SwampMafia Report post Posted October 3, 2014 My father and I took a week long hunting trip to the UU bar ranch in New Mexico. From the time we drove through the white gates we knew it was a special place. Hundreds of antelope grazed the fields and we could see rutting bulls from the front porch of the lodge. Upon checking in, the wildlife manager john caid informed us we would be hunting their high country and staying in a cabin on a private lake at 10,000 feet in elevation. The dirt road up to the cabin took us 22 miles up into the mountains from the lodge and any other signs of civilization. Driving up in the evening we saw herds in the open parks numbering from 20-50 elk. This was exciting! That night I couldn't sleep with all the bugles right outside my window! Opening morning we were outside planning where to hunt and decided to just walk out the back door and chase after bugles!! Why drive somewhere when the elk are right there? We walked 100 yards and immediately spotted a bull. He was a small 6x6 with short 3rds. that picture doesn't show him well. We continued to chase bugles and located more elk than I can count. This ranch is truly a majestic place, I have never on tv or in real life heard or seen so many elk! They were fighting and breeding and screaming their heads off! I got video of 2 6x6 goin at it with each other. Anyway, we were sorting through bulls looking for a management 5x6 or below to meet the qualifications of my tag. About 9 o'clock we found a 315 class 5x6 who had been run off by the herd bull. My guide blew the cow call and he turned broadside and the 150 grain 30-06 ballistic tip dropped him in his tracks. Here's the results!! I couldn't be more pleased with my bull!!! I was able to catch a few trout later that day too! Made for a good meal. Next it was my dads turn, he passed up bulls till day 2 and finally took a 6x4 bull in his bed ! This was one of the best experiences of my life! I have never heard of or seen such quantities of elk in such beautiful country! It was unbelievable!! Good luck to all who have tags coming up! Elk hunting is a way of life! 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6ANut Report post Posted October 4, 2014 Great pics and bull. Elk hunt is a way of life, that is awesome, I tell my friends the same thing. I am so jealous UU bar ranch is one of the holy grails for elk. Great father and son time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossislider Report post Posted October 4, 2014 Sounds like a great trip! Congratulations to all. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
reezenhunter Report post Posted October 4, 2014 Any where john caid is will be elk heaven. He deserves all credit for wmat bulls I respect that guy 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cmbbulldog Report post Posted October 4, 2014 Sounds like a great time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt Meyer Report post Posted October 4, 2014 Awesome bulls. Congrats to all Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwampMafia Report post Posted October 5, 2014 Thanks guys! It was an amazing experience! John caid sure does know how to manage the elk! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
randyolson Report post Posted October 6, 2014 Very nice!!! Congratulations on your Bull!! Enjoyed the story and pics!! Thanks!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ElkyG Report post Posted October 6, 2014 Congrats to you and your Dad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cvw789 Report post Posted October 7, 2014 Looks like a fun trip. Congrats ! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MULEPACKHUNTER Report post Posted October 7, 2014 Looks like a great trip with Dad. Dirt bikes rock! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwampMafia Report post Posted October 30, 2014 Thanks it was! And dirtbikes do rock!!!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SwampMafia Report post Posted December 17, 2014 @bhammond87 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
