User Panel
Posted: 8/21/2016 1:02:37 PM EDT
I'm contemplating an archery and/or rifle elk and mule deer hunt in Idaho this year and would like some help from folks in the know. I am also considering Colorado, but I will start another thread for that.
I know it is getting close to opening for archery season and I've missed the window to draw a tag so I am looking at hunts where I can purchase the tags over the counter. I likely won't be able to scout before the hunt(s) start but should have the time available to hunt the duration of the season and possibly even be able to arrive a few days before the hunt begins to learn the lay of the land. Also, I don't mind hiking in several miles to secluded spots and actually prefer hunting further from the easy access areas but I also want to be somewhere that I can drive in to set up a base camp. I'm an experienced hunter although this year will be my first time hunting elk. Having said that, I have some experience with elk and their behavior. I am also experienced with the outdoors so hunting alone in rugged areas with no one around and no cell phone coverage isn't a problem for me. Here are some questions I have: What are some good areas to hunt where I will a) have public access and b) will be able to find at least decent populations of both elk and mule deer? In AZ, the Game and Fish sells elk tags for units that basically don't have any elk. I would like to avoid that situation with an expensive out of state hunt. What are the weather conditions like in the areas suggested? I will need to know what to expect for September, October, and November. Also, if you recommend an area to hunt, what kind of terrain should I expect to encounter there? If it is forest, how thick is it? If mountainous, what kind of elevations will I be dealing with? Are the elk and deer still in velvet in September? Will the elk be in the rut then? What are Idaho's pre-requisites for hunting big game? From what I have gathered so far, I will need to buy a hunting license, a tag for the animals I want to hunt, and take a hunter education course. Can I take the hunter ed course online? Are there any other requirements, such as something like a conservation stamp? What about hunt reporting requirements? Do I need to wear any blaze orange clothing while hunting? For the general deer tags, they are good for either mule deer or whitetail, correct? I would prefer to hunt mule deer but if a nice whitetail were to walk by and it was legal, I'm not one to pass up a golden opportunity. It looks like the Lolo, Elk City, and Dworshak Zones still have archery elk tags available. Can someone explain to me how to find out if there are corresponding archery mule deer tags currently available in these areas for the Aug. 30-Sep. 30 hunts? The Idaho F&G list deer tags as being available but as far as I can tell doesn't include any information about dates or areas for the tags. If a unit is listed in the zone, I'm guessing that means the tag is only good for that unit, correct? If no unit is given and only the zone is listed, does that mean the tag is good for the entire zone? What is the difference between an A and a B tag? Of what is currently available, are there any particular hunts that you would recommend for a non-resident's first time hunting in Idaho? If so, why? Ideally I would like to hunt both elk and mule deer, but I am also open to just elk if a corresponding mule deer tag isn't available for a recommended hunt. I'm sure I will have more questions to ask later but that is all I can think of at the moment. I appreciate any and all help that is offered. Muddling one's way through another state's hunting regulations can be pretty confusing for those not familiar with the process. |
|
Guy at work did it last year. Pretty amazing journey. There are some real secluded areas to hunt if you can travel. He hiked in with his buddy and the took a route over a mountain so they rented llamas...yes llamas... You are also allowed to use atv's to move equipment to and from your camp. I'm not sure where he hunted but like I said there are huge areas to hunt. Out of state licence and tag was over $500 together. If it is like Wyoming there will be areas where you need a guide if your not a resident. Figure out the area you like and get a blm map, will show you the public and private lands.
I took my hunter safety course online for free. Check your fish and game commission for that you will probably need the card to hunt anywhere out west. Hunting license and elk tag is probably all you need. I'd wear orange even if not required, you get lost out there and it will help people find you. Enjoy, I'm looking forward to a trip out there one day. |
|
I have friends that grew up in N.Idaho that always hunted St.Regis area, MT Idaho border.
