Elk in the pecos wilderness

[jay]

Jake, sent you a pm.

[zia]

Back on the mountain yesterday checking stock, saw a few groups of cows (elk not hereford) maybe 18-20 total, three groups of smaller bulls about like you would expect for the area and drought and then one "pig", really nice bull, 5x5 already. He was as big of a bull as I have seen even in non-drought years in the pecos area. VERY cool to see, if the country doesnt burn up there looks to be good numbers and better antler growth than I expected

[zia]

nice rain today!! Saw the big bull again, really nice, still in velvet. Hopefully he stays put and safe until muzzleloader season!

[zia]

All the bulls I saw yesterday had velvet hanging from the antlers........almost time!

[Zim]

Has there been much rain lately? I've been checking the radar every few days and from that it seems there's been some but not much.

Based on current plant growth do you think the elk will be bunched up more than normal around water sources?

[jay]

for unit 45, i don't think so...mostly higher country close to watersheds. I'm sure there are some creeks that dried but theres alot of streams, rivers, lakes, in the area pretty plentiful to depend on the water. There is definitely not as much feed as a wet year but its coming late and the grass is starting to grow especially around these wetter areas. Big country, alot of area to feed in...

[zia]

Zim,

I think you are right about the bunched up part though, seems like I keep seeing herds upwards of 30 plus animals. We had a 3" rain the other day (in NM that means 3" between drops)

[zia]

Just got back from 3 days horseback scouting and getting SOAKED. On the positive side we conservatively saw 1000 elk in the 3 days, naturally mostly cows and small bulls but several bachleor herds that had some great bulls. Should be a super hunt this year! Hope
everybody has a safe productive hunt.

[Zim]

Well that sounds pretty encouraging. Bout got all my gear assembled. Bow shooting broadheads very well out to my 60 yard pin.

[cmbbulldog]

Just got back from 3 days horseback scouting and getting SOAKED. On the positive side we conservatively saw 1000 elk in the 3 days, naturally mostly cows and small bulls but several bachleor herds that had some great bulls. Should be a super hunt this year! Hope
everybody has a safe productive hunt.

What elevation were you seeing most of the elk at? Are they at and above treeline?