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Strategy For Elk

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Strategy For Elk

Postby Swede » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 1]

What is your strategy for getting tags on quality hunts?
On elk I have been holding out for the big one, but for deer I acquire about 4 points then just go. Tomorrow I should find out if anything pans out for 2019. I have a good chance on deer, but will be very fortunate to draw a special elk tag. The dilemma I find myself in is that I will be 72 this season and have at least 6 years before I can claim an elk tag, and that does not take into account point creep.
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Re: Strategy For Elk

Postby saddlesore » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 2]

I have given up even putting in for units that require points. As of last year, I quit applying for sheep and goat although I had in excess of 15 years of applications.For me, once I passed 70, I found I was never really sure that I would be healthy enough to even hunt the following years due to disabilities.

Another reason is I want to hunt every year I can. At present and for the last several I hunt two seasons every year,muzzle loader and center fire rifle.

If a guy is less than say 45,then he should probably do something so he can hunt every year, but still put in for a draw that will give him 2- 4points.That helps for crowd control . Here in CO 5-10 pints is no man' s land if you want to get into a premium unit that statistically yields better bulls or bucks.
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Re: Strategy For Elk

Postby Trophyhill » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 3]

My strategy? Apply for only Q/HD hunts in NM for deer and elk, and kinda fairly sought after elk tag in CO, and deer in the same unit as my second choice elk in CO. Now I have a problem. I drew a great elk and deer tag in NM, and a CO elk and deer tag. Sept gonna be a juggling act :)
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Re: Strategy For Elk

Postby Lefty » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 4]

Define quality hunts!!!

For me many things come into play:
reasonable weather,
seeing elk
elk interactions
few hunters
good company

I tend to chose ares with tough access by many hunters standards
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Re: Strategy For Elk

Postby Swede » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 5]

Lefty wrote:Define quality hunts!!!


Hunts you have to draw a tag for.
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Re: Strategy For Elk

Postby Trophyhill » 06 19, 2019 •  [Post 6]

Lefty wrote:Define quality hunts!!!

For me many things come into play:
reasonable weather,
seeing elk
elk interactions
few hunters
good company

I tend to chose ares with tough access by many hunters standards


Gladly :) any Gila hunt, any NM GMU west of 25 and South of 40. Any unit near Capitan, Ruidoso or Cloudcroft.

Any CO unit I apply for. My new fav OTC unit in CO. I could go on and on ;)
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