Author Topic: Help needed - NM Unit 15 Elk hunt w/ Grand daughter (Read 19318 times)

brianmtsinc · « **on:** September 21, 2012, 12:47:39 PM »

I received a call last night from my 14 yr old grand daughter asking me if I could come along and help her fill her Unit 15 either sex youth elk tag!!

I have never hunted NM, just returned from 2 weeks hunting here in WA and am slammed at work, so I don't really have any time to do much research. We only have 1.5 days to hunt - Oct 6th and 7th. Her Dad is not much of a hunter and will be staying back at camp with his younger son, so it will just be her and I out looking for elk.

She has never shot anything, so any elk will probably due, but I am wondering for those that have hunted there before: Can I be successful calling in NM in the same manner I call here? We call a lot, and some think that is a bad plan, but we kill elk consistently, so I believe aggressive calling works. But will that work in NM?

ANY input at all is greatly appreciated!! I am so excited that my Grand Daughter called me and asked me to be a part of this! I think she has high expectations of me and I want to make this very short hunt a hunt of her lifetime!

Thank you in advance!

Brian

boneaddict · « **Reply #1 on:** September 21, 2012, 01:08:48 PM »

Lots of elk in 15. It will look different to you as their rainy season is right now, or wrapping up. Very green. Find water and you will find elk. They make traps to hold water, big pits. There will be alot of people sign as the USO guides are all over looking for big bulls. THEY DO NOT OWN the waterholes. They had some big fires down there last year, so not sure what the landscape looks like now. Most of the timber is about 7-8 thousand feet (THeir mountains start higher than ours) Some very open country with juniper. You'll love the difference in country

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #2 on:** September 21, 2012, 01:23:40 PM »

Thanks Bone!! I appreciate your input very much!!

I have always wanted to hunt there, and wish I had a lot of time to prep, research and plan, but I don't so I will make the best of it! I know there are some guys on here that have hunted there and I was hopeful you were one of them!

I assume they will still be bugling pretty good? This might be a dumb question, but will I need snake boots? Not a snake fan at all

Maligator · « **Reply #3 on:** September 21, 2012, 10:01:26 PM »

Well congrats on the draw to your grand daughter and good luck to you both. Some of my best memories are of me and my grandpa out hunting together. I can't help you with info but I sure can wish you well

boneaddict · « **Reply #4 on:** September 22, 2012, 06:52:48 AM »

We camped at 8,000 and I killed my bull at exactly 10,000 feet. Though its the desert, I never really thought of snakes. Its much like our woods on the eastside at about 4-5,000. I suppose since I live in snake country and have my whole life, I always have one eye looking for them, but didn't see any. I hunted across the road from 15. I'll see if I have any photos to give you an idea of the terrain at least. The elk start earlier down there than here. Not sure when they quit.

Be mindful of wolves believe it or not. You'll note cages built alongside the road. I asked why or what they were for. (it looked like at bus stops) Sure as hell, its because the wolves introduced there went after some school kids while waiting for the bus. Most of the wolves were in the east quadrant of 16D. Shortly after I left, a rancher shot one gutting one of his cows. Thats where I saw all of the sign. I think they are a different species than the ones we have. "Mexican Grey"

cjensen · « **Reply #5 on:** September 23, 2012, 10:24:41 AM »

I just got back from New Mexico hunting in Unit 6A. The bulls are very vocal. We called in 20 or so bulls...we challenged some bulls that felt like fighting, and others came screaming in to cow calls. Towards the end we ended up being able to just sneak up on bulls that were going nuts without calling. We were also hunting at above 10,000 feet, and surprisingly enough it wasnt as bad as I thought. Several of the satellite bulls there were well over 300+ 6 points. Just nuts! Have fun!

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #6 on:** September 24, 2012, 07:16:15 AM »

Bone,
Again, thanks for the input! I guess I will be wearing my boots vs my preferred hiking shoes. I will keep my fingers crossed that I don't see any snakes, but will keep my eyes focused in case I do.

I sure wish I had more time and info from her dad. He tells me not to worry about it that she will have fun, and I know thats true. But this sounds like a tag I would give my right arm for and he is acting like it is no big deal

Either way, I can't wait to spend some time with my grand daughter in the woods!!

Cjensen,
Sounds like you had a great time! Do you think they will still be going 2 weeks from now? She has a muzzle loader, that I don't believe she has shot much, so I am really hoping to be able to get her close - like bow range!

I will update this when I get back.

Thanks again!
Brian

et1702 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 24, 2012, 03:56:42 PM »

Just filled my NM tag in Unit 6B (Valles Caldera) last week. Bulls are going CRAZY!!! Unit 15 has some great elk hunting opportunity. Sorry I can't point you to more specific location. But, as others have mentioned, find a secluded water hole to hunt and you will see elk. FYI, NMGF have a lot of small tanks in some of these areas. These small tanks aren't much bigger than a bathtub and are usually fed by a nearby spring. Good spots to set up if you can find them. Also, there are lots of earthen dikes across washes which fill up when it rains (as its cattle country too). Lots of these hold water most of the year. Again, try to find a secluded one and set up there for an afternoon hunt.

