Posted By: Randy M
New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 2:32 PM
So stinking pumped this morning. Me and another handgun hunter (Andyhunter on this site), drew New Mexico.
Not only did we draw, but we drew our first choice...the Gila.
Not only did we draw the Gila, this is our first year to apply.
Crazy lucky!
Posted By: Whitworth
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 2:34 PM
So stinking pumped this morning. Me and another handgun hunter (Andyhunter on this site), drew New Mexico.
Not only did we draw, but we drew our first choice...the Gila.
Not only did we draw the Gila, this is our first year to apply.
Crazy lucky!
Congratulations!
Are you going to use your new .460??
Posted By: Randy M
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 2:45 PM
Whit,
This right here, is exactly why I ventured off into the .460 and have been working since last summer on developing a platform and load. Just. For. Elk.
My goal is to be extremely proficient with the BFR (topped with RMR red-dot) out to 150 yards, off shooting sticks.
I'm already feeling really good with what I have right now out to 100, which is the furthest I've shot it so far. But every time I go to my lease, I spend a considerable amount of time working on this exact scenario.
Now that I have a load that I'm 95% sure I'm using, it's time to go beyond 100.
Thanks for asking!
Posted By: adbhowler
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 3:52 PM
Good luck and bring home the goods!!!
Posted By: Hawkeye
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 8:18 PM
Good luck. I hunted the Gila in 84 with a flintlock longrifle. I had a Bear, Deer and turkey tag. Saw a lot of elk near a place called Lost lake we found. We south at Reserve and just out of Pleasanton where you turn off the Highway to the San Francisco Hot Springs we drove up into the wilderness. Lot of turkey. Found one bear in 9 days. Saw several mountain lions in the canyons.
Good luck.
Mike
Posted By: Franchise
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 9:23 PM
You're going to have a GREAT HUNT...I just know it
Posted By: RH Custom Guns
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 9:53 PM
Congratulations! That's going to be one to remember!
Posted By: Randy M
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 9:56 PM
Thanks everyone.
Now the real work begins. I stay in reasonably good shape year round but it's time to step it up. A lot.
More squats and less scotch...
Posted By: JDK
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/17/2019 11:41 PM
Congratulations Randy! NM is my favorite vacation spot, but I've not hunted there. My son and I will be camping and hiking on the Jicarilla Apache Nation this summer. Have fun and good luck! Maybe I'll get invited over for elk! I'll bring the scotch
Posted By: Okie Hunter
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/18/2019 12:58 AM
Congrats and good luck Randy.
Posted By: cmnash
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/18/2019 1:21 AM
Congratulations on your elk tag!
I have seen enough of your pictures on the Bragging Board to know that the elk are in trouble!
Posted By: ruger4570
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/18/2019 1:43 AM
Good luck. Wow first year draw, guess you already have the luck with you.
Posted By: sw282
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/18/2019 4:44 AM
Fell in love with New Mexico last year while hunting there.
We saw Rio Grande turkey, Antelope. And Prairie Dogs, LOTS of
PRAIRIE DOGS.. 221 Fireball was what l did battle with against
pesky creatures. 35gr Bergers helped too. We were on private land.
Rancher had 110 sections for us to play/shoot on.
New Mexico is addicting!!
Posted By: Chance Weldon
Re: New Mexico, here we come! - 04/24/2019 3:29 AM
Wow, that's phenomenal luck! I hope your luck continues and y'all kill some big ones! I think I speak for all of us when I say we'll be eagerly awaiting the pictures and after hunt report.
Being a no-points state, your odds of drawing in New Mexico are as good as everyone else's, which I like after living most of my life in a points state -- Oregon. Have heard great things about the Gila.
I drew a December cow elk tag here in my back yard -- Unit 34, the Sacramentos. Wish it weren't a CWD unit, but there it is.