Idaho elk

[rotty33]

I live in Spokane and am pondering the idea of hunting Idaho for elk this year( Duh ). Haven't paid much attention to areas within a few hours that I can go to. Any recommendations and tips would be greatly appreciated. I usually hunt archery or muzzleloader.  Thanks

[coop2424]

Been hunting idaho for a couple years for elk.  No success yet but keep getting closer.  Can tell you from trailcams I have had bulls 15 min from CDA and hayden and that is many bulls.  Now hunting them In the thick steep stuff is another story.  I think this year I may go in a little further in than I have but we will see.  Have got into elk every year just no shot on a bull yet..

[mfswallace]

You could check out hunt reports from previous years to start getting an idea of productive areas...

[rotty33]

Thats good to hear, but I can see that it would be difficult in the thick stuff! I have seen elk near kellogg, just not sure what drainages would be good, maybe all of them. Thanks for the info

[huntnnw]

Best thing you can do is pick an area or 2 you really like and learn it...take camping trips in the summer..learn the road systems, quad trails, trails etc...get up early and evenings and glass openings for elk. If you have trail cams take salt and hang them..you will get a good idea whats around and if the area your looking at holds elk. The first year will be tough as always, but the more you hunt it and keep after it you will start finding the pockets the elk like to be all the time.  I have spots that are 30 min from spokane in ID where I get over 20 bulls a year on cam

[rotty33]

Any tips on regions that are a tad more open in Idaho?

[cem3434]

With the wolves in Idaho, the elk have learned to stay out of open. Sure you will see a few out in the open from time to time, but they are pretty reclusive for the most part. Find a thick dark drainage and there is a good chance you will find the elk.

[Hoythunter]

Shoot me a PM, I'll point you in the right direction.  I've hunted ID for the past 20 years (makes me feel old) and last year I pulled an ID moose permit.  Anyways, the unit I moose hunted was difft then my main ID elk units but found some great areas and several sightings....

[huntnnw]

thats is not what ID Bio are saying...the elk are moving to more open areas to use their keen eye sight to stay clear of wolves.

I wouldnt hunt any of the panhandle if your looking for open areas...Id start from Orofino south if thats what you are looking for in terrain