Elk in New Mexico

[Radarcarve]

A buddy and I both won the draw for licenses to hunt a Bull Elk this season. I can hardly wait! The area where we will be hunting is near Cuba, New Mexico... woodland interspersed with occasional meadows. I recently bought an 1886 Model Winchester in 33 WCF... a 1906 made takedown deluxe, and figure it should be the perfect rifle for elk in high desert woodlands. But I have a question... when I sight it in, what distance should I have it centered for? I am guessing 100 yards, but would appreciate some advice.

 

[tarosean]

What unit? 100yrds is fine.

 

[mdauben]

I recently bought an 1886 Model Winchester in 33 WCF... a 1906 made takedown deluxe, and figure it should be the perfect rifle for elk in high desert woodlands.

How are you fixed for ammo? My understanding is that commercial production of .33 WCF ammo ended decades ago and these days even components are getting hard to come by.

Still, bagging an elk with a classic old gun like that would really be a special feeling.

 

[X-Rap]

I have 2 guns that are my primary elk rifles, one is a 45-70 and I have killed a number of them with it, the other is what some would call overkill. I would advise you to take another scoped 7mm/30 + scoped gun in case for what ever reason the close shots don't materialize. (its prudent to have a spare in camp anyway)
My experience in NM is that the elk are usually not pressured hard due to limited draws so your first choice should be fine, sight in at 100 and be prepared to shoot from 0-200.