Ridgerunner · « **Reply #8 on:** September 24, 2012, 04:15:53 PM »

Let's see that Valdez caldera bull, that place is a dream

et1702 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 24, 2012, 04:37:14 PM »

Quote from: Ridgerunner on September 24, 2012, 04:15:53 PM

Let's see that Valdez caldera bull, that place is a dream

I've been trying to post all afternoon, and can't seem to get the pics uploaded. Will try again when I get home.

ET

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #10 on:** October 04, 2012, 05:11:18 PM »

Well, I am done with work down here in FL for the last week+ , and will be flying to NM tomorrow. I can't wait!! I talked to my Grand daughter today and she is SO Excited!!!

I hope they are still talking when I get there Saturday.

If they are, I would like to think I can get her close enough for an opportunity.

I will post up stories and hopefully pics early next week!!!

Thanks!
Brian

carpsniperg2 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 04, 2012, 05:14:58 PM »

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #12 on:** October 09, 2012, 01:52:30 PM »

I am happy to report, that not only was it an amazing 2 days of hunting, but my grand daughter was successful and tagged her first animal!! She had a chance at a 340+ at 40 yards on our first morning but she could not find an open lane. Then several other opportunities later that night.....

I will post up the full story later (I have to tell my hunting partner the details first )

Thanks to those that offered up your advice! pics and more stories later....

Bean Counter · « **Reply #13 on:** October 09, 2012, 01:57:32 PM »

yay! way to go

TheHunt · « **Reply #14 on:** October 09, 2012, 02:43:20 PM »

Unit 15 has lots of access and a pretty big unit. I hunted years ago. If you are rifle hunting you will not have a problem. There are lots of elk the last time I was down there. Just remember red clay + Rain = red snot.

SHould have a blast.

h20hunter · « **Reply #15 on:** October 09, 2012, 03:03:51 PM »

Sounds like they already had a blast.

TheHunt · « **Reply #16 on:** October 09, 2012, 06:10:01 PM »

I usually just skim trough the treads. I missed the the thread that they actually got one. Good for the hunter.

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #17 on:** October 12, 2012, 09:20:57 PM »

Finally time for the story and pics :} (tried adding this half a dozen times today... trying again w?o the pic)

The first morning of the season found me sitting on the sidelines of a soccer field watching my younger granddaughter play soccer. As I mentioned before, I guess hunting for them is not like it is for me as there is no way I would miss an opening morning hunt.... but, what could I do other than pace back and forth and wait

We finally hit the woods at 5:30 pm with about an hour and a half to hunt. Keep in mind that the plan was to only hunt Sat evening and Sunday morning. And when I say "We" I mean, my stepson Jacob, his daughter Chanelle (the 14 yr old hunter), his son (5 yrs old) his best friend Jim, and his two kids (11 and 6), and myself. Talk about a full load in a Toyota !!! But we hit the woods and within 5 minutes bumped a cow!! I was pretty excited that we had found elk so quickly!! Minutes later we had a bull sounding off but we could not get to him before dark. As we were driving back to camp that night I heard a bugle out of my window. We stopped the truck so we could let the kids listen to the chorus of elk, doing what they do!! It was AWESOME!! Bulls were sounding off like crazy with at least 5 different bulls sounding off nonstop! With every bugle the kids eyes would light up and they would point in the direction as if to say "he's right there!"

I loved every minute of it! After heading back to camp we discussed where we were going to set up in the morning and it was decided if Channel didn't take a bull by noon, it would be time to tag a cow if one presented itself.

It was pretty much a sleepless night with all the anticipation of the next morning. We KNEW we would be in bugling bulls and just had to make it happen!! As we were unloading the "troops" in the cool dark morning, we heard our 1st bull, and headed his direction. He sounded as though he was 200 + yards away so we all walked together for the first 100 yards or so before having Jacob stay back with the little ones. As we moved in closer to the bull, I stayed back 80 yards to call and Jim and Channel pushed forward. Unfortunately the bull spotted them first and froze with his kill zone blocked by a tree at only 40 yards!! .

This bull was a solid 340 class bull and the fist bull Channel had ever seen!!! She was sooo excited, but the bull spooked and never presented a shot. Surprisingly we never heard another bull that morning so we headed back to camp to eat and prep for an "any elk" afternoon hunt.

The afternoon was slow to start, a few cows and a spike were spotted but well out of range. A couple of other bulls sounded off but with the young ones in tow, they were just too far off. As we approached the last hour of light, everything changed! I spotted 2 cows 277 yards away and we were off to make a play. They spotted us and trotted off, but as soon as I cow called 2 different bulls sounded off and we were right in the middle!!!! I knew we had a good set up for a bull, but I also knew we were out of time and she needed to take her first possible shot. Jim and Channel moved forward as her Dad, the "Little's" and I stayed back, split 50 yards, and began cow calling. This really got the bulls going and 2 spikes came RUNNING right to her!! I could not see her but I knew they had to be very close, when all of the sudden, the spikes run back the other way!!

