Predator Hunts
Predator hunting in the Carson National Forest in northern New Mexico offers exciting opportunities for predator hunters, with a diverse range of terrain and species. The Carson National Forest, located near Taos, spans over 1.5 million acres and features varied landscapes from high mountain ranges to expansive valleys, all of which provide excellent habitats for all predators.
Coyote Hunting
Coyotes are one of the most popular predators to hunt in New Mexico. The Carson National Forest, with its diverse environments, provides ideal conditions for coyotes, which thrive in open meadows, forested hills, and even around areas with human development.
Hunting Seasons
Coyote hunting is open year-round in New Mexico, with no closed season.
Hunting Techniques
Calling: Coyotes are often hunted using predator calls that mimic distressed animals (such as rabbits or other small mammals). Electronic calls are widely used for their ease and effectiveness.
Common calls include rabbit distress, coyote vocalizations, or fawn distress.
Coyotes are most responsive during the early morning and late afternoon when they are most active.
Spot and Stalk: Coyotes are often found in open areas or on the edges of wooded areas.
Decoys: A coyote decoy or distressed animal decoy can help draw coyotes in closer. The use of decoys often works best when combined with calls.
Gear
Rifles: The most common caliber for coyote hunting is typically between .223 Remington and .243 Winchester. Semi-automatic rifles are often preferred for quick follow-up shots, but bolt-action rifles are also suitable.
Calls: Handheld mouth calls or electronic calls (such as the FoxPro) can be very effective.
Bobcats
Bobcats are more elusive than coyotes, but they are present in the Carson National Forest. Bobcat hunting requires a bit more patience and stealth due to their solitary nature and quiet habits.
Hunting Seasons
Bobcat Season: The hunting season for bobcats generally runs from November to March in New Mexico, though exact dates can vary each year.
Bag Limits: Bobcats are subject to bag limits. For most hunters, the limit is one bobcat per season.
Hunting Techniques
Calling: Similar to coyote hunting, calling is a common technique for bobcats. Bobcat calls often use bird distress or rabbit distress sounds to attract the cats. Electronic calls or hand calls can be effective, but patience is key, as bobcats tend to respond more slowly than coyotes.
Predator Calling: Using the same calls for both bobcats and coyotes can be effective. However, bobcats may require a quieter, more subtle approach.
Spotting and Stalking: Bobcats are known for being shy and elusive, so you may need to slowly stalk through areas where they are known to frequent, such as near creek beds, rocky outcrops, and areas with dense brush or low vegetation.
Gear
Rifles or Shotguns: A .223 or .243 rifle can be used for bobcats, though many hunters prefer a .22-250 caliber for its flat trajectory and accuracy. A shotgun with #4 or #6 shot is also effective in close-range scenarios.
Calls: Hand or electronic calls that mimic the distress sounds of small mammals, such as rabbits or birds, are best for bobcats.
Regulations
Licenses: You’ll need a valid New Mexico hunting license. For non-residents, you can purchase a combination hunting and fishing license or apply for a specific game license for predators.
Hunting coyotes and bobcats in the Carson National Forest offers a chance to hunt in one of New Mexico’s most scenic and diverse areas. Whether you’re calling in coyotes in the forested hills or setting up to spot and stalk bobcats in the open terrain, patience and preparation are key. The Carson National Forest provides a great setting for predator hunting with varied terrain, making it a prime location for these thrilling pursuits.
Black Bear
Spot and stalk hunting for black bears in the Carson National Forest, guided by Double O Outfitters, offers a unique and thrilling experience for hunters. This method involves locating black bears from a distance using binoculars or spotting scopes, and then carefully stalking them through the dense forest terrain. The Carson National Forest, with its diverse ecosystem of dense forests, rocky ridges, and open meadows, provides ideal habitat for black bears, making it an excellent location for this type of hunting. The skilled guides of Double O Outfitters are experienced in navigating the forest and tracking bears, helping hunters take advantage of natural cover and the changing landscape to get as close as possible to the animal without spooking it.
In addition to spot and stalk hunts, Double O Outfitters also offers the opportunity for black bear hunting over water sources in the Carson National Forest. Black bears are often drawn to watering holes, streams, or small ponds, particularly during the warmer months when they seek out hydration. Setting up near these natural water sources allows hunters to take advantage of the bear's predictable behavior, as they tend to visit these locations at dawn and dusk. The guides at Double O Outfitters know the best areas to set up blinds or tree stands, ensuring a higher chance of success. This type of hunt provides a more controlled environment where hunters can anticipate bear movement, blending patience with precision. With both spot and stalk techniques and water-based hunting strategies, Double O Outfitters offers versatile and exciting opportunities to pursue black bears in one of New Mexico's most scenic and wildlife-rich regions.
