Buddy and I are seriously considering an OTC 2nd Rifle hunt in 36, 33, 24, or 35. 33, 24, 35 is probably around my favorite areas of Colorado but he hunted 36 a couple years ago.

I sent you an email, but you happen to know if any of those would be worth trying over the other? We'd probably hike in and hammock camp so could go in a bit. Just don't want to out hike in what I don't want to pack back out lol.

I see your email, will respond later tonight or tomorrow. I only know 24 and would recommend it. Just know that is some tough hiking though if you dont have horses.

Hoyt Ag said:

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I see your email, will respond later tonight or tomorrow. I only know 24 and would recommend it. Just know that is some tough hiking though if you dont have horses.

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My buddy lives at elevation in Ruidoso and about liked to have killed me last time we hunted near Cloudcroft in NM.

Sounds like he's out to try and finish the job

Great pic. I've been eying 49 for a long time. The amount of points that unit has jumped in point Creep is crazy.

I had to give up on 1st rifle out there. It's been 1 or 2 points out of each for years.

Unsuccessful for WY antelope (3rd application)

How many points did you have?

OwlAg13 said:

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Alright guys, need some advice as I am likely not going to be able to make three trips from Houston out to NM..
What are your thoughts on these hunts and am I crazy for not doing anything I can to make all 3?
My thought is to go for the pronghorn with rifle in Sept as my odds of success are likely pretty high, skip out on the late season archery elk hunt, and then go back for the early Jan 2027 archery deer hunt and maybe hit the rut/get lucky. Can't believe I'm considering skipping a chance for an elk, but I think that will be a tough hunt.

1. DER-2-310
BOW | Jan 01-15 | FAD
Bag Limit: Any fork-antlered deer
Unit 32, including Prairie Chicken WMAs

2. ELK-2-355
BOW | Dec 19-23 | APRE/6/A
Bag Limit: 1 w/ 6 points on one side or antlerless
Unit 34

3. ANT-1-169
Any Legal Sporting Arm | Sep 26-28 | MB
Bag Limit: 1 mature buck
Unit 31 south of US 380

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I was drawn for Unit 36/37 for New Mexico pronghorn for early October. These units basically are west of Roswell, go north from Ruidoso up above the Jicarilla & Capitan mountains. Huge area. Lots of hunting area within the Lincoln National Forest and then lots of BLM land on the eastern edges of the units (towards Roswell). There is also BLM area north of Tularosa.

Better to try on the eastern side closer to Roswell or go into the Lincoln National Forest? Anyone have suggestions?

Bumping this up for the guys going hunting this fall. How are your summer workouts going? It's getting pretty dang hot, getting harder to log afternoon miles. I've just about shot my target to pieces!

I haven't hunted pronghorn in those units, but have hunted elk and mule deer in the northern foot hills of the Capitans. My suggestion would be to scout the north and north east parts of 37. More grasslands up there for pronghorn.

One of the larger pronghorns I've seen in person was just on the north side of the Capitans where the foothills meet the grasslands. Highway 246 north out of Capitan goes through some state land where it mixes with large ranches running cattle (and have water tanks for them). Big boy was right there where 246 makes a 90deg east turn towards Encinoso.

I'd start there and then work toward the blm land north and east of there.

Workouts are slacking but shooting a lot! Hurry up September

That's great! Keep up the good work!

Good for you! Im hiking daily with a weight vest, the problem is I live at 41ft.