Guys,

I got lucky and got a 4th choice elk hunt in Unit 9. It is the 2nd muzzleloader hunt so I expect it to be pretty tough.

It being a 4th choice hunt I just got a random unit. It looks like Unit 9 is a whole bunch of private land with just a little bit of BLM and forest around Mt taylor and some by Mt Segdwick. I would like to do this hunt without hiring a guide but would consider a drop camp or paying for some scouting info as I am covered up with work this summer and won't be about to get away.

few questions on the unit

1. does anyone have any experience in the unit? Everything I have found on the unit is several years old. I haven't started on the last few years weather but I am pretty sure it has been dry.

2. Any know any private landowners that I could pay for a trespass fee?

3 last resort any outfitters that I could hire for a drop camp or get a trespass fee through?

THanks,
Jason Goss

Anything guys?

Tough, elk numbers are in bad shape! Hunt near the Lee Floyd Ranch. Have fun!

I no longer live in New Mexico, but have done quite a bit of hunting in Unit 9. Last year i was fortunate enough to draw one of the 10 primitive muzzleloader Deer tag for this unit. I spent 12 days in this unit from sep 22 to Oct 3rd. During this time I put many miles on by UTV/Truck and boot leather, dozens of hours behind glass and I DID NOT see a elk. Before the hunt started we had a freak snow storm and drove about 45 miles on my Honda and cut one set of tracks of about 4-5 elk. I heard one DISTANT bugle from San Mateo mesa that sounded like it was coming off of Floyd Lee property, f you notice the dates, this give you a good expectation level for this hunt. But who can complain on getting this as a 4th choice?

I hate to be a dark cloud for you on this, but I'll send you a PM with some recommendations.

NM G&F map seems to show a large area of Tribal land there, too. I know little about the area except that it fronts on Albuquerque to the east

Norm

Well I was able to go on my hunt and it was sure enough a tough one. Hunted the unit from north to south and east to west and finally found some elk all the way at the top of Mt Taylor. Never did see a legal bull but it was some pretty country. It looked like better than half of the camp loaded up and went home on Monday morning or Sunday night. Only saw one other hunter that had killed an elk, and another group that had even seen elk.

Almost no fresh sign and alot of dry tanks.

Very tough hunt. Hearing the guys talk though it used to be one of the best units in the state.