I was curious if anyone is willing to share any pointers, tips, etc. for New Mexico Unit 2 elk hunting. My brothers and I have done a little bit of elk hunting but not near this area so this will be our first time in the NW New Mexico area. I know a lot of oil field activity is in that area and have heard finding water is the key. This hunt will be during the rut which I think will help but since it is such a big unit/area was hoping some people could help point me in the right direction or if they had bad experiences in a certain area share that information as well. Not looking for any secret spots or anything just a general direction to help kick start e-scouting before we put boots on the ground this summer. Thanks!

Take a UTV, roads are nasty. Real nasty if you have moisture. Low density unit cluster for elk, better know as a migration end point for Southern CO mule deer. Just have to cover country, don’t be scared to walk out a track if you cut across a big bull

Get in the nastiest area you can find. If you scout water prior to the opener, don't be too surprised to find lots of sign at the water hole, and then people literally pitching tents at the water hole. Happened to me. Found 7 bulls in an area that was closed to any sort of vehicle traffic. Good luck!