My buddy drew Idaho Elk 37A in the second drawing!

[HUNT]

My really lucky buddy drew a Idaho 37A tag in the second drawing this week, so we are getting a late start in the planning process and scrambling to make his hunt fit into the fall schedule.  I'm going with him of course, but neither of us have hunted elk in that unit. My oldest son harvested an antelope in that unit last year. I've hunted 37 a couple times and killed a bull in 29 a few years back. We are planning to do a backpack spike camp and was wanting to gather some info on good access points and areas if anyone is willing to share some information. There are 70 tags in the unit for the Oct 1-24 season. Wanting to stay away from the crowds and help my buddy harvest his first elk. I've spent plenty of boot time hunting areas around it. Hunted 28, 29, 37, 36B but never had a chance to get into 37A for elk. Planning on making a scouting trip after my buddy gets done seeding, just need some direction. Thanks in advance for any PMs.   

HUNT

[ChadH]

that was my "first choice" unit... which I didn't draw... then I drew 18 in the second... go figure. Great unit, and you should have no problem with crowds... STEEEEEP is the word. I had a couple ideas of how I was going to try and hunt it... however you decide, it will be a great hunt.

[trophyhunt]

Is it steeper than 18 ? I hunted the wilderness part if 18 a few years ago and it was really steep, never hunted 37 before. 18 was a blast the year I was drawn, good luck !

[ChadH]

Is it steeper than 18 ? I hunted the wilderness part if 18 a few years ago and it was really steep, never hunted 37 before. 18 was a blast the year I was drawn, good luck !

About the same I'd say...

[HUNT]

that was my "first choice" unit... which I didn't draw... then I drew 18 in the second... go figure. Great unit, and you should have no problem with crowds... STEEEEEP is the word. I had a couple ideas of how I was going to try and hunt it... however you decide, it will be a great hunt.

I've heard it's a good unit.  I think we have our focus narrowed down to 2-3 drainages at this point.  Just wanted to hear from someone that has spent some time in the unit who may have answers to some of our questions.

Planning to backpack in 5-6 miles from roads and spike out there.   Then glass til we find a bull and go get him. 

Good luck on your unit 18 hunt!!

[idahoelkhunter300wby]

We drew 4 unit 29 bull tags this year and were leaving next Friday. We had these tags 3 years ago and we stopped and visited with the owner of an archery shop in salmon. He said 37a was the better permit. You should stop in and visit with him. His is the shop on the out skirts of town by les Schwabs. He is a younger fella who is passionate about hunting and very helpfull. Good luck and enjoy!

[HUNT]

I hunted that unit 8 years ago or so.  It's a good hunt if you get away from people.  We are leaving next Saturday.  Good luck on your hunt.  Should be a lot of fun for you guys!

[idahoelkhunter300wby]

Good luck to you too. I'm sure your hunt is gonna be awesome!