My wife, father, and I got drawn (Elk) for Unit 16B in the Gila Mts of NM. We drew the 2nd gun season (Oct 18-22). We live in Texas and almost certainly don't have the cash for to hire a guide - so this will be a DIY hunt. We also live in Texas, and will have limited scouting time. I'll definitely get out there Labor Day weekend and possibly later in September to scout.

My brother has a buddy who lives in NM that I'll try to get in touch with as well.

Finally, we've never hunted elk but are all in pretty good shape, so we can take a pretty good hike.

Anyway, any tips or advice will be appreciated.

Troy

Be in the position you want to be by first light & really USE your bino's to check everywhere.
Don't take it easy on the first day, as it usually gives the best chance before the elk are spooked by increased human activity.

Good luck to you. I know little about New Mexico but I do know that elk are BIG and that the work starts after the kill. Quartering is the usual way to get the animal to the road. Pack boards or pack frames are the traditional way to carry a quarter. We've had good success with a buck cart if the ground isn't to steep. I'm assuming no pack animals.
Let us know how you make out.
Stu

Troy, give me a call and I'll try to help you out. My # is on my web site for sales.

Patience. Don't push them out of the country. Find them, out-think them, and the physical-side is secondary.

If there are elk in the area, five days should be enough. If there is a lot of hunting pressure, your task will be significantly more difficult.

If you know where they fed into the trees, don't try to stalk them in bed. Ambush them when they move back out in the late afternoon.

Moving much through dark timber will get you glimpses of elk, but they will see you before you see them.

Find a good ambush site and wait them out.

Watch out for the domesticated wolves.