Unit 18 Hells Canyon Elk

[tjcatman]

So I just found out I drew a unit 18 rifle bull tag. Iv'e never hunted the unit and was hoping for any advise. Iv'e been hunting the Sawtooth wilderness for twenty years so I keep myelf in what most consider excellent shape. I know the unit is nothing less then brutal. I mostly spike camp, do not have horses so any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[tjcatman]

Must be somebody that knows something about this unit. Any help would be great. Even another hunter who has been drawn for this area that is looking for someone to tag along. As of right now I will be hunting by myself. This is not unusual for me but I do like to have someone to meet up with in camp to BS about the days activities. I am a respectable hunter and respect others in the field. I did call a guide service but they want a bunch of money, which I don't have. I told them I essentially wanted a ride in and a ride out and they told me they would only do a pack in with four people which I don't have. I do understand that they are only trying to make a living and do work hard for their training and experience. Any way thanks for listening.

 

[tim]

big and steep, I have only floated it.

 

[Bonecollector]

I can offer no intel. However, I will offer some advice. You're already in good shape so simply research as much as you can before hand and be safe in that steep backcountry. It's a mental thing. Go and have fun!

 

[badgerbob]

I've hunted the Oregon side of the river and looking across it looks like similar terrain. The first thing I would do is find out if there is any road access in the bottom. I don't recall seeing any but it would be nice to know for sure. Taking an elk up out of that deep canyon is brutal esp. if doing it alone. I won't hunt it any more unless I have help, I'd never get one out by myself these days. Good luck, I have glassed some good bulls over there, from the OR side....

 

[tjcatman]

Thanks for the tips and advise. No roads in the bottom that I am aware of. Doing tons of research. Still looking for someone interested in possibly packing me in and out.

 

[tim]

https://forum.eastmans.com/showthread.php/17236-Just-drew-Unit-18-archery-ELK-tag!

here is last years thread

 

[Idhikker]

I haven't hunted it but I've done a lot of research in preparation for drawing the tag. PM me and I can share what I know if you're interested in swapping info.

 

[tjcatman]

PM sent Thanks

 

[Tracker]

You might want to contact some jet boat river guides to see if they are willing to pack you in and pick you up.
Killgore Adventures is based in Whitebird.

 

[tjcatman]

Yeah I called them. They told me I can only go with a guide for that area that is a hunting guide. They told me they couldn't do it for hunting. Sucks