Valle Vidal Muzzleloader

[SURVEYOR]

I have a once in a lifetime Valle Vidal muzzleloader tag burning a hole in my pocket. I was hoping someone on here has hunted this unit and could share there experience or a few pointers on the elk that time of year (October 10-14). I just took the family there on a scouting trip disguised as a "camping" trip and it is a beautiful place. Im not looking for the secret honey hole just general pointers, i.e. are they typically bugling well that time of year, where do most of the people stack up so I can go somewhere else etc... Im also interested in what roads are open then. When we left yesterday only the main road and the loop road were open, everything else was closed. Its a OIL tag and Ill be happy to reciprocate my experience after I wrap it up in October.
Of course if you do want to send me a location on where you know a 350" bulls is tied to a tree Ill be happy to ground check it.

gracias

 

[LCguy]

The answer to you r bugling quesiton is... it deoends (helpful I know). If you are looking at OnX, the 1900, 1905, 1910 and 1950 roads are the only roads ever open. You can go ahead and ignore the rest of the roads on the map. In New Mexico, especially, it is really bad about including non-existent/permanantely closed roads.

 

[SURVEYOR]

Thanks, it sounds like you have some experience in there what would be a realistic expectation on bull quality ?
I know its been a dry year but it rained or sprinkled every day we were there this past weekend.

 

[jgilber5]

Yeah you should be able to find rut action no problem. Moisture has been less of a problem up there, VV has plenty of springs and good growth in the shade. I wouldn't really worry about where other people stack up. The elk will still come through the campground at night. Just be ready to have an epic time.