Both Elk and Deer!

[biku324]

Opened my email yesterday and found that I've drawn both elk and deer permits from NM Dept of Game & Fish that will allow me to hunt out of my back door. This is the first time in decades I've drawn both since the system changed in the late '80s. I've been 'skunked' several years and routinely put in for deer, elk, antelope, and Barbary sheep hoping to get even one permit.

This will close out my big game hunting (age 70 is old enough) - I've unlimbered my Marlin Zane Grey in 405 JES for both hunts. I'll use heavy 41 mag handgun bullets for deer, then change to my stash of discontinued Hornady 300 grain JFP for elk. Next year I'll try to find a deserving young hunter to pass on the rifle and ancillary equipment.

I am really looking forward to this final set of seasons! Now I need a lottery ticket.

 

[Rudi]

These will be your best hunts ever.

 

[biku324]

I suspect they will be.

 

[JET4]

Enjoy your hunts.

 

[jscheck]

Outstanding! I'm jealous! I hope you'll post pictures of your success (if not here at least send me a PM with'em!)

 

[biku324]

Outstanding! I'm jealous! I hope you'll post pictures of your success (if not here at least send me a PM with'em!)

You bet I will!

 

[YeshuaIsa53]

It must have been your time. Good luck and happy hunting.

 

[dockmurgw]

Great way to have a final season...enjoy every minute of it. I'm hoping this will be the year I draw a VT moose permit.

 

[pharman]

Good for you!

Good for you...hope you have a successful hunt...I really like what you said about passing your rifle on to a deserving young hunter after you complete these hunts...I can tell you I did just that with my New England 44 magnum rifle I used for deer hunting in Ohio...I left my 12 year old Grandson use it the last 2 "Youth" hunts here in Ohio and he bagged Whitetail deer with it both seasons...I told him since he harvested 2 deer with my rifle I wanted him to have it and gave it to him...he told me yesterday at our Family Easter get together he is looking forward to using it this Fall for another deer hunt...I am looking forward to hunting with him in our deer blind and hoping he gets deer #3...Roger

 

[biku324]

That's perfect!

 

[Erich]

Right on, amigo - what a nice way to close out a hunting hobby. Enjoy!

 

[ladder13]

I’ve never hunted elk, but we get 6 deer tags in NC where I hunt.

 

[Bald1]

When you say deer are we talking Whitetail Mule or what? Are all deer tags in state a lottery?

 

[lihpster]

Congratulations! Sounds like you got your work cut out for ya. I'll be looking for the elk sausage karma!

 

[biku324]

When you say deer are we talking Whitetail Mule or what? Are all deer tags in state a lottery?

Mule deer. Yes, deer permits are by draw.

 

[Bald1]

Are they by draw because of a small population/habitat? I know nothing about NM deer herds. I just don’t remember hearing about other states having draws for resident deer tags. But I’m sure there are others.

 

[biku324]

Yes, indeed - NM is mostly arid, although we have 6 of the 7 life zones. That and our population has more than doubled since the '80s, when you only had to draw for elk but could buy a deer, bear, and turkey license at any vendor.

No place warm is safe from snowbirds!

 

[lihpster]

Are they by draw because of a small population/habitat? I know nothing about NM deer herds. I just don’t remember hearing about other states having draws for resident deer tags. But I’m sure there are others.

In Oregon the west side is general season. Just buy your tag and go hunt. The east side is all a draw.

 

[dave1918a2]

Lived and hunted in Colorado for 52 years. Quit Elk hunting at 75 as We were just too old to handle the big things. Enjoy Your last hunt. I certainly did.

 

[biku324]

Thank you! Bill