Idaho Unit 32 & 49

[ELKaholic41]

Can anyone give me an information on unit 32 and 49 in Idaho. Looking to go on a early season archery hunt in Idaho this year with my wife before the rut hunt I will go on. Have not hunted Idaho and looking at 32 since it is fairly good access and I will not need my stock (from what it looks like). 49 looks rough but from what the biologist has to say, there is a lot of elk in that unit. Can anyone give me any information on either of these two units. It would be very helpful.

 

[bullofthewoodsjr]

I've never hunted either of these units so I can't help you. I, too, am thinking about ID if I don't pull a draw in Wyo. But, it never hurts to go where the elk are. If 49 is loaded with elk, that might be the place to consider.

 

[Calbuck]

I hunted 49 a couple years ago..shot my first bull there. I went with 0 knowledge of the unit and was still able to find elk easily. The area I hunted had a lot of private property that is in the Access Yes program. I'm hoping to draw it again.

 

[mntnguide]

49 is rugged country for the most part...And you will not be alone..lots of hunters from the surrounding area come to hunt it and it can be a zoo in places.

 

[Calbuck]

I should clarify that I was there during a draw rifle hunt with limited tags. I was able to work my way in behind the private property to get my bull.

 

[IDELKFVR]

I live on the border of 32 most of the unit gets a lot of preasure from the locals during rifle season.I would imagine it would be the same for archery since its right in our back yard and like you said easy access. Not sure what the preasure would be like over by weiser on the snake river might get away from some people but most people in these small towns hunt so after work they can be hunting in no time at all. Never have hunted unit 49 but if its anything like 48 its steep. Hopes that helps.

 

[theleo91386]

These should give you an idea of what 49 looks like.

 

[Idahobowhunter1]

I too will be hunting unit 49 for elk this year. Unit 49 and 50. I'll be going out twice this year to pre-scout. I too am from out of state, but I've hunted Idaho the last 6 years. I usually hunt the panhandle.

I didn't get any sweet spots from the biologist, but he did say herd looks good.

My question is are the amount of hunters as bad as everyone says? I feel like every gmu people post that they are swarmed with other hunters and impossible to get away. I have yet to have that issue, even in the crowded panhandle. I always seem to get away from where the majority of hunters are willing to go.

I don't have any specific locations for you, as up to this point I've only internet searches the hell out of the unit. Hopefully I'll see some elk in July when I fly out to scout.

 

[theleo91386]

I too will be hunting unit 49 for elk this year. Unit 49 and 50. I'll be going out twice this year to pre-scout. I too am from out of state, but I've hunted Idaho the last 6 years. I usually hunt the panhandle.

I didn't get any sweet spots from the biologist, but he did say herd looks good.

My question is are the amount of hunters as bad as everyone says? I feel like every gmu people post that they are swarmed with other hunters and impossible to get away. I have yet to have that issue, even in the crowded panhandle. I always seem to get away from where the majority of hunters are willing to go.

I don't have any specific locations for you, as up to this point I've only internet searches the hell out of the unit. Hopefully I'll see some elk in July when I fly out to scout.

I'll share SOME of what I know if you shoot me a pm.

 

[Micah S]

49 was a zoo last year during archery season. We saw 10+ trucks at every trail head. There are elk there but that's some tough country. Not very many people can physically get to the elk kill one and get it out but that area seams to a track the hard core hunters.

 

[Idahobowhunter1]

49 was a zoo last year during archery season. We saw 10+ trucks at every trail head. There are elk there but that's some tough country. Not very many people can physically get to the elk kill one and get it out but that area seams to a track the hard core hunters.

So it sounds like you hunted it? How did you do? Did it seem most of the hunters stayed near roads and trail systems? I also try and find the difficult pockets most people won't go, not always a huge hike in either.

Any idea of the elevations zones the elk tend to stay in that unit. Bottom third, middle, top third?

 

[Pinseeker]

I'm planing on hunting the pioneer unit this year as well. I have talked to the biologist and he said the heard is healthy but did say the unit can get very crowded in the easy access spots. I have never hunted it and am hoping to get out in August to do some scouting. I'll be hunting as far in as I can get. Any info would be greatly appreciated

 

[theleo91386]

Any idea of the elevations zones the elk tend to stay in that unit. Bottom third, middle, top third?

Elk will be from up around 9,000 feet down to the lave beds around Carey. They don't use an altimeter so you'll find them where they can get cover, graze, and water.

 

[Calbuck]

10-4 they are where you find them!

 

[Imn2elk]

My son and I drew 2 of the 10 tags 9/25/2016 - 10/09/2016 for elk any weapon. I drew this tag in 2012 and shot a 300 bull. I am looking to find some bigger bulls. I was there for the last week of archery in 2012 and did not see very many hunters. We both are 6'3" tall and hike our tails off. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I have thought about a drop hunt with Little Wood River Outfitters but not sure if I want to be in one spot for very long. Thanks.

 

[theleo91386]

Go with the drop camp.

 

[mntnguide]

LWRO is a good guy and has had some great bulls taken out of his drop camps...

 

[Calbuck]

Ditto on finding some bigger bulls. That's my goal this time around

 

[Fullfan]

49 looks a lot better than 21, would love to hunt some open ground like that

 

[theleo91386]

49 looks a lot better than 21, would love to hunt some open ground like that

Beware of what you wish for. Unless you have horses or go with LWRO you'll end up seeing a lot of elk, that even if you get them killed, you won't be able to get out. Seeing a long ways only helps if you can take advantage of it.