Idaho Archery Elk Opportunities

[Feelin Hornady]

Hey everyone,

Planning a DIY Idaho hunt next year for archery elk. I have a friend that works for Potlatch Timber that has given me some pointers for areas in the St. Joe. Units 3, 4, 6 and 8a. In general, he said elk populations were hit hard but are slowly coming back. He suggested I put in for the Controlled hunts in Southern Idaho (39,40, 45, and 52). If not drawn, go to an OTC Panhandle tag and hitting areas he's seen elk in years past. But, I'm thinkin about going w/ either the Brownlee (31) or Sawtooth (33,34,35, 36) zone. The bio for that area said Sawtooth is better bet than Brownlee. He also said there was a big fire in 35 but may be the place to go if the vegetation has recovered by next year. Also said wolves are not too much of an issue in that zone. Stats on website look good for both Panhandle and Sawtooth. Anyone have any general tips on these areas? Looking to do a backpack hunt in the wilderness. I believe it's the Frank Church.... Maybe go in around Grandjean ID.

Thanks
Hornady

[Feelin Hornady]

forgot to mention not really looking for spots, just general info like wolves, experiences, terrain, pressure, tactics, weather, what to look for when scouting maps, etc. thx.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Go to your buddy's spots, you will find elk for sure.

[carpsniperg2]

One thing you will find out about Idaho is going remote will get you away from a lot of people. I am learning a little after hunting Idaho the last 2 years. Quads and people every place. Just when you think you are alone a quad will go ripping by stop shut off the quad, bugle. Listen for 20 seconds fire it up and take back off I have never seen so many people hunting as I have in Idaho. So the more remote you can get especially for elk the better imho. I don't like listening to quads or walking in the dark for a couple hrs to have quads go ripping by me at first light

[hogslayer]

I was in the same boat this year.  Pretty shocking.  Hiked 5 miles back got into the snow and looking at pristine hunting grounds just to be passed by 3 guys on Robakon's!  I couldn't believe it.  Guess i am used to Washington where all the trails are closed.  I am going back next year, but only to wilderness area's

[Feelin Hornady]

Yeah I thought that might be the case with Potlatch as they let the quads behind the gates. If I do end up in the panhandle I think the steep stuff would be best. Like the stuff you have to mark w/ your GPS to make it down safely haha. Thanks for the heads up.

[Feelin Hornady]

Bugling from a truck is better than a quad ;-) Funny thing is I live in Cle Elum and just yesterday there was what looked to be a 6X7 bull bugling at cows on the other side of Bullfrog Rd with cars driving by and people taking pics... he didn't mind

[Feelin Hornady]

but yeah I prefer bugling from the truck blind over a quad. Keeps you a little more hidden HAHA

[Hot Lunch]

I would just pick an area and go. Some calls into the unit biologists are also a good idea. They can tell you how the population is doing and any other insights. They will also give general recommendations of where the elk are. One bio I talked to suggested I look for small no name canyons and that advice was gold. I did that last year and had shots at two bulls, one being a 6 point at 38 yards. Bad time to have bow issues as I was shooting high. The elk will take some time to figure out persistence and boot leather will create opportunity. The Sawtooth is a great unit, with a quota that sells out quick. I went to a unlimited unit so I wouldn't have to worry about getting a tag every year. I expect this year to be better now that I know what areas hold elk, where the dead spots are and where everyone else will be hunting on top of each other.

[SemperFidelis97]

As Elkinrut said your buddies advice is sound.  This was my first year elk hunting Idaho, and I didn't experience much pressure once we got off of the roads during archery season.  The area I was in had some gated road systems, and with only one exception I did not see anyone back there on motorized vehicles.  I think maybe the further north you go the steeper country coupled with the thick vegetation may keep out some of the crowds.

[Feelin Hornady]

thanks for the info guys. the nice thing about panhandle is tag doesn't sell out thus allowing you to put in for the draws and if you don't pull the tag your only out like 6 bucks. But I've heard from multiple sources that the hunting is easier for Idaho newbies in the southern units (more open, more vocal elk, etc.)