But I'm still feeling good because this bull behind us is still SCREAMING his head off and getting closer! I then look up on the ridge line above where the spike ran and there stands one of the biggest bulls I have ever seen! I watch him for over 5 minutes just standing atop of this rock cliff watching his heard run all around and probably making sure that the other screamer was not going to take any of his cows! All of the sudden I notice Jim and Channel coming out of the woods and I am thinking WTF

no shot? elk still standing around?? 15 minutes of shooting light?? I come to find out that there was an issue with the muzzle loader

She actually pulled the trigger 3 times!!!! once on a smaller 5 pt, once on a spike and finally a cow. Each time switching primers with no luck!!

Turns out the powder was bad

??

With much disappointment, and 2 bugling bulls within 150 yards of us, we drove back to camp to pack up and go home

On our way back, I asked if there was any way we could stay for one more morning. Just an early morning hunt I said, with a promise that we could be on the road by 10 AM. Jim could not stay due to work and he had the trailer we stayed in, so after a bit Jacob agreed we could stay in a motel 20 miles away!! This was PERFECT because now I was going to be the one with Channel and deciding how we would hunt!!

We proceeded to town and that was a story in itself, but we had 1 more chance and I could not be happier!!!

On our drive in, 30 min before legal shooting light, we had a nice 300 class bull stand in the middle of the highway and taunt us. We moved on, and in the dark, missed our turn. We jumped 2 more small herds off of the road, but not knowing exactly where we were, did not want to pursue. As legal light hits another bull crosses the highway from private land to what I THOUGHT was public. We got out and looked at this bull for a couple of minutes but he was behind a fence and I was not positive it was public so I would not let her shoot. Back to the truck to get where we planned on going and 50 more yards down the road I realize we WERE on public land and that bull should have been dead!!

I was frustrated but knew I did the right thing. I had to teach her that if you don't know for sure you don't pull the trigger.

Anyway, after we turn to head to where we left the bulls from the night before, we spot 4 cows in the middle of the dirt road. They were on public land about 250 yards away. We stop the truck and the hunt begins. As we are working our way towards the trees, a bull from the other side of the road begins screaming!!! He is on private land though and I decided that we needed to get between him and the cows without making a sound. We set up so that she would get a 60 yard shot as soon as the bull stepped on to the public side. Her Dad and little brother get about 50 yrds from us and we begin throwing out some soft cow calls. This bull is going crazy back and forth along the fence but will not step across!!

All of the sudden a spike (a 2x1 I tell her

) comes running back from where the cows were and is headed for the private side. He crosses us at 30 yards and sees us! He jumps back, I blow a quick cow call and he stops at 37 yards broadside. Channel picks up her gun and shooting sticks, re-positions herself, cocks the hammer and shoots!!!! I never had a chance to say a word!! Smoke fills the air and I ask her if she hit it? She says "I don't know Bondo, did I?"

I thought I saw him stumble but with all of the smoke I just could not be sure. So, we wait 30+ minutes, and while waiting the other bull still continues to bugle!!! After 30 minutes we begin the track job and find her first elk 50 yards away! She did a great job and I am SO proud of her!!

Sorry for the long story, but it was a proud day for us all and I didn't want to leave much out. Thanks again to those that offer advice and good wishes!!! I LOVE ELK HUNTING!!

SniperDanWA · « **Reply #18 on:** October 12, 2012, 09:37:06 PM »

What a great time. Memories forever. Congrats to her and you.

buck man · « **Reply #19 on:** October 12, 2012, 10:52:08 PM »

That is an awesome story. Congrats on the quick hunt. She will remember that for ever.

brianb231 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 12, 2012, 11:18:25 PM »

Pics!!!!....or it did'nt happen!!!! LOL

Congrats!!!

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #21 on:** October 12, 2012, 11:35:00 PM »

i cant get it to post!! Tried for hours

Blacktail Sniper · « **Reply #22 on:** October 15, 2012, 10:53:24 AM »

Maybe the pics are too big, try resizing them down.

HUNTINCOUPLE · « **Reply #23 on:** October 15, 2012, 11:13:52 AM »

Good story and times! Resize picz?

brianb231 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 15, 2012, 11:56:56 AM »

Here....Let me help!

carpsniperg2 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 15, 2012, 12:00:42 PM »

Very cool indeed, congrats to the young lady

Blacktail Sniper · « **Reply #26 on:** October 15, 2012, 01:33:49 PM »

That is great! Congrats

270Flat · « **Reply #27 on:** October 15, 2012, 02:21:50 PM »

724wd · « **Reply #28 on:** October 15, 2012, 02:30:40 PM »

that's a nice, big bodied spike!

PAW66 · « **Reply #29 on:** October 15, 2012, 03:17:51 PM »

Congratulations to your grand daughter. Nice animal for a first kill

brianmtsinc · « **Reply #30 on:** October 15, 2012, 05:30:39 PM »

Thanks for posting that pic for me!!!

I can't wait for us to draw this tag next year and kill a MONSTER!!!

This was such a great time for me!! Her grandma cooked up some elk fajitas the day after we got home and Channel made a point remind the family that SHE was "providing" for them all

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Author Topic: Help needed - NM Unit 15 Elk hunt w/ Grand daughter (Read 19318 times)

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