NM late December youth tag in Gilas

[mrcvelo]

Hello,

I picked up a leftover tag for my boy as it was the last available and a hunt is better than no hunt. Now I need to make this a great experience for him and would appreciate any advice.

The season starts December 26th and we'll bring the wood stove and extra fuel as I don't see any towns within 1hr+. I plan to get out there for a weekend to scout in October, but would appreciate any insight folks have about the unit and this hunt specifically (most info is on earlier season bulls) before I get boots on the ground to confirm my plan.

A few questions:
- is there likely to be a lot of snow limiting access?
- should I bring a SXS (I think the roads are mostly unpaved so this should be legal with NM nonresident pass. Machine is street legal in AZ)
- I assume cows will be herded up and the strategy will be to keep moving until we find them
- general area camping recommendations/ wood availability/quality?
- should I carry chainsaw for fallen trees

Please PM me with your thoughts.

Thank you for any help, I appreciate it and hope to report back with a success story in a few months.

 

[butcherboy]

Just do and expect the same things as you would on a hunt in AZ in December. Not going to be a lot of difference in the two states.

 

[Traindriver]

The big bulls are going to be off by them selves. They are typically up high and at the very top third of the hills at first lite. It’s a lot of fun to hunt that time of year. It can be absolutely brutally cold. Snow would be a lot better than mud.

 

[mrcvelo]

Thank you, I'm looking forward to it. It's a cow tag so hopefully we'll find them

 

[Traindriver]

Thank you, I'm looking forward to it. It's a cow tag so hopefully we'll find them

Ahhh got you! The cows were much lower and larger herds.
Best of Luck and I hope your son gets one.

 

[swavescatter]

A few questions:
- is there likely to be a lot of snow limiting access?

no

- should I bring a SXS (I think the roads are mostly unpaved so this should be legal with NM nonresident pass. Machine is street legal in AZ)

Yes if it's enclosed/heated. My little ones almost froze in my old Wolverine X4. If they don't have fun they'll get turned off on hunting. A truck or SUV with E-rated (10 ply) tires would be fine too probably.

- I assume cows will be herded up and the strategy will be to keep moving until we find them
- general area camping recommendations/ wood availability/quality?
- should I carry chainsaw for fallen trees

There's dry/dead wood everywhere out here. Bonus is that it's probably already on fire so no need for firestarters...

 

[mrcvelo]

Thank you both! SXS is open so we may end up spending more time in the pickup...