When they moved to Mt to work they went to the same area on the Mt side. Forest service public land and A lot of country. Seen many elk they have brought home and some book makers. |
|
Quoted:
I'm contemplating an archery and/or rifle elk and mule deer hunt in Idaho this year and would like some help from folks in the know. I am also considering Colorado, but I will start another thread for that. I know it is getting close to opening for archery season and I've missed the window to draw a tag so I am looking at hunts where I can purchase the tags over the counter. I likely won't be able to scout before the hunt(s) start but should have the time available to hunt the duration of the season and possibly even be able to arrive a few days before the hunt begins to learn the lay of the land. Also, I don't mind hiking in several miles to secluded spots and actually prefer hunting further from the easy access areas but I also want to be somewhere that I can drive in to set up a base camp. I'm an experienced hunter although this year will be my first time hunting elk. Having said that, I have some experience with elk and their behavior. I am also experienced with the outdoors so hunting alone in rugged areas with no one around and no cell phone coverage isn't a problem for me. Here are some questions I have: What are some good areas to hunt where I will a) have public access and b) will be able to find at least decent populations of both elk and mule deer? In AZ, the Game and Fish sells elk tags for units that basically don't have any elk. I would like to avoid that situation with an expensive out of state hunt. What are the weather conditions like in the areas suggested? I will need to know what to expect for September, October, and November. Also, if you recommend an area to hunt, what kind of terrain should I expect to encounter there? If it is forest, how thick is it? If mountainous, what kind of elevations will I be dealing with? Are the elk and deer still in velvet in September? Will the elk be in the rut then? What are Idaho's pre-requisites for hunting big game? From what I have gathered so far, I will need to buy a hunting license, a tag for the animals I want to hunt, and take a hunter education course. Can I take the hunter ed course online? Are there any other requirements, such as something like a conservation stamp? What about hunt reporting requirements? Do I need to wear any blaze orange clothing while hunting? For the general deer tags, they are good for either mule deer or whitetail, correct? I would prefer to hunt mule deer but if a nice whitetail were to walk by and it was legal, I'm not one to pass up a golden opportunity. It looks like the Lolo, Elk City, and Dworshak Zones still have archery elk tags available. Can someone explain to me how to find out if there are corresponding archery mule deer tags currently available in these areas for the Aug. 30-Sep. 30 hunts? The Idaho F&G list deer tags as being available but as far as I can tell doesn't include any information about dates or areas for the tags. If a unit is listed in the zone, I'm guessing that means the tag is only good for that unit, correct? If no unit is given and only the zone is listed, does that mean the tag is good for the entire zone? What is the difference between an A and a B tag? Of what is currently available, are there any particular hunts that you would recommend for a non-resident's first time hunting in Idaho? If so, why? Ideally I would like to hunt both elk and mule deer, but I am also open to just elk if a corresponding mule deer tag isn't available for a recommended hunt. I'm sure I will have more questions to ask later but that is all I can think of at the moment. I appreciate any and all help that is offered. Muddling one's way through another state's hunting regulations can be pretty confusing for those not familiar with the process. View Quote Some tags may say either sex, either specie, mule deer or white tail. You may be able to buy a tag for each as well. In whatever combination that fish and game puts out for the year. An out of state combo license may include black bear as well. An online application will show what's available for each area after clicking that area. You might be running short of time for some areas to get a tag, |
|
Thanks for the input. I found out I won't need either the hunter education or bowhunter education as I have a valid hunting license from AZ and have participated in archery only hunts before.
What can anyone tell me about hunting elk and mule deer in the Selway and Middle Fork Zones? |
|
Quoted:
An A tag would be Antlered deer , B tag would be a doe. Some tags will be specific to which one. Some tags may say either sex, either specie, mule deer or white tail. You may be able to buy a tag for each as well. In whatever combination that fish and game puts out for the year. An out of state combo license may include black bear as well. An online application will show what's available for each area after clicking that area. You might be running short of time for some areas to get a tag, View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I'm contemplating an archery and/or rifle elk and mule deer hunt in Idaho this year and would like some help from folks in the know. I am also considering Colorado, but I will start another thread for that. I know it is getting close to opening for archery season and I've missed the window to draw a tag so I am looking at hunts where I can purchase the tags over the counter. I likely won't be able to scout before the hunt(s) start but should have the time available to hunt the duration of the season and possibly even be able to arrive a few days before the hunt begins to learn the lay of the land. Also, I don't mind hiking in several miles to secluded spots and actually prefer hunting further from the easy access areas but I also want to be somewhere that I can drive in to set up a base camp. I'm an experienced hunter although this year will be my first time hunting elk. Having said that, I have some experience with elk and their behavior. I am also experienced with the outdoors so hunting alone in rugged areas with no one around and no cell phone coverage isn't a problem for me. Here are some questions I have: What are some good areas to hunt where I will a) have public access and b) will be able to find at least decent populations of both elk