First Elk Hunt Before Deployment

Hello everyone, I just recently introduced myself on the roll call, but i'll do it again here. My name is Chris DarConte and I recently got stationed at Cannon AFB with the 3rd Special Operations Squadron in Clovis NM. I am an avid fisherman, so if anyone has any fishing questions drop me a line. Although I've done some turkey and duck hunting, I am planning on entering the draw in New Mexico for an Elk hunt. This will be my first big game hunt and I am looking for any advice I can get. Particularly though, if anyone has any advice with entering the draw to increase my odds of getting a hunt. I'm not concerned with getting a big bull, I just want to get outside and enjoy the hunt, regardless of whether I get to shoot or not. That said though, I would like to be in an area that does have Elk. My plan right now is to apply for a Bull, a cow, and a cow for my 3 choices. And then apply for the anything deer or elk 4th choice in the North West. I've been looking at Unit 45, but really don't know whats good. I'm planning on applying for October hunts since I will be getting deployed to Afghanistan in November or December. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
-Chris
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Welcome to the form. Wow, Cannon?! How's that going for you? My Wife and I moved back to New Mexico in 2007. I separated from the AF to bring my family back home to learn and live from our Native American culture. There is no substitute for that at any base. I had a blast during my enlistment, but it was time to come home.

Fast forward to today. I'm still having a blast here at home. We are building a new house this year, just waiting for the weather to warm up. Growing up I never hunted big game just small game. Once I got back my uncles introduced me to turkey hunting. Then moved on to Elk on the reservation. Then just this past season I was drawn for a deer hunt in Unit 10 in the Zuni Mountains and a bull elk hunt in 16B in the Gila. I had a great time with my Dad and brother-in-law. We were able to harvest a 5X bull and a 6 point deer!

New Mexico is a great state for hunting and fishing. Just not near cannon. You have places like the San Juan River and the Red River for great Fly Fishing. The Gila and Cibola National forests were featured in Field and Stream as one of the top Elk destinations in North America. New Mexico does not go off a points system. Lottery only. Put your name in and cross your fingers. You do have an advantage of being active duty and living near White Sands. You can hunt Oryx there. Take a look at the NM proclamation on their website. It will give you more information.

Again welcome to the forum and New Mexico. If you have any questions send me a message.
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Oletrapper
"GuTzNgLoRy" wrote:Hello everyone, I just recently introduced myself on the roll call, but i'll do it again here. My name is Chris DarConte and I recently got stationed at Cannon AFB with the 3rd Special Operations Squadron in Clovis NM. I am an avid fisherman, so if anyone has any fishing questions drop me a line. Although I've done some turkey and duck hunting, I am planning on entering the draw in New Mexico for an Elk hunt. This will be my first big game hunt and I am looking for any advice I can get. Particularly though, if anyone has any advice with entering the draw to increase my odds of getting a hunt. I'm not concerned with getting a big bull, I just want to get outside and enjoy the hunt, regardless of whether I get to shoot or not. That said though, I would like to be in an area that does have Elk. My plan right now is to apply for a Bull, a cow, and a cow for my 3 choices. And then apply for the anything deer or elk 4th choice in the North West. I've been looking at Unit 45, but really don't know whats good. I'm planning on applying for October hunts since I will be getting deployed to Afghanistan in November or December. Any advice would be great. Thanks!
-Chris
 Never hunted New Mexico Chris. Was there once but on business. Hope you get to hunt before you ship out. Good luck, keep your head low and "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE"! OT USN (retired)
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