unit 52 muzzleloader

ashton · Jun 16, 2010

I drew a unit 52 muzzleloader tag as a backup plan because I did not draw in the state where I usually hunt.Never hunted New Mexico before but have hunted elk many times.Do not know anything about the unit or what my expectations should be.I will be hunting with my father and we are both in pretty good shape and have backpacking gear.I am just starting to research the unit and saw there many post on this site about unit 52.I am looking for any type of information to help steer me in the right direction.I am not looking for a trophy just to get some decent action and to have a good hunt with my father since I do not know how much longer he will be doing this with me.I not looking to steal anyones honey holes ,maybe just borrow them for a couple days.Any information will be greatly appreciated.

vinihunt · Jun 16, 2010

http://www.monstermuleys.info/cgi-b..._thread&om=1559&forum=DCForumID34&archive=yes

http://www.monstermuleys.info/cgi-b..._thread&om=1690&forum=DCForumID34&archive=yes

will see you up there. my cousin have a tag too!

vinihunt

LaGriz · Jun 18, 2010

Unit 52 is one of my favorate places.I'm two-for-two with a 5x6 bull & a 5x5 mule deer. The wilderness area is a now brainer for the inshape backpacker like your self.I don't know how the pressure of the smokepole group impacts the Elk.

The bulls should be vocal if not answering cow calls and bull talk. May be better to go silent and not over call.If dry find water and hunt the mid-mornings to afternoons on those trails that access tanks & wallows.

This is a better tag then you might think. I'm envious of your luck. And you say you drew this as a back up plan?

Send me a P.M. and I can give some detail on camping and where I wanted to go but haven't yet made it.

Land of enchantment for sure!

Best of luck to you

UngulateFoe · Jun 18, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-10 AT 10:21PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Jun-18-10 AT 10:20?PM (MST)

I drew this as well and am totally freakin pumped. I've hunted the unit one other time 6 years ago with rifle, which was the first and only time I've drawn NM bull elk. I got a decent 6X6 opening morning but am really excited to see how the area differs at "smokepole" time of year. I expect to be utlizing calls, as the year I hunted there w/ rifle the bulls were still a bit vocal. I expect a bunch of elk, but don't expect exceptional quality. Best of luck to us both!!!!!!!!!!!!

PS. "Backup Plan" ???? If by that you mean 3rd choice then go buy a freakin lottery ticket. This has been my 1st choice for the past 5 years and I finally got it.

The Beast is Dead, Long Live the Beast.

-The Nuge

Gator · Jun 19, 2010

Call and talk to the Bio If it is still Steve Kohlman he can point you to some spot maybe. 505-476-8039
I know in the past some spots that held elk are Bighorn peak and Crues Basin you can scout them and see what you see.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

deerologist · Jun 20, 2010

I drew elk and deer for 52 first season archery. Hopefully we will see a few animals. I'm more concerned about finding a good buck rather than a bull. We will be up there around Sept. 8-15.

hunting1 · Jun 21, 2010

I missed a beuatiful 6x6 a few years back. He was over 300" for sure, but could not make it happen. It was the only semi bugle I heard.

deerologist there are some great bucks in there! Just more elk is all. I will be there the same time as you for elk. Good luck and the unit sucks, so stop trying to draw it! Just kidding it is my favorite unit!