Is any one planning to hunt the Gila Forest in New Mexico? Has anyone hunted it in the past? Have you seen turkeys while hunting or hiking the forest?

Wife and I are heading to New Mexico in a couple weeks to find some big merriams. Wife is hoping for her first bird and I want to add to the slam collection. Anyone have current forest conditions, effects of all the snow and rain, current turkey activity, good areas to try, techniques that work to find the birds, etc. Any info is greatly appreciated. If you'll be out there hunting, maybe we can hook up and trade stories.

White Hunter

Hello White Hunter..

I hunt here every year and allways see alot of birds. Killed a nice on last year in area 36, but it really dont matter where you go. I THINK the out of state tag is around $70 to $80. I will be hunting around area 34 this year. There are allways big birds there.

Think about it and let me know. I dont know what part of NM you are going to. But if you are in the area, you are welcome at my camp anytime.

Leroy

Yep, I've seen some turkey on the Gila. I live below Glenwood and was going to hunt them too for the first time. I don't want to necessarilly tell everyone where I would go but I'll be glad to share some info. I saw a big Tom a week or so ago. Send a regular e-mail and I'll get back with you. B

You might have more luck if you posted this in the Turkey Hunting forum.

Thanks Rambopacker and Hunter 338....I sent emails with a few questions.

Email didn't work...Here's what I sent you Hunter338...

Sounds like you're hunting the Lincoln forest. We're planning to hunt the Gila forest over in the area of unit 16.

Few questions....What type of areas are best to find the turkeys...elevation, vegetation, food source, water source, etc.? What is the typical breeding period? We plan to hunt the first week of the season. Will the toms be henned up or will the hens be on the nest already? Any tips for hunting the merriams? I'm from WI and have a few years experience with
easterns.

Never got an e-mail but I can tell you it's a little early right now for calling them in or that is what I'm hearing from hunters and others I've talked too. Lots of hunters out on the forest right now but they are thinning out already.