Hey Jim - I just drew an Elk tag for the upcoming season in New Mexico. I’m stoked for this hunt. Will my .30-06 work for this hunt?
I have been on a few elk hunts w/friends and we all carried 30-06 rifles. No opportunities were lost and all elk shot died within eyesight of the the shooter. This was CO and WY. But, if you want a new rifle, by all means!!
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Congrats! Your 30-06 will suit the hunt nicely. Are you familiar with the unit already?
Shot this guy with a 240 Weatherby Mag with a 95 grain bullet so I think a 30-06 will be just fine.
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Have not hunted elk before and have not hunted in NM. Our party drew area 351 and we have a guide. I am always open to advice and guidance from those with more experience. I’m really looking forward to it.
You will have a blast. Send pics after you bag one.
Anyone ever hunt elk with a 45-70 lever gun? That’s my other option.
That is just awesome. Hope my hunt is successful.
If your going with a good reputable guide your odds have gone way up. I personally would not limit my self with a 45-70. Chances of a 300+ yard shot are good. 30-06 is the perfect all around gun. 300 yard shot would be no problem with it. 300 yards with the 45-70 will be much more challenging. Past 300 forget it. Which guide service are you going with, and how many points did it take you to draw. Just talked to a guide there about two weeks ago. He was wanting me to put in but I was looking and it looks like it might be 10 + years to draw. Not sure if I will have the will to climb those mountains in ten years. Lol
This is my third year applying, so I had minimal points. Unit 351 was our 3rd choice, and we simply got very lucky. We also drew tags for antelope. My buddy is an experienced hunter and we applied as a group with him. Our guide service is New Mexico Hunt Co (Ken Grady). Looking forward to filling this tag in Oct and adding some elk meat to the freezer. I’ll take your advice and leave my Henry at home. Appreciate the guidance.
Man you sure are lucky! I wish I was in your shoes. Elk hunting is a blast. No problems on the advice. Please let me know how you guys do. I will say a prayer that you all harvest something but most of all for a safe trip and that you have fun!
I hope you have a successful hunt. Enjoy the natural beauty and have fun with your hunting partners. Post up some photos of your adventures.
You won’t like my advice here. If I was going on a NM guided elk hunt I would use that as an excuse to buy something new like a Bergara 7mm PRC or whatever. Celebrate the occasion! Of course money is money. Not sure what the shooting situations will be but if out past 350 yds then something new would be fun.
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I like that answer! I’m looking at a 7 PRC Bergara, SA Waypoint or the Weatherby 307 Alpine. It’s an excellent excuse to get a cartridge that will stretch! Also considering 6.8 Western