Any Idaho Elk hunters willing to help

[Norcal30-06]

Hello all. I am new to this site so take it easy on me. I am also from California so again take it easy please. If it helps I am from northern Cali in the sierras and I don't surf. Now that's out of the way I can begin. Myself and hunting friend have decided to give Idaho Elk a whack. Neither of us have hunted in Idaho and are trying to get as much info as possible Now I not asking where you're honey hole is. I wouldn't give up my favorite deer hunting area and don't expect you to either. But would like any info anyone is willing to lend. According to idaho f&g stats unit 21a has had pretty fair success rates for bull elk. So according to stats we think this is a good ace to start. But this is all we have to go on at this point and are wondering what the terrain is like. Migration patterns ect. We don't have the funds for guided hunt so it is a DIY.

 

[AKaviator]

Hey Norcal30-06,

Welcome to the forum. I have never hunted in Idaho so I can't be much help to you, but, have you called the area biologists and game wardens in the area you want to hunt? That's always a good start. Read the Eastmans MRS section too. Be sure to ask the Idaho folks about the wolf population in the area, it may be significant. Part of the fun of the hunt is the time spent researching it.

We have some outstanding forum members that are Californians so you won't be tooo harshly judged!

Happy Thanksgiving and good hunting to you.

 

[Norcal30-06]

Thanks AKaviator. I have contacted F&G. I plan to meet up with a biologist in early summer on an exploration trip to the region if everything falls into place over the next several months. Apparently the unit to the northwest had a severe burn in unit 21. I have heard different opinions on how and when to hunt a burn area. But if we decide to hunt the Salmon region we will prob avoid this unit. I have been very fortunate to hunt private property here in California and honestly don't have much experience on public lands so I am learning a great deal. Thanks for the response. I am finding Eastmans very fun to navigate through and made a unhappy wife with a late bed time last night. Have a wonderful thanksgiving with family and friends.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Have you looked around the Palasades and Tex Creek areas for hunting? Don't remember the unit numbers

 

[blueboy59]

Have you looked around the Palasades and Tex Creek areas for hunting? Don't remember the unit numbers

I hunt tex creek zone and palisades mostly because its only 50 miles from my house and we do see some Bulls but to many people in tex creek and the wolves are taking a toll so I hunt in November and hunt cow elk for the table even then if there is no snow the elk don't start to move out until thanks giving most people even on here know the population is down if I was going to hunt I would hunt big lost river or the little lost river up to challas, pahsimeroi valley my hunting Buddy and I seen a lot of Bull out the when we had December cow tags out the

 

[Ohioacres]

I am hunting Palisades for first time in September, buddy lives there. My first DIY elk hunt.

 

[BowHappyPappy]

Look at the Regs out this year, there's a map showing Elk viability across the units, the poor units virtually ovelap with the current wolf poulation. Look to areas that are hitting numbers on this map, have terrain that fits your physical ability, and has a decent success rate. Idaho is steep and deep in many areas and timbered heavy in many more. You have to work most of the time to get close and since I am one I'll tell you a little about the locals, when you get further back you cant assume they are all friendly, be polite, if you see trucks or trailers at the head of a draw or trail then pick another. Dont go mentioning your CA bit. Good luck, Idaho is a great place to hunt and most of the folks are very nice.

 

[Cobbhunts]

Thanks AKaviator. I have contacted F&G. I plan to meet up with a biologist in early summer on an exploration trip to the region if everything falls into place over the next several months. Apparently the unit to the northwest had a severe burn in unit 21. I have heard different opinions on how and when to hunt a burn area. But if we decide to hunt the Salmon region we will prob avoid this unit. I have been very fortunate to hunt private property here in California and honestly don't have much experience on public lands so I am learning a great deal. Thanks for the response. I am finding Eastmans very fun to navigate through and made a unhappy wife with a late bed time last night. Have a wonderful thanksgiving with family and friends.

How's the planning going?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk

 

[JWHunter]

If you haven't bought your tags I find that the Pioneer zone is a great area, regardless of what some people might say or think. It is a good area I mean all 3 units(36a,49,and 50) all have good quality and quanity. Also get a deer tag if you choose that zone. Good luck and Pm me for more info.

 

[woodtick]

If you haven't bought your tags I find that the Pioneer zone is a great area, regardless of what some people might say or think. It is a good area I mean all 3 units(36a,49,and 50) all have good quality and quanity. Also get a deer tag if you choose that zone. Good luck and Pm me for more info.

50 is a pretty good unit, good luck!