I just found out that I was successful in drawing New Mexico's 16A for Elk and 27 for Mule Deer. Is there anyone out there that knows if these hunts justify hiring a guide or are they suitable for a do it yourselfer? Thanx

If I were lucky enought to draw elk in 16, I wouldn't think twice about hiring a guide. Tags in that area are hard to come by. Check out all the references on anyone you think about, though. NM is known for lots of "guides". Just be darned sure they're licensed with the state. Congrats; you should have a great time.

If you don't already have it, here's a link to the units map: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.u...6/high_res/index.htm

I don't know about 27 for mulies, tho. It would have been nice to draw a whitetail tag for it, though, as those are actually Coues deer! Be careful and don't shoot one of those instead of a mulie; the tags are separate I believe.

There are some great muleys in 27, but there is also a lot of private property..Do your homework, and you might need to start calling to see if you can get permission from a rancher or two..
Chapel does alot of guiding in that area..I have never hunted with him, but he is highly recommended.
http://www.worldclassoutdoors...._mexico_big_game.htm

My brother has hunted in the 16’s a few times. Last year I hunted east of your area. If I were you, I would not hire a guide. There are a couple of “mapping services” out there, that will cost you a couple hundred $, and they can point out where they last saw some elk. That might be worth the $ if you don’t have time to scout. If you spend 3-4 days up there before your season starts, you’ll find them. The hunters up there (at least the ones we ran across) were all very helpful.

My brother drew a 27 tag for Couse deer this year. If you find any info on the “other” deer in unit 27, send me a PM.

Good luck!

I have elk hunted all over unit 16 (Gila Wilderness) with a bow for over 25 years. If it is early and dry in early september; find a remote water hole and sit on it. This is an arid area. Probably to early in the season to hear many bugles. Check the moon. If it is full, the animals will be out all night, you will have to get up way before light. Bring in allot of water.
You might want and try and get a deer tag. There are some nice couse in there as well. I stuck one over 110 about 20 years ago; allot of bear, muleys and turkey.
You should have a good hunt! Water, water, water!

EZ

I found out today, I drew for 16D on Sept 19th in the archery season.

If anyone is looking for a guide for your unit 16 hunts, please feel free to email me and I can set you up with a great guide. Just let me know.
wapiti7