I am so lucky this year! I drew an elk tag for zone 51 in New Mexico this year! It is the first year I put in for this area and am so excited. My buddy and I are using a guide service on public land. I am not looking for a 4 a huge Bull, just a nice respectable one.

Is that anywhere near Roswell? I am happy for you. Good luck!

I don't think they have elk near Roswell but I could be wrong

That's cool ! good luck !!

Thanks, for some reason half my post did not post. Area 51 is up near Chama, near the Colorado boarder. They are supposed to be a lot of elk in the area, not huge ones, but nice legal bulls... 300-325 inch bulls. I cannot wait! I have the two contenders that I will be bringing, now I am starting to look for a new day pack. I am looking at Eberlestock and a few others.

Andy,

Unit 51 is right down the road from me. It is actually south of hwy 64 which goes to Chama. Unit 52 is on the north side of the highway, and goes to Chama and the Colorado line. Unit 52 is one of the premier units for elk in the entire Nation. Even Teddy Roosevelt wrote about it. I have seen elk, deer, bear and antelope on the same day. Elk and Antelope in the same meadow, at the same time.

I have not really hunted 51, but it should be about the same as 52. If you have not been to the mountains in NM before, your first reaction will be "I thought NM was like Texas, flat and dry". You'll be in the very high timbered mountain country. Looking at your logo in your signature, guessing you already knew this ;^) Congrats,

Craig

I go to NM 3-4 times a year for work and always just happen to "take a wrong turn" during my week there and I get to do some exploring. I have hunted in 4 other western states, but this will be my first NM hunt!

Bug's never said which way he went after leaving Albuquerque, but I guess you have figured out north is nicer ;^)

I have seen more than a fair share of more than respectable bulls hopping back and forth on the highway between units 51 and 52. It's good to not have high expectations, but we do have some awfully large critters in this state.........

Craig