New Archery Season

[bobcat]

It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.

It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.

If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.

I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.

[Todd_ID]

It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.

It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.

If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.

I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.

Muzzy starts AT LEAST 14 days after end of general archery (24th this year).  The state loves to have a 14 day minimum rest period for the elk.  Plus, you'll love the new unit list you get to choose from. 

[elk247]

It does surprise me that the muzzy guys think they might have their season moved up to Oct. 3rd. I thought Oct 6th last year was about as early as it was going to get for the muzzy folks.

It will be October 3rd if they keep it the same-the first Saturday in October.

If they decide to move it a week later then it will be October 10th. It was October 3rd in 2009.

I don't think it's ever been as late as October 10th before.

Muzzy starts AT LEAST 14 days after end of general archery (24th this year).  The state loves to have a 14 day minimum rest period for the elk.  Plus, you'll love the new unit list you get to choose from. 

Right, I was assuming there would be two weeks between archery and muzzy. Can't wait to see the units and dates for archery and muzzy. When do the regs get posted online?

[bobcat]

I'm actually considering buying a rifle elk tag this year. It seems there will be a big increase in archery and muzzleloader tag sales this year, with the later archery season and the added muzzleloader GMU's. (If the rumors all end up being true)

[elk247]

 

[NOCK NOCK]

Have the east side general season guys noticed an increase in hunter pressure/numbers in the last 5 years?

In my opinion....Yes

[Fullabull]

I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.

our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.

It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?
Not everyone can still hunt the back country

[elk247]

Have the east side general season guys noticed an increase in hunter pressure/numbers in the last 5 years?

In my opinion....Yes

I would guess that's accurate. When the hunter report numbers come out we can do the math and know for sure. Its hard to accurately say on the westside because guys are so spread out. I thought the numbers have been down during the early season on the westside the last few years. I attributed that to less access, early seasons and unusually high temps.

[ELKBURGER]

Im fine with the amount of days we have in the seasons seasons.  Who needs more than 4 days anyway 

It's not about needing more days to kill a bull it's about spreading out the hunters and the pressure over a longer period of time. Once you get the ego stuff out of the way you can objectively look at what makes for an all around better hunting season

just hunt more remote areas.. I have seen 3 hunters  the last 5 years combined... killed bulls every year in our group.

Theres your 10%..........

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.

our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.

It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?
Not everyone can still hunt the back country

I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.

[Fullabull]

I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.

our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.

It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?
Not everyone can still hunt the back country

I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.

Was going by your Avatar name that you must hunt further back where other hunters refuse to go. I can still do that and hope to when my son finishes college but for now I hunt with my 75 year old father who cannot go more than a 1/2 mile or so on a good trail before we need to find a place to set up and call. When the season goes later into Sept. we are able to pull in elk even though it's very pressured by other hunters. When the seasons are so early like they have been, it's much more difficult for hunters stuck close to roads to have much success. Later when they are vocal, it's much better for these types of hunters. I will not road hunt so we do the best we can to make it happen within our limitations.

[BABackcountryBwhntr]

I did Idaho last year because the season was so bad for dates here. I had a blast, was talking to elk every day from the 16h on. I think there are enough places to go on National Forest land here on the west side that will get you away from the hoof rot thing. That mostly seems to be concentrated where cattle are more prevalent. If they make the 12th the opener, I will be staying here to hunt for sure.

our season dates were fine, we killed 2 bulls opening morning.

It's easy to say that if you are able to hunt the back country, but there are many who are not able to but are just as good a hunter as those who can. If a hunter is good at calling, locating and able to pull in bulls that are in more pressured areas because it's later in September when elk are more vocal, then why shouldn't they be given that opportunity?
Not everyone can still hunt the back country

I would have to ask what your definition of back country is? I biked in 25 miles 2 years ago.. but the year before that and last year it was a 6 mile bike ride to camp.. my first bull was a 5 mile hike in and out. Only the one bull I killed I would consider back country.

Was going by your Avatar name that you must hunt further back where other hunters refuse to go. I can still do that and hope to when my son finishes college but for now I hunt with my 75 year old father who cannot go more than a 1/2 mile or so on a good trail before we need to find a place to set up and call. When the season goes later into Sept. we are able to pull in elk even though it's very pressured by other hunters. When the seasons are so early like they have been, it's much more difficult for hunters stuck close to roads to have much success. Later when they are vocal, it's much better for these types of hunters. I will not road hunt so we do the best we can to make it happen within our limitations.

I would question the way you are calling then? they do not have to be buggling like mad to call elk in.... every bull I have killed has been when they are "quiet"and not talking much.. I worked 4 bulls that screamed last year.... killed none of them..  we killed 2 bulls opening morning... neither made a sound .... but we called them in.. you have to adjust what and how you call depending on time of year and mood of the elk in that area.

[bigbeamhunter]

I like the later season just because their more vocal but I like was said they just walk right In as long as your patient they will come. Last year this one never called but ran in the 3rd day

[DIYARCHERYJUNKIE]

Yeah I like the early season cause the elk haven't herded up as much yet.  If they have it's tougher to pull them in.  Its like there curious early on and then as the rut pick up they become less interested.

[bigbeamhunter]

thats so true ive put hundreds of miles on my feet following herd bulls in my life. but have had em turn and come right in. it kinda depends on their mood and if they get messed with