Dan-o
FNG
- Joined
- Mar 31, 2013
- Messages
- 97
I was lucky enough to hit the lottery this year (in my first attempt at drawing a tag)! Heading to the Gila in 16a for the 2nd archery season (September 15-24). I’m driving out from Ohio on Sept 11 and plan to spend a few days scouting and setting up camp before my season opens. I’m going to stay through the entire 9 day season and my buddy Kenny will be hunting with me for 7 of the days. I’ll have my truck, my 4 wheeler, plenty of clothing, camping gear, and a chest freezer and generator for meat when needed. It’s not my first elk hunt and I’m confident I have the right clothing, footwear, food and prep, pack, calls, gps, tent, and other gear for the trip, but it is my first trip to New Mexico, so I do have a few questions for anyone familiar with the area.
I’ve done a ton of searches and read a lot of threads, but I haven’t seen these questions addressed so I thought I’d ask!
Couple of Questions:
I plan on buying a bear tag. For those familiar with NM 16a, will the quota be filled by the second archery season or should I be good? I can’t seem to find any info on when/or if, they actually close down the bear seasons in that area due to quota’s being filled. I think it’s Bear Zone 3. Bear is not my primary target, but I’d rather have a bear tag in my pocket if I need it than not have one and stumble across an opportunity. Also, since I’ll be there for the 9 day season regardless, if I’m lucky enough to tag out on elk early, it would give me a reason to continue to carry my bow around for the remainder of the trip.
Snakes? Are they an issue? I’ve been told to wear gaiters as protection. Is this something I should worry about? Like I said, I’ve never been there and the only rattler I’ve ever seen other than in the zoo is a dead one on the side of the road.
Other than those specific questions, does anyone have any tips for someone who’s never been to the area? Hunting strategies specific to that area/time of year that they’ve used?
Thanks in advance and I’m looking forward to the discussion!!
I’ve done a ton of searches and read a lot of threads, but I haven’t seen these questions addressed so I thought I’d ask!
Couple of Questions:
I plan on buying a bear tag. For those familiar with NM 16a, will the quota be filled by the second archery season or should I be good? I can’t seem to find any info on when/or if, they actually close down the bear seasons in that area due to quota’s being filled. I think it’s Bear Zone 3. Bear is not my primary target, but I’d rather have a bear tag in my pocket if I need it than not have one and stumble across an opportunity. Also, since I’ll be there for the 9 day season regardless, if I’m lucky enough to tag out on elk early, it would give me a reason to continue to carry my bow around for the remainder of the trip.
Snakes? Are they an issue? I’ve been told to wear gaiters as protection. Is this something I should worry about? Like I said, I’ve never been there and the only rattler I’ve ever seen other than in the zoo is a dead one on the side of the road.
Other than those specific questions, does anyone have any tips for someone who’s never been to the area? Hunting strategies specific to that area/time of year that they’ve used?
Thanks in advance and I’m looking forward to the discussion!!