Contributors to this thread:
So My wife Drew the Unit 1 black powder early elk hunt in Unit one. Other than trips to big lake and just passing through I do not have any experience here but know this is a great unit and great hunt. I am thinking of starting my scouting on Escudilla Mtn. any advice would be appreciated. going to order maps and hope to make at least 3 trips out prior to the hunt
Hire a guide, she will never get this tag again.
I would love to hire you Steve. Just bought a house so I have two house payments right now so not in the cards at this time. I know you know this country well and you would be my first choice. lets see if my situation changes before long. thanks.
Moch,
It really is a great unit. I tend to hang out around the big lake areas as well. Lots of huntable areas. Seen bulls so big they looked like cartoons. If you cant swing a guide I suggest making time to scout as much as possible. Have more than 1 area in your head as your area to hunt. Then scout again and again and again. When hunting season rolls around, and if you have the time, get there like a week early. Camera hunt for a few days prior to opening day and hopefully your wife will have that bull in range as a result of all your hard work.
Consider this though......whats it gonna cost to do all that scouting? Whats a guide cost?
FYI...I cant afford a guide either, for any hunt (single dad), thats just one great tag to have. best of luck to you and your wife.
Thanks, I live close enough (Albuquerque) that I can make weekend trips so I will do some scouting and hopefully locate some shooters. she has some 320's under her hat already so we are shooting for 350 or better and I think this is the place to do it. We actually lived in Springerville for a couple of years but it was all work and no play, so I may try reconnect with a few people I met while there. thanks again
Wow, get this, not only does my wife have the unit 1 AZ black Powder tag but we both also drew Unit 16D, NM Elk first rifle hunt. we are definitely blessed this year. it been a long wait. this I have taken many elk out of this unit.
Wow! Now that's crazy. Sounds like a busy Fall!
yes it will take my entire year of vacation but worth it.
I hunted it last year archery and had a blast ! I was given lots of great advice from a couple people and I would pay it forward and help you with what I know if youd like to go over some maps together.
Thanks elkcrzy1, any and everything helps. I know some of the major mountains as far as location. send me a PM.
She won't need a guide! LOL! These outfitters guiding in those type of units are running the biggest shakedown in the history of hunting! A blind one legged grandmother could have a great hunt, and kill a great bull on that tag! LMAO! Just get your maps, do your research and have fun!
Thanks everyone for the information. can not wait to make our first trip out to scout. Yea we have received like 13 brochures from outfitters already.
I think the hunt will mean a lot more if it's you and your wife teaming up together to hunt, and shoot, a great bull rather then following a guide around until he tells you which bull to shoot.
You two have some awesome tags! Congrats and enjoy your fall. No doubt it will be one to remember!!
My wife is the one with the tag, she drew with 6 points. I am sitting at 16 points for next year. Maybe 23N archery?????
