Rough way to start the day….

William Reinicke said:
Worse feeling ever…. Knowing I may have to start buying beef again.
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William,
That IS a rough way to start the day! Once you get used to lean wild game it is very hard to eat store bought anything. Personally, I don't have the patience for applying but my wife, a state employee is quite good at it.
RM
 
A buddy and his son both drew Bull elk, first week of duck season. So I will likely go and help with that hunt. They were a help on my elk last year. May or may not get a little something out of that. Wont be a ton though.

Im fortunate that I get a few deer every year out of texas. All corn fed deer. Again, its just a little bit, better than nothing. Nothing like getting your own elk and getting 80% of the meat back to your own freezer though. I always give some to the guys who help out on the hunts.

But ya... it feels like a high school rejection this morning.
 
William,
I haven't been able to afford Alaska for some time, at least with a clear conscious since wife is trying to retire. Always thought it would be fun to hunt Barbary sheep. In Texas, those hunts are all on private ranches and getting crazy expensive as well. Have you ever applied for Oryx in New Mexico? No idea what they taste like.
RM
 
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RM Anderson said:
William,
I haven't been able to afford Alaska for some time, at least with a clear conscious since wife is trying to retire. Always thought it would be fun to hunt Barbary sheep. In Texas, those hunts are all on private ranches and getting crazy expensive as well. Have you ever applied for Onyx in New Mexico? No idea what they taste like.
RM
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yup put in for barbary, elk and oryx. Oryx is the best meat you will ever taste. Barbary are technically over the counter in the state except for 2 units. In those 2 units you have to draw. They roam free here, no private ranch hunts. Like that style better. Oryx are technically on the missile range. Once in a lifetime. Ill be lucky if i ever draw that tag, but better believe I always try. My coworker drew it this year. Hopefully i get a few lbs of meat to try.
 
RM Anderson said:
William,
Not too late for spring turkey!
RM
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meh.... turkey really doesnt excite me lol. Not worth the $5/gal in fuel. Rather stay home and make decoys. Id rather chase some bass but even then.... they arent worth the fuel either.

My buddy and his wife both drew cow elk. So hypothetically speaking, if everyone tags out, we will all have enough meat to fill everyone's freezer. That makes me feel a ton better. Ill just have to play mule this year. Im very ok with that. Time off requested!
 
Dani said:
I am not much of a big game hunter but would love to do the oryx hunt one day. Is it a preference point system for the draws?
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No, just put in and hope you get drawn. Obviously being resident vs non-resident helps. Less percentage of non-residents get drawn for any of the hunts in the state. I know the once in a lifetime stuff, you have to get a background check done since its actually on the base. Whats a little sketch about these hunts, you can lose out on your hunt if they are performing active military missions that day too. Im not sure if you get redated or the opportunity to try and draw again. I have to go back in the regs and read about what happens if that is the case.
 
After my first MI I did lots of research and inquiry as to what game was best for me to eat on a regular basis.. Bison and Moose topped the list, then Elk. I've been a bird, waterfowl & small hunter (all kinds) all my life cuz that is what I could afford and do most often. Deer hunting is a must for Food not antlers. That is how I was raised. Small game, waterfowl, deer and fish = Food. There are small game, waterfowl, and venison in the freezer. Bison I can get local and moose when my buddy gets one. I have found Moose to be the Best tasting. Grey, Black and Fox squirrels very good and tasty lean meat. Geezers eat less than in younger days.

When PA started the Elk hunts I did apply for the draw for a couple years then I stopped, was not worth it to me. I sure have seen my share of big game on my many trips out west for upland birds and waterfowl. All the rules, regs and drawings were just way to much for me not even counting the $$$$$$$ involved. Must be I'm spoiled by living the somewhat affordable life style that I chose as a child and stuck with. I do admire the do it yourself Big Game Hunters that is for sure. Way outta my league.

Oh, and as far as "rejections", writers and artists pretty much top the list. Ya get used to them.

my 2 cents
 
Good afternoon, William,

Sorry you did not draw, same here for me and several of my friends. Seems that the non-residents applying with the outfitters get the slots.
New Mexico never changes. 18 years since my last draw hunt.

Dennis S.
Rio Rancho, NM
 
Dennis Schneider said:
Good afternoon, William,

Sorry you did not draw, same here for me and several of my friends. Seems that the non-residents applying with the outfitters get the slots.
New Mexico never changes. 18 years since my last draw hunt.

Dennis S.
Rio Rancho, NM
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Dennis!!! Long time no talk or run into you. Hope all is well with you sir! I was able get ol Marci out of retirement for 1 hunt last year. It was a great time.

We were able to get a few tags drawn in the group. Unfortunately not for myself. I dont mind having my year to help pack animals out. Its all part of the adventure and at least I will get see and explore new country with great friends. Very excited for a young man to get a bull elk tag and it being his first year eligible to be able to hunt. Im very excited for that opportunity to see and witness. So from lows to highs in a couple hours with all this.

Always a pleasure to hear from one of the greats in this state. I guess as the saying goes.... Hopefully next year!
 
Looks like the NMDGF website has crashed, can't get access right now. We (group of 3) drew NR archery elk in 2015 but nothing since then. Checked my CC and they haven't issued a refund so there's still hope.
 
Pete McMiller said:
Looks like the NMDGF website has crashed, can't get access right now. We (group of 3) drew NR archery elk in 2015 but nothing since then. Checked my CC and they haven't issued a refund so there's still hope.
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I havent got my refund either. The website ALWAYS crashes on this day lol. Its notorious for that, every single year. If you click on the "Big game draw applications" link, it takes you to the login and lets you see your draw results. GOOD LUCK!!! Hope you do better than I did.

And I hope I get my refund soon.... I took the money and put it towards ammo lol.
 
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