Contributors to this thread:
I was unsuccessful in drawing an Elk tag, for unit 51. I am aware that I can purchase a landowner tag. So, my question is... Is the trophy quality of the bulls in this unit worth spending the extra money for a landowner tag? I know that is a pretty open question , but I would like to hear some opinions from those that know this unit. Maybe a little input from you guys will help in my decision. Thanks
The trophy quality of that and 52 leave something to be desired in my opinion. But trophy is in the eye of the tagholder. It could be an awesome adventure if that's what you're after. For a big bull I don't think your odds are great. Especially if you don't know the area, and will be going in blind.
Price is a factor. I wouldn't buy a landowner tag from either of those units for over 1k, but I'm also a resident. They give out almost 200 tags per hunt, not including all the landowner tags. So there is a lot of people out there. That region of NM also has a lot of people who dont believe in no vehicle access so you could find yourself 2k+ on a tag hiking in just to find some locals that ignored the signs.
Personally would take my money to a different region, or different state if this unit is your only option at a high cost. But for the right price I'd do it.
I paid $1500 for a 52 tag a few years ago and had a good hunt. Lots of elk, but don't expect lots of big ones. I've thought about going back, but last I checked LO tag prices have gone up to $2k+ and I don't think the quality is there to justify the $$$.
Thanks guys for your responses. Anyone else have ?
Read up on the changes to the EPLUS system for LO tags. There may not be as many available as once before...
I've hunted 51 many times. Its a beautiful area with a good elk population. Trophy bulls, however, are few and far between and often not in the areas with the general elk populations. There are a lot of tags and a lot of family/party hunting in addition to year round poaching. Big camps of residents with a few elk tags and a bunch of bear or deer tags but everyone has elk calls and I've called in several "bear hunters."
Legal roads and roads everyone uses are two completely different things. If there is a track, people are driving it in ATVs, trucks and even the occasional VW if its dry.
Its also an area where people have had stuff stolen from their camps, vehicles, etc.
Don't get me wrong, I wish I had a tag for it this year but I got red. However, I wouldn't pay the going rate for a 51 UW tag even if I had the cash. The same dollar amount can get you a place to stay and trespass privilege in CO to hunt similar quality bulls without the chaos.
X2 "The same dollar amount can get you a place to stay and trespass privilege in CO to hunt similar quality bulls without the chaos."
Thanks guys, I'm beginning to get the picture. I've already looked at some other options elsewhere. Looks like I may be able to spend less money and have just as good or maybe better hunt.