NM Merriam Hunting

[JL_Longbeard]

Hey folks, I've got an exciting gobbler hunt coming up in the NM mountains, Sandia Mountains more specifically, and I am having a hard time finding anything about the area. I am mostly concerned with footwear. Here in PA, I usually stick with my Lacrosse Burlys, but this is a mountainous area and I am wondering if a normal Hiking boot may be more suited. I looked on some hiking forums for any info, but am coming up short. I know its a minor thing, but I want to be prepared. Any help or a point in the right direction would greatly be appreciated. Also, I just signed up for the 2020 OLD GOBBLER TURKEY HUNTING TEAM CONTEST & can't wait to make some braggart posts!

Thanks!

[GobbleNut]

A  good portion of the area you are talking about is closed to turkey hunting, so refer to the NM Hunting Proclamation and the unit boundaries before you head out. 

Yes, hiking boots are generally better for hunting this country than about any other kind of footwear.

Glad you got in the contest.  Those "braggart" posts are an absolute must! 

[JL_Longbeard]

A  good portion of the area you are talking about is closed to turkey hunting, so refer to the NM Hunting Proclamation and the unit boundaries before you head out. 

Thanks for that heads up GobbleNut. We are headed to the southern end of that Mountain range. Maybe a few days in Gila also. Big maybe on that one.
Thanks for the footwear input as well. Have you been fortunate enough to harvest a Rio?

[GobbleNut]

A  good portion of the area you are talking about is closed to turkey hunting, so refer to the NM Hunting Proclamation and the unit boundaries before you head out. 

Thanks for that heads up GobbleNut. We are headed to the southern end of that Mountain range. Maybe a few days in Gila also. Big maybe on that one.
Thanks for the footwear input as well. Have you been fortunate enough to harvest a Rio?

Glad to help out JL.  Good luck on your hunt here. 

Yes, I have killed a number of Rios,...but not in New Mexico.  Most of our birds in the mountainous areas are Merriams,...as are the ones in the areas you reference.   If you are looking for Rios in the general vicinity of where you are talking about, they are found along the Rio Grande River between Albuquerque and TorC, but the hunting is very limited there on public land. 

[Rapscallion Vermilion]

A  good portion of the area you are talking about is closed to turkey hunting, so refer to the NM Hunting Proclamation and the unit boundaries before you head out. 

Thanks for that heads up GobbleNut. We are headed to the southern end of that Mountain range. Maybe a few days in Gila also. Big maybe on that one.
Thanks for the footwear input as well. Have you been fortunate enough to harvest a Rio?

The area south of Interstate 40, GMU 14, is referred to locally as the Manzano Mountains and is open to hunting with firearms.  North of I-40, GMU 8, is the Sandia Mountains, and is a draw hunt, archery only unit.  It sounds like you are referring to the Manzano Mountains and will be fine with firearms. 

[Southerngobbler]

I hunted in the Gila for many years and if it's anything like that you can encounter high water in the creek bottoms, which is also typically where the hiking trails are. Sometimes you have to cross the creek 5 or 6 times to get a mile or so down the valley. If that's the case no boot out there is going to keep you dry and I use footwear similar to what I might wear in the everglades of Florida. Something that will drain quickly, sometimes just an old pair of tennis shoes with slits cut in them. Boots are nice if the waters not to high and you can pick your way across. You probably wont know till you get there so bring both.

[JL_Longbeard]

Thanks fellas! I was leaning on packing a hiking boot and my Lacrosse's.... Looks like I will keep on planning that way.

On another note, we are flying out there and Southwest has unbeatable ticket prices... my whole trip (lodging with family members) is sub $500 with airfare and license. Why wouldn't you go?

[Dtrkyman]

I ran in the Sandias when I lived in Albuquerque briefly.

There is some rugged terrain in there but quite a few trails, not sure exactly where the hunting is allowed up there but e prepared for some steep rocky stuff!

I would think a water source is pretty important.


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[Hobbes]

Rubber boots will turn your feet to hamburger in that kind of country. I wore the same boots religiously in the Shawnee hills of Southern IL, but had to give them up in the mountains.

[cutt down]

I wore a 10" browning hunting boot that is lightweight. A hybrid more or less with a hiker. Gaiters are fantastic for this combo.

[Crghss]

I like Merrill Moab hiking boots. Lite and dry fast.

Checkout https://www.rokslide.com/  Geared towards big game hunting but a lot of good gear info.

[jtsmith3]

I'll be out there coming from Arizona. I'll be wearing my Danner Pronghorns. Same boots I wear for elk hunting because it's the same country.

Speaking of elk hunting... The Arizona Game and Fish generously took my funds for two elk tags today. My wife and I will be archery bull hunting again this year!

[JL_Longbeard]

Speaking of elk hunting... The Arizona Game and Fish generously took my funds for two elk tags today. My wife and I will be archery bull hunting again this year!

That's awesome!  Congrats on that. I can only imagine what it's like to call a bull elk in. Good luck & thanks for the boot reco.

Thanks to all of y'all for all the recommendations on boots. Good stuff


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[Dtrkyman]

Go to a store that carries multiple brands of hiking boots, try them all on, buy the ones that fit your feet!!!

Brake them in before getting there