and mule deer? In AZ, the Game and Fish sells elk tags for units that basically don't have any elk. I would like to avoid that situation with an expensive out of state hunt. What are the weather conditions like in the areas suggested? I will need to know what to expect for September, October, and November. Also, if you recommend an area to hunt, what kind of terrain should I expect to encounter there? If it is forest, how thick is it? If mountainous, what kind of elevations will I be dealing with? Are the elk and deer still in velvet in September? Will the elk be in the rut then? What are Idaho's pre-requisites for hunting big game? From what I have gathered so far, I will need to buy a hunting license, a tag for the animals I want to hunt, and take a hunter education course. Can I take the hunter ed course online? Are there any other requirements, such as something like a conservation stamp? What about hunt reporting requirements? Do I need to wear any blaze orange clothing while hunting? For the general deer tags, they are good for either mule deer or whitetail, correct? I would prefer to hunt mule deer but if a nice whitetail were to walk by and it was legal, I'm not one to pass up a golden opportunity. It looks like the Lolo, Elk City, and Dworshak Zones still have archery elk tags available. Can someone explain to me how to find out if there are corresponding archery mule deer tags currently available in these areas for the Aug. 30-Sep. 30 hunts? The Idaho F&G list deer tags as being available but as far as I can tell doesn't include any information about dates or areas for the tags. If a unit is listed in the zone, I'm guessing that means the tag is only good for that unit, correct? If no unit is given and only the zone is listed, does that mean the tag is good for the entire zone? What is the difference between an A and a B tag? Of what is currently available, are there any particular hunts that you would recommend for a non-resident's first time hunting in Idaho? If so, why? Ideally I would like to hunt both elk and mule deer, but I am also open to just elk if a corresponding mule deer tag isn't available for a recommended hunt. I'm sure I will have more questions to ask later but that is all I can think of at the moment. I appreciate any and all help that is offered. Muddling one's way through another state's hunting regulations can be pretty confusing for those not familiar with the process. Some tags may say either sex, either specie, mule deer or white tail. You may be able to buy a tag for each as well. In whatever combination that fish and game puts out for the year. An out of state combo license may include black bear as well. An online application will show what's available for each area after clicking that area. You might be running short of time for some areas to get a tag, Portion highlighted in Red is incorrect. It is unit dependent but as a general rule of thumb an A tag is an archery and muzzleloader tag. A B tag is basically a rifle tag. Now each unit has different rules for each type of tag. You can go to the Idaho Fish and Game website and look at a copy of the current regulations. |
|
I kind of got the jist of the A tag and B tag system.
I think I know the answer to this next question, but just in case, I'll ask it anyway. If I buy an A tag and there are multiple hunts listed for it ( for example, Sep. archery, Nov. muzzle loader, Dec. archery) that tag remains good for all those hunts, provided it hasn't been filled on an earlier hunt, correct? |
|
Quoted:
I kind of got the jist of the A tag and B tag system. I think I know the answer to this next question, but just in case, I'll ask it anyway. If I buy an A tag and there are multiple hunts listed for it ( for example, Sep. archery, Nov. muzzle loader, Dec. archery) that tag remains good for all those hunts, provided it hasn't been filled on an earlier hunt, correct? View Quote Correct. For example, let's say you have an A tag for a unit that lets you harvest a bull elk archery hunting. Season is something like September 1st through the 30th. If you don't fill your tag archery hunting, but the unit A tag has a cow/spike muzzle loader season in November you can use that tag to try and harvest that way. Just can't buy multiple tags really. I mean you can if your a resident who also buys an extra out of state tag. But for someone like yourself you will need to pick just 1 tag A or B for a unit. Just FYI some over the counter units are already sold out. For deer tags in Idaho (non draw) you buy either a regular deer tag or a whitetail only tag. Regular deer lets you hunt mule deer and white tail, but the whitetail season on that tag sucks. Whitetail only means just that, no shooting a mule deer. Which tag you get really depends on the unit and deer population. In general for over the counter tags whitetail only is a better tag for anything north of Cascade/McCall(there are a few exceptions to the east). South of that and east of that the regular deer tag is what you want if your gonna chase mule deer. |
|
Quoted:
Correct. For example, let's say you have an A tag for a unit that lets you harvest a bull elk archery hunting. Season is something like September 1st through the 30th. If you don't fill your tag archery hunting, but the unit A tag has a cow/spike muzzle loader season in November you can use that tag to try and harvest that way. Just can't buy multiple tags really. I mean you can if your a resident who also buys an extra out of state tag. But for someone like yourself you will need to pick just 1 tag A or B for a unit. Just FYI some over the counter units are already sold out. For deer tags in Idaho (non draw) you buy either a regular deer tag or a whitetail only tag. Regular deer lets you hunt mule deer and white tail, but the whitetail season on that tag sucks. Whitetail only means just that, no shooting a mule deer. Which tag you get really depends on the unit and deer population. In general for over the counter tags whitetail only is a better tag for anything north of Cascade/McCall(there are a few exceptions to the east). South of that and east of that the regular deer tag is what you want if your gonna chase mule deer. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
