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Is NM Elk Do-it-yourself Feasible?

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Whip:
Now that depression from the end of hunting season is starting to set in, I'm looking at options for next fall.  New Mexico elk would be a dream trip, but not sure if it is feasible to try a do it yourself type hunt down there?  

Drawing a tag would be the first obstacle.  Are landowner tags available to purchase if unsuccessful, or are they all snatched up by outfitters?  

How about public land access and hunting pressure?  Is it necessary to pack in to a remote area to get away from too much pressure?  Or does the limited number of tags help ease that?

Also considering Colorado, although there it would definately be a pack in trip.  Over the counter units are so tough unless you can get away from the crowds.

njstykbow:
Whip,

If you already know how to hunt elk, it's one of the most realistic places to hunt elk via DIY.  Tags in the better units are tough to draw.  Landowner tags are available, but they're pricy and you still have to buy the elk tag on top of the landowner tag.  The units I've hunted did not require packing in.  In fact, most people drove right past some of the best hunting because there isn't much pressure due to the limited tags.  Hope that helps.

Tom:
Whip,
 I live in Albuq. for 5 years and elk hunted public land near Jemez-SW of Santa Fe and also between Chama and Taos. Lots of public land and not that much pressure in bow season.
 You might consider the Silver City area as well.
Colorado I've only hunted near Gunnison and the San Juans between Pagosa Springs and Durango-Good area but steep and high.
 Good Luck.

Whip:
If we were to put in for a draw and not be successful that way, how does one go about finding landowner tags?  I know some of the top areas can get really pricy, but if it were possible to get into a relatively good area for $1,000 or less, that is still cheaper than hiring an outfitter in Colorado, and seems like it would make some sense to do that.  I'm no expert, but have hunted elk enough to feel comfortable on our own.  Most important thing to me is to get into the right area with good numbers of elk, and limited pressure.  From what I have read it sounds like NM can offer that, and better quality bulls as well. Quality is not a big factor, but all else being equal, big is good!

1 flyfisher:
We went to the Gila Nat forest (western NM) this season.  Did not shoot a bull, but had a great time.  Got close to some bears, that was pretty interesting.  We moved over to the Sacramento mountains (central NM) and called a mature bull to 5 yards.  Could not shoot because the tag was only good in the Gila.  All of the excitement and none of the work of packing an elk out.  We were road side camping, no need to pack in.

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