NM Spring Elk Scouting?

[180ls1]

Dad just pulled an elk tag in NM and may have time next week to look/scout. I realize this will be good for roads, layout, water and general familiarization of the new unit. I am not sure how any elk located now translates to a late season rifle tag, though.

Any thoughts specifically around looking for them now for a November hunt? I am not sure when/if he will be able to go again before the hunt.


I'd prefer to keep the conversation away from finding them in the fall or how their behavior/location changes in the fall.

 

[trophyhill]

As a rule of thumb, I would wait. Don’t want to disturb pregnant cows and calving areas…….

 

[jgilber5]

Really depends on what happens in november. Bulls by me never left summer range due to the crappy winter. This year supposedly will be a "super el niño" so they could move quite a bit. Depending on the unit, now would be a good time to go see what roads are "closed" and what roads are actually closed. Tracks from turkey and shed hunters will give you an idea of places people are willing to drive.

 

[180ls1]

Really depends on what happens in november. Bulls by me never left summer range due to the crappy winter. This year supposedly will be a "super el niño" so they could move quite a bit. Depending on the unit, now would be a good time to go see what roads are "closed" and what roads are actually closed. Tracks from turkey and shed hunters will give you an idea of places people are willing to drive.

Thanks. It’s a non-migratory unit, I’d guess. Az border north of the “Heela”

 

[CMF]

Depending on the unit, now would be a good time to go see what roads are "closed" and what roads are actually closed. Tracks from turkey and shed hunters will give you an idea of places people are willing to drive.

From my experience hunting multiple states, it's definitely worth it to know what roads are open and not, mark campsites, water, etc. That can save a lot of time on a hunt. Pm the unit if you want, I think we hunted it.

 

[LCguy]

Good to check roads but a lot can change between now and October. How much rain the monsoon brings will be a huge factor in determining where the elk are. Did it rain up high? Did it rain down low? Did it rain everywhere? I'm a resident elk hunter and as a general rule I don't usually start looking for actual animals until about 2 weeks prior.

 

[Blackdog317]

Definitely worth the trip to see the area and start to understand how to move around efficiently... both for road access and trails. You will be much better prepared to make the most of your opportunity in November if you spend some time over there before the hunt.

We did the same thing in 2025 and the scouting trip definitely helped us. I would highly recommend it. Especially for a tag that is so difficult to draw.

Congrats and good luck!

 

[Marine4life]

If it was me I would go, never a bad idea to lay eyes on the country regardless of time of year. Learn the roads, find options for camp sites or where you might stay. Plus you never who you might meet out there when there are not a bunch of hunters driving around.


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[Marine4life]

If it was me I would go, never a bad idea to lay eyes on the country regardless of time of year. Learn the roads, find options for camp sites or where you might stay. Plus you never who you might meet out there when there are not a bunch of hunters driving around.


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