I kind of got the jist of the A tag and B tag system. I think I know the answer to this next question, but just in case, I'll ask it anyway. If I buy an A tag and there are multiple hunts listed for it ( for example, Sep. archery, Nov. muzzle loader, Dec. archery) that tag remains good for all those hunts, provided it hasn't been filled on an earlier hunt, correct? Correct. For example, let's say you have an A tag for a unit that lets you harvest a bull elk archery hunting. Season is something like September 1st through the 30th. If you don't fill your tag archery hunting, but the unit A tag has a cow/spike muzzle loader season in November you can use that tag to try and harvest that way. Just can't buy multiple tags really. I mean you can if your a resident who also buys an extra out of state tag. But for someone like yourself you will need to pick just 1 tag A or B for a unit. Just FYI some over the counter units are already sold out. For deer tags in Idaho (non draw) you buy either a regular deer tag or a whitetail only tag. Regular deer lets you hunt mule deer and white tail, but the whitetail season on that tag sucks. Whitetail only means just that, no shooting a mule deer. Which tag you get really depends on the unit and deer population. In general for over the counter tags whitetail only is a better tag for anything north of Cascade/McCall(there are a few exceptions to the east). South of that and east of that the regular deer tag is what you want if your gonna chase mule deer. Non-residents are allowed to buy an unsold non-resident elk or deer tag, to use as a second tag, starting August 1. That's from the book and was confirmed by the Idaho Fish and Game lady I spoke with before mailing off my application. There's no where on the application to put in for the second tag but she told me to just write the details in the margin and tack another $300.75 onto my check. I put in for an Elk City A tag and a Selway A tag. I also picked up a regular deer tag. My intention is to camp on National Forest land and hike in to hunt the wilderness areas. Judging from Google Earth, I should be able to drive reasonably close to the Gospel Hump and Selway Bitterroot Wildernesses. It looks like I will be a little far North for mule deer but that's okay. I'll still take a whitetail if the opportunity presents itself and if I tag out early on elk I can always move camp further South to hunt mulies. Why do you say the seasons suck for whitetail on the regular tag? Is it just because they aren't rutting? Rut rifle tags in AZ are so hard to get that the only time I get to hunt deer in the rut down here is with our OTC archery tags. One thing I haven't been able to establish yet is if I need to be wearing any blaze orange. I think I saw it suggested somewhere on the Fish and Game website, but I haven't seen anything stating it was a requirement. Another thing I would like to find out but forgot to ask the Fish and Game, is it legal for me to carry a pistol for protection while participating in an Archery only hunt? I know some states don't allow it, some states only allow guides to, and some states allow the carrying of "short barreled" pistols only. |
|
Quoted:
One thing I haven't been able to establish yet is if I need to be wearing any blaze orange. I think I saw it suggested somewhere on the Fish and Game website, but I haven't seen anything stating it was a requirement. Another thing I would like to find out but forgot to ask the Fish and Game, is it legal for me to carry a pistol for protection while participating in an Archery only hunt? I know some states don't allow it, some states only allow guides to, and some states allow the carrying of "short barreled" pistols only. View Quote Idaho prides itself in being a free state. As such they don't tell you what clothes to wear. And yes, you can carry a defensive side-arm. Good hunting. |
|
Quoted:
Non-residents are allowed to buy an unsold non-resident elk or deer tag, to use as a second tag, starting August 1. That's from the book and was confirmed by the Idaho Fish and Game lady I spoke with before mailing off my application. There's no where on the application to put in for the second tag but she told me to just write the details in the margin and tack another $300.75 onto my check. I put in for an Elk City A tag and a Selway A tag. I also picked up a regular deer tag. My intention is to camp on National Forest land and hike in to hunt the wilderness areas. Judging from Google Earth, I should be able to drive reasonably close to the Gospel Hump and Selway Bitterroot Wildernesses. It looks like I will be a little far North for mule deer but that's okay. I'll still take a whitetail if the opportunity presents itself and if I tag out early on elk I can always move camp further South to hunt mulies. Why do you say the seasons suck for whitetail on the regular tag? Is it just because they aren't rutting? Rut rifle tags in AZ are so hard to get that the only time I get to hunt deer in the rut down here is with our OTC archery tags. One thing I haven't been able to establish yet is if I need to be wearing any blaze orange. I think I saw it suggested somewhere on the Fish and Game website, but I haven't seen anything stating it was a requirement. Another thing I would like to find out but forgot to ask the Fish and Game, is it legal for me to carry a pistol for protection while participating in an Archery only hunt? I know some states don't allow it, some states only allow guides to, and some states allow the carrying of "short barreled" pistols only. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
