Going to Idaho for elk in 2016

[kball4]

After another year of frustration with Washington modern elk hunting and not being drawn for any permits me and my Dad are going to try to go over to Idaho for 2016.  I'm not a trophy hunter I just want to see some animals if I'm going to invest time and $ into elk hunting.  We don't have time to drive all over Idaho and scout the whole state.  So I'd like to ask for some advise about what units we should look at?  Should I just go by success rate?  I'd like to hunt somewhat open areas that are lightly timbered.  Not like western Washington.  Any info is 100 times more than what I know now.  Thanks.

[trophyhunt]

Go to their website and look at the success rates for each unit, that gives you an idea of what units are producing. We hunt 10a and we do really well, it's a big unit so you just have to find your way around.  But try the website first to see if anything sticks out at you. 

[2labs]

Idaho fish and game really have a nice web site! Tell you what you want to know.

                  WASHINGTON SUCKS AT EVERYTHING!!

Sorry, torets

[kball4]

Are the OTC non-res tags capped at a different number than res tags

[Bob33]

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/stats.aspx?season=general&game=elk&yr=2014#elk

See attached Excel file. Filter by the type of hunting method you prefer.

[WapitiTalk1]

Are the OTC non-res tags capped at a different number than res tags

Idaho NR OTC tags seldom sell out. Congrats on making the decision to transition 

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

How long are you planning on hunting?  Can you come over multiple times for a week or so, or is it going to be just 1 trip and that's it?

[wannabhntr]

We are in the same boat. My in laws have property in Hayden that borders forest service land. I know they have elk but I don't know how big the herd is. We will be hunting archery. I plan on doing a lot of scouting over there this spring and summer. This was my first year elk hunting but I am familiar with washington draw system. I have many friends that hunt the spike only units with little success. Some hunt north in any bull units with little success as well.

[theleo]

Avoid the Pan handle, northern Idaho brush is everything that the wet side wishes it could be. The further south you go the more it opens up. What sort of hunts do you prefer? Mostly using the truck to operate from or do you prefer going back in and away from people (use horses)?

[WapitiTalk1]

Ya, the Panhandle areas are steep, thick, steep, and thick but there are a few elk left up there    Elk pops seem to increase the farther you head south and there are less wolves on their heels. 



 

[pd]

Ya, the Panhandle areas are steep, thick, steep, and thick but there are a few elk left up there    Elk pops seem to increase the farther you head south and there are less wolves on their heels. 

That is still a great shot, RJ.   

Phantom is right, the Panhandle can be really steep, and the national forests are very thick (very little logging in the past couple decades).  Do your research on the IDFG website (all of the answers to your questions are there).  Some units do not have OTC tags.  Draw tags are limited to 10% of the pool for non-residents.  However, you do NOT need to draw a special tag to have a successful hunt for elk in Idaho---there truly is plenty of opportunity there.

[theleo]

Ya, the Panhandle areas are steep, thick, steep, and thick but there are a few elk left up there    Elk pops seem to increase the farther you head south and there are less wolves on their heels. 



 

He doesn't want the thick cover, that's the only reason I said avoid it. I prefer the Pioneer zone but some here say it's to crowded and to low of a success rate.

[Jimmy33]

I like the panhandle area myself...plenty of success and small crowds. There are some areas where the forest is not as thick and dense. There are elk all throughout the panhandle.


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[Jimmy33]

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[Jimmy33]

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