guided hunters.


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[jadkins223]

Bring some cameras and run them mid day on water sources, they provide allot of intel.

I doubt you have many e plus tag holders first season but you definitely run into some guided hunters.


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I like the idea of some cameras. Good insight ! I’ll bring a few cheapies.

I am starting to realize if you get a mile or 2 odd the main roads then you really reduce the number of hunters. Or so I hope anyway!


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[jgilber5]

What I like to do when its hot and they aren't bugling, if the ground is dry, REALLY trust your nose. If you're smelling them in ponderosa country with dry ground they were there within the last several hours. Slow way down and pick apart where the smell is coming from. Once you find them or are convinced they aren't there anymore, start tracking. With a little patience its not impossible to follow them a long ways on dusty ground or loose needles. I've had lots of fun doing that in early archery.

 

[SleepyJones]

Try to not hunt during the transition periods (dusk/ dawn), but scout: Either use your vehicle or your glass, but cover as much terrain as possible to locate. This will prevent hunting an area that doesn't have elk. If you do not see any elk in these periods and have no leads for your daytime hunting, that is the time to scout/ sit water and look for sign. The next day, scout different areas like mentioned above and use process of elimination to find the elk. DO NOT hunt areas during transition times where you cannot confirm elk are there as you will be spinning your wheels and wasting time.

Once you found elk, determine where they will most likely bed: The difference between elk and most other animals is they are heard animals and respond well to calling. Early season bulls will be with other bulls and curious of their competition for the upcoming rut. Set up as close to where you believe they are bedding and try bugling/ raking. If a bull responds I highly recommend keeping it casual and NOT sounding aggressive (I have chased elk out of the country being too darn aggressive in these situations!!) instead try light whimpers (like a dog whining) and raking. Be patient and wait for them to come in silent. I don't recommend going into the actual bedding area unless you're a spot and stalk guy.

If you bugle/ rake and a bull responds aggressively, keep doing what you did to aggravate him and match his tone, but error on the side of not overdoing it.

Remember this will be different then cold calling as you know the elk are there. If you haven't gotten a response or any action after a good hour, try introducing a cow party. If you get a response when doing the cow party, immediately respond back with the regathering/ assembly mew. If he responds to this mew, cut him off with a bugle that has some aggression (not full send, so you have room to escalate). If he does not respond to that mew, he's coming in so get ready.

Now if all that calling doesn't work, find a place in between where you got your visual and where you think they are bedding and see if you can find a good ambush spot. Now is another good time to look for water as well because they will most likely use the closest source. *When sitting water, the longer you sit, the more likely your scent is filling the area. If you don't have good steady wind, give yourself some distance.

 

[dtrkyman]

The level of dry here currently is scary! It will need to be an epic monsoon season to catch up, and antler growth will have been going on for a long time by monsoon season so we need moisture now!

We did get some last couple days so that’s encouraging but I’m guessing in 2 days you won’t be able to tell, but it should pop some forage out of the ground!

Keep in mind that “closed” roads are often ignored so ATV/UTV can show up anywhere!

Some great advice above so no real tactics to add, however on my hunt last fall I was on Elk very near a busy road, folks just seemed to ignore that spot for whatever reason?


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[jadkins223]

Try to not hunt during the transition periods (dusk/ dawn), but scout: Either use your vehicle or your glass, but cover as much terrain as possible to locate. This will prevent hunting an area that doesn't have elk. If you do not see any elk in these periods and have no leads for your daytime hunting, that is the time to scout/ sit water and look for sign. The next day, scout different areas like mentioned above and use process of elimination to find the elk. DO NOT hunt areas during transition times where you cannot confirm elk are there as you will be spinning your wheels and wasting time.

Once you found elk, determine where they will most likely bed: The difference between elk and most other animals is they are heard animals and respond well to calling. Early season bulls will be with other bulls and curious of their competition for the upcoming rut. Set up as close to where you believe they are bedding and try bugling/ raking. If a bull responds I highly recommend keeping it casual and NOT sounding aggressive (I have chased elk out of the country being too darn aggressive in these situations!!) instead try light whimpers (like a dog whining) and raking. Be patient and wait for them to come in silent. I don't recommend going into the actual bedding area unless you're a spot and stalk guy.

If you bugle/ rake and a bull responds aggressively, keep doing what you did to aggravate him and match his tone, but error on the side of not overdoing it.

Remember this will be different then cold calling as you know the elk are there. If you haven't gotten a response or any action after a good hour, try introducing a cow party. If you get a response when doing the cow party, immediately respond back with the regathering/ assembly mew. If he responds to this mew, cut him off with a bugle that has some aggression (not full send, so you have room to escalate). If he does not respond to that mew, he's coming in so get ready.

Now if all that calling doesn't work, find a place in between where you got your visual and where you think they are bedding and see if you can find a good ambush spot. Now is another good time to look for water as well because they will most likely use the closest source. *When sitting water, the longer you sit, the more likely your scent is filling the area. If you don't have good steady wind, give yourself some distance.

I have been listening to the slow play method from Paul Mendel. This sounds like what you are describing too! Thanks for the wisdom you shared. Great tips!


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[jadkins223]

The level of dry here currently is scary! It will need to be an epic monsoon season to catch up, and antler growth will have been going on for a long time by monsoon season so we need moisture now!

We did get some last couple days so that’s encouraging but I’m guessing in 2 days you won’t be able to tell, but it should pop some forage out of the ground!

Keep in mind that “closed” roads are often ignored so ATV/UTV can show up anywhere!

Some great advice above so no real tactics to add, however on my hunt last fall I was on Elk very near a busy road, folks just seemed to ignore that spot for whatever reason?


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The moisture is very high concern I hear. Antler growth will most likely be impacted.

I just hope to be mobile as needed and find the elk!


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[Beendare]

I have found a few remote water tanks on the maps that are a few miles off the road, so hopefully those will be productive and worth the hike in.

FYI, Its counter intuitive but some of the most productive tanks are right on the road. I've seen that in AZ and NM especially early in the season.

If it's dry- it will be warm as much as 80 deg, make sure you can get that bull out fairly quick or it will spoil.

BTW, don't judge callings effectiveness by the YouTube vids edited to only show the encounters when they come in. I've seen lots of hunters that think when the blow a bugle the bull will come running in....or they are out educating bulls by overbugling. Many times bugling to a bull that is herded up just drives them off most of the time. Calling works....but know what to do in the different encounters.

 

[jadkins223]

FYI, Its counter intuitive but some of the most productive tanks are right on the road. I've seen that in AZ and NM especially early in the season.

If it's dry- it will be warm as much as 80 deg, make sure you can get that bull out fairly quick or it will spoil.

BTW, don't judge callings effectiveness by the YouTube vids edited to only show the encounters when they come in. I've seen lots of hunters that think when the blow a bugle the bull will come running in....or they are out educating bulls by overbugling. Many times bugling to a bull that is herded up just drives them off most of the time. Calling works....but know what to do in the different encounters.

Seems like a good opportunity to tag a bull is 1st few days before the pressure starts building and pushing them dudes around.

I was watching some Paul Mendel stuff this morning and he’s all about the slow play tactic. I would be happy with a good satellite bull


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[Cam_Car]

Just throwing this out there. I’m gonna follow along on this thread. Depending on what I draw I might be willing or available to come out and call for you. I’d love to see that country during elk season.


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