I kind of got the jist of the A tag and B tag system. I think I know the answer to this next question, but just in case, I'll ask it anyway. If I buy an A tag and there are multiple hunts listed for it ( for example, Sep. archery, Nov. muzzle loader, Dec. archery) that tag remains good for all those hunts, provided it hasn't been filled on an earlier hunt, correct? Correct. For example, let's say you have an A tag for a unit that lets you harvest a bull elk archery hunting. Season is something like September 1st through the 30th. If you don't fill your tag archery hunting, but the unit A tag has a cow/spike muzzle loader season in November you can use that tag to try and harvest that way. Just can't buy multiple tags really. I mean you can if your a resident who also buys an extra out of state tag. But for someone like yourself you will need to pick just 1 tag A or B for a unit. Just FYI some over the counter units are already sold out. For deer tags in Idaho (non draw) you buy either a regular deer tag or a whitetail only tag. Regular deer lets you hunt mule deer and white tail, but the whitetail season on that tag sucks. Whitetail only means just that, no shooting a mule deer. Which tag you get really depends on the unit and deer population. In general for over the counter tags whitetail only is a better tag for anything north of Cascade/McCall(there are a few exceptions to the east). South of that and east of that the regular deer tag is what you want if your gonna chase mule deer. Non-residents are allowed to buy an unsold non-resident elk or deer tag, to use as a second tag, starting August 1. That's from the book and was confirmed by the Idaho Fish and Game lady I spoke with before mailing off my application. There's no where on the application to put in for the second tag but she told me to just write the details in the margin and tack another $300.75 onto my check. I put in for an Elk City A tag and a Selway A tag. I also picked up a regular deer tag. My intention is to camp on National Forest land and hike in to hunt the wilderness areas. Judging from Google Earth, I should be able to drive reasonably close to the Gospel Hump and Selway Bitterroot Wildernesses. It looks like I will be a little far North for mule deer but that's okay. I'll still take a whitetail if the opportunity presents itself and if I tag out early on elk I can always move camp further South to hunt mulies. Why do you say the seasons suck for whitetail on the regular tag? Is it just because they aren't rutting? Rut rifle tags in AZ are so hard to get that the only time I get to hunt deer in the rut down here is with our OTC archery tags. One thing I haven't been able to establish yet is if I need to be wearing any blaze orange. I think I saw it suggested somewhere on the Fish and Game website, but I haven't seen anything stating it was a requirement. Another thing I would like to find out but forgot to ask the Fish and Game, is it legal for me to carry a pistol for protection while participating in an Archery only hunt? I know some states don't allow it, some states only allow guides to, and some states allow the carrying of "short barreled" pistols only. Elk City and Selway both have mulies. I saw many of them a few years back when I was there. Just none I wanted to shoot. That is some steep and rough area. So be prepared and in shape. Better have good boots. Also be sure you do carry a pistol big enough for bears (grizzly) they are present. Wolves are also abundant in that area. Orange is not required. I spent 8 days in Selway and never saw another hunter. I will be out there in October with a B tag for elk. May also get a wolf tag since I saw some last time and did not have a tag. Will get a bear tag as well so if I do shoot a elk then I can sit on the gut pile a couple days for bear or wolf |
|
I will definitely be picking up a wolf tag or two. I'll probably also get either a bear or mountain lion tag to keep in my pocket once rifle season rolls around. Maybe both since I can get reduced price bear and lion tags for Selway.
Is a .223 AR legal for hunting wolves and mountain lions? I couldn't find anything in the book stating that it wasn't. Also, is there any mag capacity restriction while hunting? |
|
.223 is legal for both wolf and lion. Wouldn't recommend it for wolf as they are bigger and tougher than you would think. And typically if your going to get a shot at one its gonna be out a ways. Not saying it wouldn't work, but something with a bit heavier bullet and a little more oomph would be better. .243 Winchester would be a good starting point. Lions are tough to hunt without dogs, but if you do see one at a reasonable distance I dont see why .223 wouldn't work. No mag capacity restrictions, just overall weight of the gun restrictions (keeps people from hunting with .50cal barretts is my guess).
If I was gonna be hunting wolves/lion/bear I would carry my .270 or .243, but thats just me. |
|
I'll be taking an AR and a 30-06 just in case. I'm not really planning on doing any hunting with them unless I fill my archery elk tag early but better to bring them along than get up there and wish I had brought them.
I'm getting excited; it's almost time to head North! I asked in the IDHTF but figure it can't hurt to ask here too. Can anyone suggest the best place to pick up some topo maps? Right now I'm hoping I will be able to find some at the Cabela's in Boise. It looks like I will be passing through Twin Falls, Boise, and Grangeville. Elk City will be close enough that I could stop in there too. |
|
Another question: Can anyone recommend a game processor in either Grangeville, Elk City, or somewhere else nearby?
I have two 110 qt. coolers that I plan to bring up empty and I might just ice the meat and process it myself when I get home but if I can find a processor in the area that will do it for a reasonable price I may just go that route. |
|
Quoted:
I'll be taking an AR and a 30-06 just in case. I'm not really planning on doing any hunting with them unless I fill my archery elk tag early but better to bring them along than get up there and wish I had brought them. I'm getting excited; it's almost time to head North! I asked in the IDHTF but figure it can't hurt to ask here too. Can anyone suggest the best place to pick up some topo maps? Right now I'm hoping I will be able to find some at the Cabela's in Boise. It looks like I will be passing through Twin Falls, Boise, and Grangeville. Elk City will be close enough that I could stop in there too. View Quote You can buy some good maps from the forest service station in Grangeville. Not full on topo maps but they do have some elevation marks. Just ask to buy a forest map for the nez perce and Clearwater forests. Any ranger station should have them in the area, but Grangeville is the largest and best bet. Just an FYI in case you didn't know, elk city is about 1.5 hours from grangeville(driving). It's a very small town with not much more than a store/bars/gas station. Can't help ya with a game processor, always did my own. There are several around that area though, just ask around a bit and someone can point ya in the right direction. Good place to ask would be Rae Bros sporting goods store in Grangeville. |
|
Y'all weren't kidding about this being some steep country. I'm still recovering from yesterday's hike.
