Unit 37 Elk any help?

meathunter

Active Member
Jun 6, 2012
181
8
Idaho Falls, Idaho
My wife drew a unit 37 cow elk tag for Idaho this fall.

Anyone familiar with this unit? I heard there are wolves in the area, so we will pick up a couple of those tags. (we would be getting these anyway)

Any ideas of access, elk densities and what to expect? thx
 
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woodtick

Veteran member
Feb 24, 2011
1,492
0
Jim Bridger County, Utah
I hear the wolves aren't as bad there as some of the other units in that area, but that could just be rumors, When we go steel-head fishing up in Challis there are elk every where. Look at the Leatherman Peak area, Meadow Peak area and Grouse Peak area. It's big-big country so be prepared to cover some miles. Also for your bull tag look into the same areas!!;)
 

meathunter

Active Member
Jun 6, 2012
181
8
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Thanks woodtick and I'll be checking those areas out. I've seen a lot of elk there while steelhead fishing too and thought it would be a good area to check out in the fall. Like you say a big-big country so i'm hoping glassing will pay off.
 

IdahoHombre

Member
Dec 19, 2011
64
0
IDAHO
Access should be pretty easy anywhere you go, and where it's private, you might get permission to hunt. Personally, what I would do with the cow tag is get high in the hills above the alfalfa fields first thing in the morning, and glass below in the fields. You will likely see something. They'll head back into the hills as it starts to get light. Maybe you'll be in a good position right then, but more likely you'll just note where the elk head up into the hills, and be there for the ambush the next morning.

You'll probably see a lot of road hunters with the same tag doing the same thing. But they'll be on the roads in the morning glassing the hillsides. If you're doing the opposite, and you're up in the hills to start with, you'll be one step ahead of the game.
 

ivorytip

Veteran member
Mar 24, 2012
3,768
50
44
SE Idaho
+1 with idahohombre, let the road hunters do ther work for you for a cow. no need to hunt very hard for a cow but also no need to road hunt either
 

meathunter

Active Member
Jun 6, 2012
181
8
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Sounds good to me, just not sure if there will be a lot of hunters - only 75 for the 2 month hunt. I like the idea of glassing from up on the hills and try an ambush. We're looking at going towards the end of Sept. just for the cooler temps. Picked up some maps showing roads and access.
 

IdahoHombre

Member
Dec 19, 2011
64
0
IDAHO
Oh, you got the 37-1 tag. So you have to stay within one mile of cultivated fields anyway. You should be good with the ambush style hunt. If you can find any springs up in the hills above the fields, key in on those. The elk will retreat to where there's water. Good luck.
 

meathunter

Active Member
Jun 6, 2012
181
8
Idaho Falls, Idaho
Yes, that's the one 37-1, although I have a Nov tag for 37. We're going to scout tomorrow and check it out, although the season officially opened last Wednesday. Doubt we'll pull the trigger yet, too warm out. Thanks for the tips!
 

meathunter

Active Member
Jun 6, 2012
181
8
Idaho Falls, Idaho
thx IdahoHombre it worked! found their bed & water area about 2 miles from the field and did the ambush. Hiked back in about a 1/2 mile from the field. They came in right at dusk and we were sitting waiting. A 150 elk leave a big trail to and from each day! well 1 less cow in that group