places to avoid NM unit 51?
Elk
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My buddy and I drew second season archery in this unit. We have never been there before so of coarse I searched the internet for info on this unit. I found a lot of people had negative things to say about trouble from locals in this area? Stuff stolen from camp while out hunting or even while they were sleeping in camp. Is there any truth to this or just people trying to keep non residents from putting in for this unit? Is there any areas we should avoid? Also while there we would like to try some local cooking, any body know of a good place to eat out while we're down there? thanks.
There's stories every year of theft in this and nearby units.
Definitely avoid the "popular places." Canjilon lakes area is where many of the stories come from. Trout Lakes, especially with the Canjilon lakes closed gets more traffic and thus more rift raft. Best thing you can do is camp next to one of the main roads and establish a "big camp" even if its just you and a buddy. We usually set up an extra tent and always leave a vehicle in camp and we have never had a problem. The extra tent comes in very handy for storing things and if your hunting partner snores too bad. :) Good luck.
Darrel's advice is good. If you have any game cameras that you can point at your camp that might help too especially if they're locked up or visible but hard to steal. Don't advertise you're from out of state. If you have a front license plate pull it off, don't need it here anyway. I've spent at least 75 days camping in 51 and 52 and never had any problem. Usually tourists with big RVs get targeted the most.
There's not really much for local restaurants in the area but if you get over to Taos there's plenty. Eske's brew pub for burgers and good beer. Orlandos, Michaels and La Cueva are good for local food. Doc Martins or Bella's are good too.
I've hunted the unit three times and have never had an issue. We tend to hunt on the northern part of the unit near the border with 52. There do seem to be stories about people having issues every year...maybe it's in another part of the unit. I'll be leaving tomorrow to hunt it once again and can't wait to get back!
There are some lawless Mexican/Americans up there for sure !! I've spent some time up there and when you see the State Police going somewhere it is usually in 3's (cars) You can have a good hunt but stay alert...Kind of like when you're in Albuquerque if you're not right there or it's not locked up....it's gone.
I hunted 52 next door 4-5 times with no issues, I did hear that area of NM is poached a lot.
Thanks guys, we head out on friday. Bigeasygator, I will keep an eye out for a truck with Louisiana plates that will probably be you. Good luck everybody.
Since having my camp compromised many years ago i have made and posted a large sighn at the entrance to the camp that reads "camp protected by video surveillance and 2 carry and conceal permit holders". Never had a problem since
Since having my camp compromised many years ago i have made and posted a large sighn at the entrance to the camp that reads "camp protected by video surveillance and 2 carry and conceal permit holders". Never had a problem since
Good to know. Canjilon lakes is not the area I plan to start in but I definitely had it on my alternate list.
I smoked most of my vacation earlier in the year so I wont start hunting until the 16th.
Ill be in a white F-150, white camper top. Georgia vetran Lic. plate
Good place to bring and oldster who likes to hang out in camp cooking and conspicuously cleaning his pistol. That story last year about the Penn hunters who had the rack stolen and it was a ruse to get them away from camp chasing those (first) thieves was discouraging - NM scumbag thieves are getting semi-sophisticated.
Unit 51 Safety, Have hunted this unit on 2 occasions with no problems. I do like the Carson Forest in either 51 or 52 a lot. Resident elk heard is a plus and not too steep or too high. Locals have always been decent to us, as we treat all with respect. Bear season overlaps the 2sec archery hunt. Once had hounds blow thru a set up in the AM only to be winched free by some other bear hunters late in the day. I call that a wash. LOL! Thanks again guys! Good luck everyone!
LaGriz
Thanks guys, I guess I just feel vulnerable being a non res from South Dakota and usually out hunting all day with camp wide open. Guess now I have to keep an eye out for Georgia and Louisiana license plates. Good luck guys hopefully somebody gets one.
Sounds like the three of you should team up and camp together. 3 vehicles, 3 tents makes other camps look like easier targets.
One good trick is usually just to make your camp farther away from the road than a thief is willing to carry your stuff....
GF
I would highly disagree with that approach for several reasons.
1) Thieves don't care about roads, they will drive their truck or ATV right into your tent. The camp up the road from ours (we were camped at the junction of the main road and they camped 1/2 mile up a two track) experienced that a few years back. Literally had tire tracks right to their tent door.
2) Further off the road gives them more seclusion to go through your stuff. That is why we like camping on the busiest of roads. Think about it, if you are a thief stealing from someone you know is likely armed, what do you do every time you hear a vehicle coming? You bail. If your camp is 300 yards off the road, the driver (thief #1) drops off his accomplice and drives 1/4 mile down the road or even just sits there watching for other vehicles. Thief #2 ransacks your camp knowing that even if you drive up, he will have plenty of time to bail into the woods before you know anything has happened because you are walking 300 yards from your vehicle. Thief #2 piles everything he wants to steal into a pile and then calls or signals his accomplice who drives up and in 30 seconds time they have your best and most valuable stuff in their vehicle.