What's the best way to hunt in these trees? I've bumped elk twice but it's so steep and thick that seeing them before they see or hear me is going to be a real challenge. I already dumped my tripod from my pack since it's next to useless in this terrain. Is stand hunting the best way to do it in this stuff? Also, is the rut over in this area? I got here on the 13th and haven't heard a bugle yet. |
|
You still in ID OP?
From your options in the OP, I recommend the palisades zones. 64-67 if I remember right. For rifle, grab a B tag for elk, and a general deer tag. The seasons overlap. |
|
Just got home. I'll update tomorrow after some much needed rest.
|
|
Taggage
Went fly fishing in the Bighorn Crags last year and it was awesome. Some hellacious hiking going from sea level to 9K feet but I loved ID! |
|
Well, I didn't fill any tags but I had a hell of a good time. Nothing like spending a couple weeks out in the middle of nowhere by yourself.
As for the details, I got into elk twice but both times I bumped them out of their beds in the middle of the day. Needless to say, I never got a shot. I also saw plenty of deer, mostly does but a few bucks too. I could have taken a doe at pretty much any point but wanted to save my tag since I'll be going back. Most of the deer I saw were whitetails. There were plenty of grouse and several foxes but I had elk fever so I didn't want to get distracted with them. I didn't see any wolves or moose, which is kind of disappointing. I was especially hoping to luck into seeing a moose. I did see several piles of wolf scat and heard one howl one morning; that was kind of cool. Back to the elk. They were rutting but they really aren't that vocal where I was. I think bugling is like ringing a dinner bell for the wolves. Other hunters I spoke to reported hearing a random bugle here and there but I didn't hear any. The feeling among the locals and other hunters I spoke to is that the wolves have really done a number on the elk population and thus the density is pretty low. Based on my experience, I don't think that is true. There are elk in the area, plenty of them even. They are just hiding where most people aren't willing to go after them. Unfortunately, I found that out too late to make much use of the info during the archery hunt but I will certainly apply it when I go back with my rifle tag. I already knew elk were mostly nocturnal but I think pressure from wolves and hunters has really driven them deep into the canyons to the point that catching them on the sides of hills or tops of ridges during daylight hours is extremely unlikely in the area I hunted. I walked about 2 miles along one particularly nasty canyon bottom and probably saw 50-100 piles of fresh elk shit. And by fresh I mean like from that morning. Unfortunately, said canyon bottom was choked with blow downs, head high bushes, and swamp bogs that made navigating it hellacious for anything bigger than a fox or smaller than an elk. Seriously, I'm surprised I didn't lose a boot in one of the bogs or impale myself climbing over a dead tree. And climbing out of that canyon was no picnic either. Talk about steep! But, that's where the elk are hiding so that's what I will look for when I go back. Still hunting and glassing are pretty much off the table. I think the best plan for success is hiking in about 4-5 miles and setting up a spike camp. From there, I'll need to hike into a canyon bottom where I can set up a ground stand along the path of least resistance for an elk. Of course I'll have to make sure I'm in place before first and last light to catch the elk while they're still moving. Most of the hunters I saw in the area packed in with horses. Even so, I think the overall success rate was pretty low. However, there are some monsters in that area. I saw two trophy sized bulls go out in the back of one fella's truck and spoke to another hunter that claimed to have killed a 7x7 in the adjacent unit. As for the terrain and vegetation, it is really not what I'm used to. The elevation wasn't really the problem. I seem to have adapted to that pretty quick. The steepness was tough, but the biggest obstacle is the thickness of the vegetation. In Northern AZ, we have pine forests but they are big ponderosas that you can see under and they don't grow as densely as the spruce or whatever that is y'all got growing up there. Because of the thickness of the vegetation, still hunting is difficult and glassing is not very effective either. I even dumped my tripod after the second day because it was just dead weight. Stand hunting is the way to go but I need to get some warmer clothes before I go back because I would always be freezing my ass off after sitting in the shade for 2-4 hours on a stand. Remember how steep I said the terrain was? Well, I lost 19 pounds in the roughly 2 1/2 weeks I was away from home. I probably walked somewhere between 100-150 miles overall and you can pretty much call half of that uphill given the lay of the land. For about 2 months leading up to the hunt I worked the stair climber at the gym, as well as a bunch of other leg based cardio machines, over pretty hard and my legs were still on fire for about the first week of hunting. I really regretted not having started a leg specific weight routine before the hunt. Well, that's about all I can think of for now. I might come back and post a few pictures but I was so busy hunting I didn't really take many. |
|
Good wrap-up OP. Sounds like typical elk hunting to me, good times, even when we don't pack meat home.
|
|
I'm going to be heading back for my rifle hunt soon. It runs until the end of the month. Can anyone advise whether I will likely need tire chains or not? I will be in the Grangeville/Elk City area again at about 7500 feet.
|
|
Quoted:
I'm going to be heading back for my rifle hunt soon. It runs until the end of the month. Can anyone advise whether I will likely need tire chains or not? I will be in the Grangeville/Elk City area again at about 7500 feet. View Quote There is a good chance you will have snow in the high country. Better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them. |
|
For no more than they cost it is a wise investment.
