PM's would be great if you don't want to post specifics
All ears.... er... eyes. ;)
There might be better ways to phrase your question; maybe show that you've done some research and ask more about general areas rather than specific "spots"... just sayin...
This is part of the research. I have talked to many friends, I plan to make phone calls to biologists, I've purchased several maps, and I've spent hours and hours on google earth. All that only gets you so far so I'm really trying to make a scouting trip this summer as well. You only draw great tags like this a few times in life as a non-res, so I would assume guys wouldn't mind helping. I know I would be glad to help others after i go this year. If my request offends you then ignore it. I hope you don't get the same cold shoulder someday when you draw something good.
I'm not offended, I was just trying to tell you how it sounds. I've never hunted there so I'm not giving you the cold shoulder, in fact I'm trying to help you with some constructive suggestions and I don't know why you're lashing out at me; sounds like you're the one who is offended. If you're getting the cold shoulder from guys that have hunted there maybe its because they got the same impression that I got. And by the way, I've given and received a lot of help to/from guys on this site and I agree that this is part of the research.
I'm just saying that it might have sounded better if your original post was something like this:
"Hey guys, I'm from Oregon and have hunted elk for many years there. I finally drew a tag in NM unit 36 after trying for several years. I've talked to many friends, I plan to call biologists, I've purchased several maps, I've spent hours and hours on google earth and I'm going to try to do a scouting trip this summer. I'm just wondering if anybody has any suggestions for places to investigate or places to avoid. I'm not looking for anybody's honey-holes just some general advice and I appreciate any suggestions. And if you're looking for advice on hunting elk in Oregon I'd be happy to help."
I think doing it that way shows that you're serious and have done your homework and you're not looking for a handout. Buy hey, if my suggestion offends you... ignore it and move on...
One thing that has worked well for me is if somebody gives me some advice on areas to look at I offer to share with them what I learned about the area. That way they have something to gain from it too by getting my hunting/scouting report on an area that they may hunt again in the future.
I've applied for 36 but I've never drawn it. Good luck with your hunt, sounds like you're on the right track.
You have what I consider one of the most enjoyable tags I have ever had in my possesion. Though bulls over 330 are very hard to find, they are there. What was so exciting to me was the number of elk in general, plus while I was there they were very vocal. I will send a pm with specifics.
