| Going on an elk hunt can be one of your greatest | | | | Some prefer the added challenge that a bow and |
| activities and accomplishments in your life. If not | | | | arrow brings to a hunt. There is nothing like being |
| planned out carefully, it can become one of your | | | | 15 yards away from a 1000 plus pound animal. |
| worst experiences. There are many ways to hunt | | | | Hunting elk with a bow is much harder than |
| a New Mexico elk. A hunter can choose an array | | | | hunting with any rifle. A very skilled archer would |
| of different weapons to harvest their dream | | | | need to be within 60 yards of an elk to shoot. A |
| animal. Many hunters use bow and arrow, while | | | | less skilled shooter would need to be much closer |
| some like black powder, for others a rifle offers | | | | than that. |
| the most assuring method of hunting elk. Having a | | | | Black Powder rifles offer another alternative in |
| weapon that you are comfortable with and that is | | | | your weapon arsenal. Hunts with black powder |
| finely tuned is critical to a successful hunt. Some | | | | can be a little easier than bow and arrow. You |
| hunters try and get away with using the same | | | | must be a good shot to hunt with black powder. |
| rifle for all their big game needs. Let me tell you, | | | | You only have one shot at a time. Hunters must |
| anyone who has hunted an elk can vouch that all | | | | reload between every shot. Many black powder |
| big game were not created equal. Having a higher | | | | rifles are open sight as well. Meaning they do not |
| caliber rifle for your elk hunt in New Mexico can | | | | have a scope on them, some of the newer |
| help you be more productive. | | | | models do come equipped with scopes. |
| There are many benefits that can come from | | | | A major reminder, there is no single weapon that |
| having a higher caliber rifle. Yes a skilled hunter | | | | every hunter should use, or that promises the |
| could probably shoot an elk with even a .22 | | | | trophy elk. Remember finding a weapon that you |
| caliber, but it is not as secure and forgiving as | | | | are comfortable with, that you know how it |
| some of the higher caliber rifles. Most of us are | | | | shoots is far more important than having a |
| not perfect shots and need all the help we can | | | | weapon listed above. You must also put some |
| get. Some of the more popular caliber elk hunting | | | | valuable practice time in at the range or gun club |
| rifles are: .300 mag, .308, .30-06, 7mm, and .270. | | | | before each hunt to maximize your performance. |
| Of course there are many other models that | | | | Do not worry about keeping up with the "Jones" |
| qualify as big game shooters, but these are some | | | | do it your way, the way you know how and then |
| of the tried and true models. | | | | share your experiences. |