Tire chains.com is where I got mine. |
|
Just one simple question OP. What backpack did you use on your trip?
Also, thank you for the great post trip write-up. |
|
Well, I got back home Monday night. The second trip didn't go as well as the first. The top of the mountain where I was hunting from had snow on it when I arrived on the 20th. I needed chains and 4x4 to access my camp.
I hunted for a couple of days but the snow kept piling up and there was more in the forecast. On a whim, I decided to drive down the mountain on the 22nd to make a call and was having a really hard time getting through certain spots. The snow was about 8"-10" deep at this point. Some would melt off during the day, but each time it snowed it stayed deeper than it was before. Before I arrived I thought I would be able to wait out the snow if it got too deep to be passable but now I think there will probably be snow up there until spring. With more snow in the forecast I didn't want to get stuck up there by myself (I was the only one on the mountain past the snow line, everyone else had the sense to turn around at a lower elevation). I was also worried about my tent collapsing as when I awoke on the morning of the 22nd, 4"-5" had accumulated on the roof overnight. I decided to pack up camp and head down off the mountain on the night of the 22nd. It was just as well because I am convinced the elk had already migrated lower. I didn't see any fresh elk sign after walking around 20 miles in the 2 days I was up there. After consulting my map, I concluded that the other areas in the Selway Zone that I knew how to access would be just as bad due to their elevations so I decided to end the elk hunting portion of my trip early and switch to focusing on deer. I got the bright idea to head South to hunt mule deer in the sage. I should have just stayed where I was and hunted below the snow line. There were plenty of deer there but they were mostly whitetail and I wanted to focus on mule deer. I was also eager to get out of the timber. The regs said unit 46 was open for my tag and I recalled it looked like a good place to hunt when I drove up through southern Idaho. Unfortunately, the unit that I remembered was actually 47, not 46. 47 has a nice sage covered mountain range visible from the highway. It has plenty of hills, draws, and canyons to hunt. To my dismay, 47 is a controlled hunt only unit so my OTC tag was no good there. In contrast, unit 46 turned out to be a mostly flat, wind swept prairie. It was a good place for pronghorn but not so much for deer. I gave a half-hearted effort trying to hunt 46 but after seeing only pronghorn and geese (and I didn't bring my shotgun this time!) and very little deer sign I decided to just head home. And thus ended my second hunt. Despite how the second hunt went, I'm hooked and I will probably return in the future if I can make the time to get away. I learned a lot about places to hunt, timing, and elk behavior that will be useful on future hunts. I also had a blast. I'm still undecided if I want to try to hunt the lower elevations in unit 15 in December when my tag opens back up. I can access them from and camp right off of the Grangeville-Salmon Rd. so the snow might not be as bad but I'm not sure where the elk migrate down to. Some pictures: When I arrived, I drove in as far as I could without chains just to see at what point I would need them. This is where I needed to stop and chain up. Here I am after returning from a 15 mile hike and not seeing a single fresh elk track. Unit 46 has a lot of prognhorn but not many deer. Unfortunately, I didn't have a pronghorn tag. Surprisingly, I saw some old elk and wolf sign on the prairie too. Quoted:
Just one simple question OP. What backpack did you use on your trip? Also, thank you for the great post trip write-up. View Quote I usually use a Kelty Redwing 50 while hunting. It's a little large for a day pack but the straps and waist belt make it very comfortable to hike around with all day. It's also quieter than some of my assault packs. Some other things I like about it is that it rides well with a full hydration bladder and I can slide long objects like my tripod behind the side pockets. I also have a Camelback Motherload but it has mostly been replaced by the Kelty at this point. I bought a Kelty Cache Hauler frame pack for hauling meat but haven't had the opportunity to use it yet. I brought my Tactical Tailor large Malice pack with me for backpacking into a spike camp but did not use that either this trip because of the abrupt end to the hunt. I would like to get the Outdoorsman's Long Range Pack if for no other reason than because I can sling my rifle while wearing it without the straps getting in the way but I just haven't been able to swallow the $500+ price tag yet. |
|
awesome. thx for the backpack info.
