I am going to go elk and mulie hunting next year in either New Mexico or Idaho. Its going to be public land, with a few buddies. I have never hunted out west at all, and this will be all new to me. Im not going to ask anything about set up or anything like that, but i would like to hear some advice on the best way to find animals out west. What things do you do before the hunt even begins, like what do you look for on maps and stuff. Do you go as far back as you can, stay on the edges or what. I am going to start studying the area i want to hunt now so ill be ready when it comes time. The area in NM is a draw area but i am pretty sure it wont be hard to draw there. Let me hear some tips guys. Also how hard is it to get on a bear when your mulie and elk hunting.
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If you head out to Idaho let me know, I can give ya some tips.
No matter what western state you go to, you need to have good Glass and spend alot of time behind them. -
what is a good spotting scope that is 1000$ or less?? I need a good one but im not paying for a sworovskiOriginally posted by IDAHO_BOWMEN View PostComment
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Good thread. I am going to be watching this one. My wifes aunt just moved to New Mexico and wants us to come out for a week or so this year. Supposedly, some of her friends are hunters and would love to take me.Comment
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If you are going public, then I would suggest good maps, and get as far back from the nearest trail or road that you can. Most are going to stay close to the roads and the elk are going to stay as far back to avoid the rush. Find the north and east facing slopes and concentrate there during the day, unless it is extremely cold. Most elk will hit the timber early during the heat and bed usually on the north to eat slopes in the shade. Slipping thru the timber with the wind in your face and cow calling will often get a bedded bull to answer, then the fun starts.Comment
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Get a large pair of binoculars instead of a spotting scope. You can spend a lot more time behind them than a spotting scope. Easier on the eyes. Most of them have a place to screw them to a tripod.
Get as far back as you can is good advice. Study maps. Look for saddles, benches and water. In September, the bulls get hot and need water, both to drink and to wallow.
Do you have Google Earth? That is one neat piece of scouting!
Good Luck!Comment
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Start working out now. There is not much air in the mountians. Like Doug said get good maps. Not sure what a area you are thinking about in NM. But if you can find a secluded water hole.Comment
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Good advice guys. Im not sure if i will be hunting in NM or Idaho yet. Everyone on Archery talk seems to say i wont get a elk tag in NM my first try. Another guy said the unit i should try to hunt he has gotten one the last 3 years so i dont know. I do kinda like the idea of a big set of binos instead of a spotting scope. I thing a scope would tire out your eyes.
Do most public land places allow you to camp where ever you want?? if so ill go way up in there before throwing up a tent.Comment
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JT Ive got a Leopold 12x-45x you can borrow. I never use it.Comment
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For optics go to riflescopes.com for new or used samplelist.com And i agree large binos are better for glassing all day. Good glass will pay for it self.Comment
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One thing if you are hunting Idaho you need to know which units are open and which ones are limited harvest..also you need to have an archery safety class certificate to get your OOS license, they kind of hassled me about not having one but they accepted my Texas license as proof of not being a first time hunter...we have a friend who is a local Idaho resident so he did all the preseason scouting for us...it also helps if you can call or bugleComment
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If you want info on south-central NM (Lincoln Natl. Forest), in particular unit 36, I can give you info and tips. PM me and I'll be glad to help.
GET MAPS! If you are in a National Forest, the US Forest Service has good maps you can order. Check out http://www.fs.fed.us/maps/forest-maps.shtml
and http://maps.fs.fed.us/ (interactive mapping)Comment
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