Anyone hunted the Gila?

[TheHunt]

I have hunted 17 & 15 before... 

There are  tons of elk.  I flew over the unit to find the water and then the next day found those areas on foot.  Over all you will need to call well and if you are going down with a partner you will need to be a better caller to get them to respond. 

[et1702]

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

[TheHunt]

i would not make a scouting trip. just show up a few days early. great hunting. good luck

Great advice