Im in the market for a new pack. Im looking at the Mystery mtn stuff but it is very spendy. I need something for long trips that will haul all my camping equipment but also double as a meat hauler on the way out. I wont sabotage your thread anymore though |
|
Quoted:
awesome. thx for the backpack info. Im in the market for a new pack. Im looking at the Mystery mtn stuff but it is very spendy. I need something for long trips that will haul all my camping equipment but also double as a meat hauler on the way out. I wont sabotage your thread anymore though View Quote No worries about derailing. The Outdoorsman's pack does all of those things, which is why I really want one. The frame has a shelf on the bottom and the pack can be pulled away from the frame to sandwich meat between pack and frame. It also has a pocket for carrying your rifle or bow if you need to keep your hands free. I think the posts on the frame that extend past the top are the smartest innovation though. I don't know why more hunting packs aren't designed like that so your rifle isn't trying to slip off your shoulder when you have it slung while wearing a pack. |
|
Awesome thread OP. Good on you for challenging yourself. We did our first Wyoming deer hunt(actually any deer hunt)this year. Nine days off the grid. I'd go again right now. We learned so much. SD tags to hunt in a couple weeks.
I used a Cabela's Alaskan frame with a Camelback day pack strapped to it with a Kifaru Gunbearer. Works really well to carry all that's needed while keeping the hands free to glass. I can post a picture if you'd like to see it. |
|
Please do post pics. I was thinking about getting some sort of waterproof duffle to lash to my Cache Hauler with a day pack to use as a sort of do everything pack.
|
|
Photobucket is beyond stupid. So full of click bait and virus I can't get it to do anything productive.
There are some amazing packs out there for hunting if a guy drops the cash, but using a solid external frame and some sort of bag is a viable option. I stole the idea, but it is a good one. At the beginning of our trip I had the full pack on my frame but came to realize it was far to bulky and noisy to work for spot and stalk. I have had the small Camelback I put on it for years. Tough enough and set up with a bladder. I have a small Old Navy pack that I will try in November. It will be too cold to use or need a bladder then. The big thing to me is the Kifaru Gunbearer. Honestly. This thing is awesome. It does takes a minute to get used to but I won't go afield without it. At leat as far as spot and stalk type hunting is concerned. It holds my rifle in a secure location that is fast to access, allows my hands to stay free, and adds nothing in weight. Look into it. Best $35 I spent on this trip. After nine days with that thing I highly recommend it. I need to find another image hosting site. When I do I will throw some pics up. |
|
|
|
Sorry if I missed it, what altitudes were you hunting in? We are headed into the Frank Church wilderness on the 8th. I hope the snow has hit the high country in there...
|
|
My camp was around 7500-8000 feet. From what I saw, above 6000 feet there is probably a really good chance of snow.
|
|
Thanks! You were much higher than we will be. Our base camp will be at 4,400 and the peaks we will hunt @ 8,000'. The snow will be welcomed as far as I am concerned.
I am glad you had a good time and tested the limits of your legs. I have a feeling I will be doing the same in two weeks. |
|
I have a feeling the elk had moved down lower where I was. I saw no fresh elk sign in the snow, even in the same places where I was seeing fresh sign a few weeks before. I was a little surprised by that because I had been told it takes pretty deep snow to force elk lower, especially the bulls.
As for hunting in the snow, it can be a little tiring to walk through but I didn't really mind. Kind of cool actually. I would have stayed longer if I wasn't worried about getting stuck up on the mountain and/or worried about my tent collapsing on me in the middle of the night. Good luck with your hunt and be sure to let us know how it went when you return. Just out of curiosity, what part of the Frank Church Wilderness are you hunting? I have a friend that hunted in there many years ago. He said he found a hot spring with a bunch of bath tubs setup out in the middle of no where. I think he was somewhere near Yellow Pine. |
|
We are flying in to Cabin Creek and hunting out of there. I will try to remember to take pictures and to give an aar.
I am working nonstop until we leave. I will be glad to get out of dodge! |
|
|
Appreciate everyone sharing info.
Have done DIY moose, gator, antelope, etc, but planning on elk soon. Have about 18 CO pref pts, just wish my legs and back were 18 years younger! |
|
Sign up for the ARFCOM weekly newsletter and be entered to win a free ARFCOM membership. One new winner* is announced every week!
You will receive an email every Friday morning featuring the latest chatter from the hottest topics, breaking news surrounding legislation, as well as exclusive deals only available to ARFCOM email subscribers.
AR15.COM is the world's largest firearm community and is a gathering place for firearm enthusiasts of all types.
From hunters and military members, to competition shooters and general firearm enthusiasts, we welcome anyone who values and respects the way of the firearm.
Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter to receive firearm news, product discounts from your favorite Industry Partners, and more.
Copyright © 1996-2024 AR15.COM LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Any use of this content without express written consent is prohibited.
AR15.Com reserves the right to overwrite or replace any affiliate, commercial, or monetizable links, posted by users, with our own.