Lack of Monsoon Season

Sierra · Jul 27, 2023

Has the lack of the monsoon season negatively impacted elk antler growth this year? What are you guys seeing?

Mike0426 · Jul 27, 2023

Depends on where you are hunting. Ive been in the 16c area recently and the had rain each day of 3 that i was there. Alot of creeks still running, and pretty green. The early rain we had in the spring is more important than the monsoon rains now. Have put my eyes on some good elk, and expect some bigger bulls to be killed this year. That being said, I am worried that the no rain now means later rain in sept. Muddy conditions, slick roads, shitty glassing, etc.

Sierra · Jul 27, 2023

Thanks. I’ll be in unit 34.

Sierra · Jul 27, 2023

@NMPaul any rain in your area? How’s antler growth coming along? Thanks!

NMPaul · Jul 27, 2023

Sierra said:
@NMPaul any rain in your area? How’s antler growth coming along? Thanks!

Its a very dry July. Good start for rain in May and June. Calling for rain next week. I wouldn't worry. Lots of elk, however, in this unit its age class more than anything else in my opinion. Most Bulls just dont get a chance to get old in this unit.

What hunt do you have in 34?

Sierra · Jul 27, 2023

Thanks Paul. Rifle hunt Oct 21-25.

Slick8 · Jul 28, 2023

If it's been a dry spring and early summer yes it will hurt them a bit.

Rain early is far more important than now. The plants need a minute to convert that moisture to new growth and the earlier the animals can get that nutrients the healthier and stronger they are when antler growth starts. That first half to 2/3rds of growth takes a tremendous amount of energy.

ElkHunterNM · Jul 28, 2023

Getting some rain up north

TFAvalanche · Jul 28, 2023

34/36 lookin alright to me

roadrunner · Jul 28, 2023

Monsoon is supposed to be delayed this year, but will be a wetter late summer and fall extending through the winter.

Kind of a "super El Nino".

BUGLEnmIN · Jul 28, 2023

TFAvalanche said:
34/36 lookin alright to me

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Would be nice to see these bulls get some age !!!
I’m expecting a swampy ass September in the gila

TFAvalanche · Jul 28, 2023

BUGLEnmIN said:
Would be nice to see these bulls get some age !!!
I’m expecting a swampy ass September in the gila

I agree…. To be fair I’d bet my paycheck every one of those bulls moves to the Mescalero come late August

BUGLEnmIN · Jul 28, 2023

TFAvalanche said:
I agree…. To be fair I’d bet my paycheck every one of those bulls moves to the Mescalero come late August

Hope so

NevadaSheep · Aug 3, 2023

Any thoughts on how antler growth and moisture is looking up north, specifically on the Valle Vidal?

Muleman · Aug 7, 2023

Antler growth should be better this year than the past few. Winter and spring moisture is what drives antler growth. We had a good spring in our southern mountains and held green grass through mid-July. Some places are burning up the grass now but still good grass in places, I'm expecting better bulls all around

Muleman · Oct 3, 2023

Told y’all antlers would be better than average. Remember winter spring moisturize is the key for big elk rack in NM

Congrats to all the successful!!