I have hunted Unit 6B, which is the Valles Caldera in north central NM twice in the last 5yrs. Shot my 360" bull there last year. My hunt started on Sept. 14th last year and they were already screaming their heads off. Several groups went to bedding areas and continued to bugle ALL DAY. I shot my bull on Sunday the 16th.
When I went in 2008, my hunt started the day after Labor Day (5th that year, I think). Shot my bull on the last day of my hunt, the 11th. They were already talking at the beginning of the hunt and the activity just kept getting louder and longer each day as the week progressed. So, you shouldn't have much problem locating elk. Should be an awesome hunt. Keep us posted!
ET
