That being said, unit 52 is a descent unit, but not that tough to draw. Go in as far as you can, into the wilderness close to the Colorado border. There will be other hunters in the area, lots more then you think. A lot of the private land permits are unit wide. Don't expect to see any huge bulls, and not a lot of bulls over 300". A 5 point is a decent bull in 52. You'll hear lots of bugling in the Chama Land and Cattle Co ranch, and you might be able to suck on over, but if you shoot one that crosses over the fence, you'll never get him from the Indians. Don't expect to see a lot of elk, or hear a lot of bugling on the public land. You'll see a lot of atv traffic until you get into the wilderness, lots of roads and road hunters. In general, its a nice unit, beautiful country, but a lot of hunters. The wilderness, Crus Basin, is your best bet to kill a decent bull.
I've hunted there the past 4 years and have seen plenty of elk just not big bulls. Elk can be anywhere, even close to the major roads. There are also a lot of cattle so I try to stay in back of them or way in front. I always see people near the many forest roads but have only seen a couple of hunters out in the forest over the last 4 years.
Will be total DIY. For those with experience in the unit, would hiring a packer be a viable option to get away from the roads? I've got a few years experience in the wilderness in 16b and I would not hunt there and not pack in on horseback at least a few miles. Wondering if I can expect the same up north.
Shared Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks Steve