New Mexico Archery Elk GMU 48

Chrisbb

FNG
Joined
Aug 19, 2025
Messages
3
Howdy,

I am a brand new member and this is actually my first post. I have 11 more days before I am hunting in New Mexico. I know it'll be here before I know it but also it seems so far away lol. This will be my first elk hunt but also my first archery hunt for any species. I bought a bow in January and have shot 4-5 times a week since then as well as took weekly lessons this whole time. As far as proficiency with a bow, in a practice environment I am good to go. I have practiced with targets, 3d targets, standing, sitting, and on my knees. I have practiced out to 80 plus yards so the 60 yard shot feels like a chip shot. And in a practice environment, any thing less than 60 is dead.

With that being said, the real thing is way different and if I am fortunate enough to get to draw my bow back, I hope I can get the job done. I get buck fever every time. My heart rate goes from 80 to 180 and I can suck all the air out of blind ha. With rifles you at least have a tripod, window ledge, or shooting stick to help settle your crosshairs so it will be interesting to see how it goes with a bow.

I am hunting with an outfitter I have used before on a couple antelope hunts and a mule deer and so far we have harvested an animal on every hunt. I hope to keep the rally going.

For those interested, I am hunting with a Mathews Lift with 484 gr TAW arrows at 270 fps using QAD Exodus swept broadheads
 
If you've never shot a bow at an animal, then starting on elk might be rough. I've seriously bow hunted for almost twenty years and jacked around for ten before that. As soon as I feel like I'm really getting the hang of it, then I screw a shot up or something goes wrong.

Good luck to you. Hope you guys get into them. I've hunted unit 45, but never 48.
 
Something I've had to learn recently, my brain treats broadheads different than fieldpoints. Just gotta tell yourself its the same thing. Its a field point. Nothing different. Trust the pin float, follow your shot process, and don't overaim.
 
Great into and best of luck on your hunt.

IMO, you're off to a good start but being mentally prepared for the shot is another thing all together. They never seem to work out like on TV or the tube.

If you're sitting water holes, your shots will be more of a controlled environment, potentially.

If you're calling, it could be complete chaos. That 60 yard chip shot will seem like 100 when that bull is screaming his head off, blowing snot and pissing all over the place. Plus it could happen quickly at odd angles and partially obstructed by brush. All of this factors into the shot and it's over in seconds.

Keep after the practice, especially on the 3D targets. If you can find your way to a spot and stalk hog hunt, that would be a great pre-season tune up.
 
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