Going to Idaho for elk in 2016

[7mmfan]

I'm thinking very seriously about hunting elk in Idaho next year as well. I've been researching daily when I should be working   and have some areas narrowed down to start checking out. Has anyone ever done the early antlerless only hunts in Aug/Sep? I'm asking as I have a nephew who really got the hunting bug this year, got into lots of elk but no spikes to shoot. I thought this might be a great option to get him onto some animals without having to take time off school...

[7mmfan]

Bumping this, anyone have any experience with these early antlerless hunts? Feel free to PM if you don't want to drop info on the interwebs...

[theleo]

Bumping this, anyone have any experience with these early antlerless hunts? Feel free to PM if you don't want to drop info on the interwebs...

Can't say I know the exact hunts your looking at (I'm guessing rifle) but I normally hunt the first half of September with my bow. I'd suggest looking at areas that don't have a ton of water. The majority of action I get early in the season is catching the elk heading in and out of their watering holes in the mornings and evenings. In the 70-80 degree heat they are doing most of their moving around at night and are hunkered down tight during the day. Finding areas that have water but limited amounts will make it easier finding the elk because they'll be concentrated going in and out of there instead of having elk spread out of tons of different watering holes/wallows. 

[7mmfan]

Yes I'm looking at the early rifle cow hunts that run from either August 1 or August 15 through September in many of those central ID units. I really feel that it could be a good opportunity to get my nephew into some animals without his folks having to worry about him missing to much school.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Yes I'm looking at the early rifle cow hunts that run from either August 1 or August 15 through September in many of those central ID units. I really feel that it could be a good opportunity to get my nephew into some animals without his folks having to worry about him missing to much school.

I couldn't justify spending that kind of money to hunt cows.  May as well hunt the bull seasons, you can make up assignments : )

[MtnMuley]

Yes I'm looking at the early rifle cow hunts that run from either August 1 or August 15 through September in many of those central ID units. I really feel that it could be a good opportunity to get my nephew into some animals without his folks having to worry about him missing to much school.

I couldn't justify spending that kind of money to hunt cows.  May as well hunt the bull seasons, you can make up assignments : )

Have you looked how cheap ID is for youth elk tags and licenses, even outta staters?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Yes I'm looking at the early rifle cow hunts that run from either August 1 or August 15 through September in many of those central ID units. I really feel that it could be a good opportunity to get my nephew into some animals without his folks having to worry about him missing to much school.

I couldn't justify spending that kind of money to hunt cows.  May as well hunt the bull seasons, you can make up assignments : )

Have you looked how cheap ID is for youth elk tags and licenses, even outta staters?

Yeah they are cheap, but someone has to buy the out of state adult tags.  Those aren't cheap.

[kball4]

Do majority of elk units that give out a large amount of tags sell out? Or are there usually left over tags.  I already sent in my application but I was just curious.

[Eric M]

Tag

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[andrew_in_idaho]

Do majority of elk units that give out a large amount of tags sell out? Or are there usually left over tags.  I already sent in my application but I was just curious.

What do you mean you sent in your application? When you purchase an elk tag, you would choose your zone and whether you want the A or B tag. Many zones have no quotas, if you chose a quota zone however the tag is first come first served.


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[kball4]

When you first buy a license you have to send in a non resident application as well as choose your hunting unit.  I picked 22 B tag.

[andrew_in_idaho]

That is a non quota zone so unless the statewide non resident quota sells out before IDFG receives your application(it won't) you will have a tag. You can still apply for controlled hunts during the June application period and if you draw you would then just have to trade in you weiser river zone "B" tag. Hope I'm not muddying the waters with too much information. As it stands now if you are happy with that plan you could put in a time off request at work today and safely know you will have a tag come October.


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[andrew_in_idaho]

One more thing that tag will be good for units 32 & 32A as well


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[kball4]

Does hunting 32 and 32A require turning in the tag for 22 or is the unit 22 tag good for the whole weiser river area.

[andrew_in_idaho]

Does hunting 32 and 32A require turning in the tag for 22 or is the unit 22 tag good for the whole weiser river area.

The tag is good for the whole weiser river area.


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