What unit should I apply for in New Mexico's Elk Lotto?

Let me first say - that I've never hunted in New Mexico. Only drove through NM to get to Colorado to elk hunt. However, the last 2 years at drop camps in CO have proven unsuccessful and I'm looking for a change. I don't have the highest of hopes of getting drawn, but if I do happen to get a tag, I'd like it to be for the best area to get a bull. Does an easy access, high populated, high quality Bull Elk utopia exist? (since it doesn't ) - Where would you suggest I apply for?

I have a friend that used to guide the gila wilderness he said they always did good, and it is beautiful.

If you have access to horses, I would suggest this area http://www.vallevidal.org/pdf/Visiting_Valle61506.pdf I'm not sure which section it's in for the drawing, but there are a ton of elk in this area.

ttaillac i was planning an elk hunt in CO this year, and what exactly is a 'drop camp'? and what units where you in?? did you even see/hear elk?? details please.

The first year I went, I did a drop camp near Meeker, CO and last year i was in unit 61 near Grand Junction. A drop camp is basically an unguided DIY hunt. Only differnce is that an outfitter packs you in and out of one of his camps that is off the beaten path and in a "supposed" good hunting area. Obviouslly its a lot cheaper than guided and lot better than a straight DIY hunt.

given your success rate i don't know about better. did you see elk??

The first year, I saw 2 cows. This last year, I saw elk and was able to shoot a bull a little over 600 yards away. I tracked blood for 6 hours over 300 yrds, but never found him. My dad (who hunted with me), shot a 5x5 the first year and never saw an elk this last year.

i know nm pretty good. alot of areas to hunt. it would take forever to write it call me i will let you know all that i know. 915 820 9050

thanks darrack! I certainly will give you a call.

Driving that road from Castilla to Taos in the dark a few years back when i was in high school, my pickup cab came about 2 feet from taking off the head of a huge bull elk,(or maybe the cab of my pickup haha) first elk i'd ever seen in the wild. turned around and watched it stand in the road a few seconds. naturally, i crapped myself. bet it's a good place to hunt.

I live in unit 36 in Capitan near Ruidoso NM and this past year i videoed a bull that would easily go 400 inches and i guided 2 hunters one missed about a 360 bull with a 20 inch drop tine the first day and the other one shot about a 340 6x6 the second day. and the year before i shot a 6x7 with a muzzleloader that scored 330. Call me at 575 937 7766 or shoot me a email at connorhunting@yahoo.com and ill be more than happy to help you out.

What Shane87 said.

Gila Wilderness - Units 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D.

16B is wilderness only - no vehicles.

And the odds of a draw are about the same whether you go bow or rifle.

And the odds are no better with a guide / outfitter - but that is not what they will tell you.

Get a deer tag for the same unit. Hunt the deer first, and do your elk scouting while deer hunting.

Good Luck!