Rugged terrain/ backcountry experience in the Gila

[Lil-Rokslider]

I know that some of the most popular units in the Gila are considered "easy" terrain relative to a lot of other western elk hunting. I hunt Colorado every year, and seek out a rugged backcountry experience as much as I seek out elk opportunity. So I'm curious, of all the Gila and surrounding units, which offers the most rugged terrain and backcountry experience for a backpack elk hunter? 21A and 16D jump out in my research, but I'm curious to hear from people who have actually had boots on the ground in the Gila, where is the best backcountry experience?


*Also, I'm aware of other units in New Mexico NOT in the Gila that offer incredible backcountry experiences, as well as amazing hunting. I'm not interested in discussing those in this thread.

 

[Rusty Shackelford]

It’s called “The Gila.” Not the Gilas. Just look online for the steepest shit with the least amount of roads.

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

It’s called “The Gila.” Not the Gilas. Just look online for the steepest shit with the least amount of roads.

Thank you, edited to sound smarter.

Also, based on your response, I assume that you actually are the king of the hill dude in your avatar picture.

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

Thank you, edited to sound smarter.

Also, based on your response, I assume that you actually are the king of the hill dude in your avatar picture.

That's a huge compliment FYI. Dale is a legend.

 

[Dwnw/theAltitudesickness]

Think you mean "B" not "D"- 22 on the west side. Nothign wrong with 21A. Go look at the wilderness areas- See your avatar assuming you have horses or mules, I would look at those units within the wilderness. Even if you wanted to stay backpack hunting, would look at these areas.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Fire burn terrain in C. Hands down way f’n worse than anything in B.
C is real.
21 A will put hair on your nuts too.
I know you don’t want to talk about other units. Florida mtns, just sayin’

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

Think you mean "B" not "D"- 22 on the west side. Nothign wrong with 21A. Go look at the wilderness areas- See your avatar assuming you have horses or mules, I would look at those units within the wilderness. Even if you wanted to stay backpack hunting, would look at these areas.

Thank you my friend. I am a farrier. I see horses everyday for work, so I don't want to even think about a horse when I'm hunting, ha. That's my vacation time.

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

Fire burn terrain in C. Hands down way f’n worse than anything in B.
C is real.
21 A will put hair on your nuts too.
I know you don’t want to talk about other units. Florida mtns, just sayin’

Elk in the Florida's? I don't think so......

 

[BrokenArrow]

Elk in the Florida's? I don't think so......

No…but rugged if you hunt what’s there.
I also think northern unit 45 is way worse for elk than 16

 

[Lil-Rokslider]

No…but rugged if you hunt what’s there.
I also think northern unit 45 is way worse for elk than 16

Ahhh, I gotcha. Yes would love to put boots on the ground in the Florida mountains someday.