Unit 52 elk... Plannning for another epic NM adventure

Reaching out for a little bit of advice and guidance on my Unit 52 NM elk hunt which begins on 19 October.

This forum was critical to my Nov2023 off-range oryx hunt so I'm thankful for any help or input on this hunt.

Feel free to DM me with any info you might have or reply directly to this thread.

My two hunting-buddy options have now fallen through due to work-related conflicts, so at this time, I'm doing this solo.

I'm an Army Veteran and Alaskan with a lot of solo hunting experience for bears, goats, sheep, caribou, deer, etc.

I'm just looking for some basic info/advice on this hunt.

I'll be once again driving my Ram Promaster campervan down from Alaska and using that as my hunting platform. It is NOT a 4x4.

My chief concern is access on the roads/trails and their condition. One of my hunting partners who can't go now had side-by-sides but that's not an option for access for me anymore.

Are there certain areas of the hunt area that just are No-Go terrain that I shouldn't even risk trying with the campervan? How about certain areas that you might suggest that really are about my only chance of success based on my campervan?

I'm willing and fit enough to hike considerable distance daily and even spike camp hunt a couple of days if necessary.

I'm wondering about the type of weather to expect for the hunt duration (19-23OCT)--- I have all the gear for inclement weather. I just want to understand a bit more what to expect.

Is there decent cell coverage throughout the area, or should I be relying on an InReach device?

Will the elk still be bugling, and is that a solid tactic to hunt at this time of year?

I'm willing to cooperate with other hunters that have this tag as well... or for those who don't have the tag but want to get out in the woods and have good unit knowledge. Since I'm coming from Alaska, I'm also willing to share the meat with those helping me out.

Bugling is hit or miss. It just depends on the weather really. If it seasonal, and not snowing/blowing, or very cold, you can def get into the last of the rut. 2 years ago during the 1st rifle hunt we killed 2 bulls that gave us their location, and we shot them at pretty close range. Camper: I wouldn't go any further than the lagunitas lakes campground. Hunt ulguin mesa, banco Julian, lagunitas, broke off, unit 4 boundary, the wilderness, toltec mesa, deep down FR93, deep down FR88, lower diablo, lower Escondido, really anywhere. They'll bed in north timber, and come out 20-30 min before last light. Sunrise is a quick hunt too. Better be in position before sunrise. Don't get too frustrated if Sat and Sun are a bust. The entire FR87 clears out by Sunday evening. My Mon/Tuesday it'll all feel like yours.

I'm hunting in south central NM that same week.

Temp are predicted to be mild for the hunt but that's a 10 day out forecast and you know better than most how quickly that can change. More so in the country you're hunting vs me.

I think your buddy needs to loan out his SxS since he bailed on the trip .

Seriously, you'll be somewhat limited in your access, more so if it's wet but limited. You may want to look into an ATV or truck rental. I don't know anything about it but I read about some guys renting a personal truck for a hunt much like an AirBnB. It was not much money at all.

Slick8 said:

I'm hunting in south central NM that same week.

Temp are predicted to be mild for the hunt but that's a 10 day out forecast and you know better than most how quickly that can change. More so in the country you're hunting vs me.

I think your buddy needs to loan out his SxS since he bailed on the trip .

Seriously, you'll be somewhat limited in your access, more so if it's wet but limited. You may want to look into an ATV or truck rental. I don't know anything about it but I read about some guys renting a personal truck for a hunt much like an AirBnB. It was not much money at all.

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My campervan doesn't have a trailer hitch.
The idea when I had a hunting partner was to utilize the campervan for Basecamp, etc. And have a second 4x4 vehicle to tow the ATVs... or even without ATVs having a second 4x4 vehicle to go further in and back on trails.

Hunting solo and with the campervan I'll just have to do the best I can.

Was also considering if I just can't get good enough access with the campervan in the first couple of days to run into the nearest city with a car rental agency and get a 4x4 capable SUV or pick up... ofc I'd have to crossload my gear since I'd be leaving the campervan behind at the rental location.
Having such a short season makes this plan even risky with the time needed away from the hunt area to secure the rental vehicle and get back into the woods.

Just got back fr 52 last night . I dont know how this PM stuff work , send me your phone# pm and I can help you some , your 2wd will be no problem..

RioHuntNutt! said:

Just got back fr 52 last night . I dont know how this PM stuff work , send me your phone# pm and I can help you some , your 2wd will be no problem..

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Pm sent

@RioHuntNutt!

or

There are elk everywhere in the unit so no worries on the 2 WD. Broke off or San Antonio even, elk everywhere. Good luck and enjoy!