It has begun...

Dang you read my mind. Was going to start this very thread today at lunch

Tell me about the weminuche and how a willin man might pack some meat out of there

In for the discussion.

Since I went to AZ in January, I might not make a fall trip West. I'm hoping to maybe hit some Panhandle antelope though...

Have any of you hunted Area 81 in Colorado? If so, where in that unit did you hunt? Were you successful? Did you have to hike in?

We have never hunter Colorado. Unit 51 in New Mexico, just south of 81 in Colorado, is where I have done almost all of my elk hunting. We are putting in for the New Mexico draw for Unit 51. If we don't draw out we may buy a bull tag over the counter for 81.

I've got to get Utah in next week. Haven't decided yet if I'll throw my name in the hat for Wyoming sheep this year or just pick up a point. I hate those upfront tag fees. That one is due next week too.

I'm adding New Mexico elk this year.
My most likely 2017 hunt is using my Colorado deer points. I'm hoping to get two western hunts this year. Colorado deer and either New Mexico or Idaho elk.

arrow said:

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I've got to get Utah in next week. Haven't decided yet if I'll throw my name in the hat for Wyoming sheep this year or just pick up a point. I hate those upfront tag fees. That one is due next week too.

I'm adding New Mexico elk this year.
My most likely 2017 hunt is using my Colorado deer points. I'm hoping to get two western hunts this year. Colorado deer and either New Mexico or Idaho elk.

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Which unit in New Mexico?

shaynew1 said:

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Tell me about the weminuche and how a willin man might pack some meat out of there

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Great physical and mental preparation
Strong desire
Heart
Mountain horses
Good fortune

These might get you there. I don't really know for certain.

The Weminuche is one of the most beautiful, humbling, and captivating places I've ever hunted... Or been to even.

It's my favorite place in the world.... Sort of both my friend and my nemesis.

I think about being there every day. I picture the hikes I've made in, and the ones I will in the future.

I think about the buck I missed 2 seasons ago and the bull stalk I blew, the cow I drew on, and the bull I called in to 45 yards (my first)... [dream sequence end]

To answer your question literally, 2 guys could certainly pack a muley and gear out on foot... 1 trip. The mule deer I want to hunt this year are 8 miles in (starting from 8500 at the TH to 11k at base camp.... Then another 1000 vertical feet to the Alpine basins and rockslides those deer hang around).

You'd need 4 guys to pack an elk and gear out in 1 trip... In that country.

My solo/archery/elk goal is to kill one and get him/her out on my own. This will require horses.

You can't talk about it like that in February.

Its practically March. I'm already in pre-rut.

A senseless cousin and I are wanting to put in for a 75/751 a deer tag and the obligatory just in case otc elk.

Texmid said:

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Which unit in New Mexico?

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TBD. Currently, the outfitter I've selected is on a wait list for the Gila (15 and 16s). So we haven't finalized the units. If not one of the Gila units, we will be up north on the Colorado border where you've hunted (4, 50, 51, 52, 53.)

I'm going to enter the outfitter draw to increase my draw odds. The hunt will be an unguided hunt, with the outfitter providing wall tent, meals, and packing services. High class by my usual standards.

Texmid I hunt unit 81 in Colorado often and have hunted unit 51 in New Mexico twice in the past 4 years. I can help answer some questions. Busy now but will respond to questions when able.

At least there's a muley on the cover... and not one of those soulless heathen elk.

True. And I do love hunting alpine muleys. It's awesome.

My buddy is going back this year and wants me to go, but I'm not done being mad at Colorado yet.

Is there anything worse you can do to a place than killing and eating its denizens?

Love hunting Colorado, I now have a horse and two saddle mules that make the trip with me and my Dad each year. Unless we draw New Mexico that is.

Wyoming elk results come out on 2/28. I am expecting to get a general tag as I had 2 points, but hope my brother is on the good side of 17% odds.

Looking forward to my first elk hunt this year. We are putting in for fourth season in zone 24.

Hunting Idaho this year. Drawing for some long odds elk and deer units but most likely going OTC Mulies in late October when we strike out.

Is there a thread on the board about how to get started with all this as far as choosing an area, species, gear, etc?

I'd love to hunt out west but would have to be 100% DIY. Hunted white tail in Texas all my life but camping + stalking + packing out appears to be an entirely different beast.

I tried to start a western hunting thread last year with all types of info but it never took off. Maybe you can have better luck.

Just read that NM wants $548 for a non-resident elk license. Lol at that. I'm out.

Came here actually expecting to see a list of deadliness...don't tell me I have to google it myself!!!

We can remedy that...

New Mexico - March 22

Colorado - April 4th

Don't forget license and habitat fees!

My total for the New Mexico draw was $622.

Texmid said:

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My total for the New Mexico draw was $622.

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+ Fuel = Bargain vacation in the mountains with chance to fill freezer.

Is there an OTC option for muleys in CO? Not super familiar with their regs

tx-ags14 said:

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Is there an OTC option for muleys in CO? Not super familiar with their regs

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No otc on muleys in colo. But... You can draw a tag with 1 point ... If you're willing to abuse your mind and body for a week.

I've applied twice and been drawn twice (for archery). Work the draw results charts over and you'll find areas to draw with no points necessary.