Idaho Archery Elk

[iahunter]

If you had 10 days to archery elk hunt in Idaho, which 10 days would you choose?

[branches]

I picked the 15th to the 29th. I hunt slow so I need more days.

[Mudman]

Any day in season is good enough for me!

[Jimmy33]

15-25


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[huntnnw]

15th and later

[dscubame]

Both A tag and B tag (panhandle) have a any elk season within a mile of private lands so that would be dates to consider.

[Mudman]

Both A tag and B tag (panhandle) have a any elk season within a mile of private lands so that would be dates to consider.

Does that include timber co lands as private?  I read that in regs and wondered?

[buglebuster]

We’re going the 7th-16th

[dscubame]

Owned timber co is private but make sure it is owned as much is leased state/federal.

[Mudman]

Ahh, I knew sumtnbing was up.. Thanks.

[iahunter]

We’re going the 7th-16th

Just curious why you picked the 7th-16th? I know for midwest whitetail hunting, I enjoy hunting the pre-rut the most because it seems the big boys start getting off their feet as the first few does come into estrus and there are a lot less people out in the woods. From the sounds of it the 7-15th would be the 'pre-rut' for elk. I've gone back and forth which dates to head out. Most guys seem to think the 15th or later because that is during the rut, but I was wondering if it might be worth showing up on the 10th or so? Do you guys start hearing many bugles in a week or so? 

[blackveltbowhunter]

IMO it depends on the type of experience you are looking for and alot on the area ( meaning type of terrain).   In pre rut elk country it seems the best bulls don't move much till the actual rut stage, and all the action is gobbled up by lesser bulls. It can still be very productive that time of year and I would expect to hear good bugling and allot of call ins, but although they will be herd bulls,  ( and likely bulls  95 percent of hunters including myself would shoot in a second  )  they are likely not the strongest bull in a given area. He is likely waiting in the wings for cows to get hot a week later. Also if your in very thick terrain with multiple water options, then waiting a bit later makes sense simply to try and ensure good bugling action as other tactics like stand hunting, or spot and stalk may be more difficult.

[TikkaT3-270Shortmag]

Anytime after the 10th shoukd be good.  The cows should be hitting estrus and bulls should be bugling

[buglebuster]

We’re going the 7th-16th

Just curious why you picked the 7th-16th? I know for midwest whitetail hunting, I enjoy hunting the pre-rut the most because it seems the big boys start getting off their feet as the first few does come into estrus and there are a lot less people out in the woods. From the sounds of it the 7-15th would be the 'pre-rut' for elk. I've gone back and forth which dates to head out. Most guys seem to think the 15th or later because that is during the rut, but I was wondering if it might be worth showing up on the 10th or so? Do you guys start hearing many bugles in a week or so?

We chose that week because in Washington I have my best success callin in elk from about the 10th to 16th. Sure the rut isn’t ramped up all the way, but in my experience the bulls are much harder to call in when they are all herded up running around in chaos. Yes there is a ton more bugling later in September but that doesn’t always mean it’s better hunting. I like to hunt them when they are still cruising around for the most part, seeing who’s who and finding the herds of cows. I’ve called in a lot more “big” bulls before the rut really kicks off. You don’t always hear as many bugles but you can always spark one up and get him heated up with calls. Another thing is in the high country the 3rd week in September receives a lot of weather historically and if I can help it I’d rather not hunt them with my bow in a blizzard like we did for the whole week in Montana last year. Usually the 2nd week is pretty mild, but not always.

[iahunter]

Thanks buglebuster, that is very helpful information. Obviously whitetails are different but I have made similar observations with their activity and movement relative to the rut. I hadn't thought too much about blizzards, but that is a good point about considering the weather later in the month.

I'm definitively leaning towards showing up towards the 10th and figure I can always add days to my trip if I am getting into some good activity.   

[iahunter]

IMO it depends on the type of experience you are looking for and alot on the area ( meaning type of terrain).   In pre rut elk country it seems the best bulls don't move much till the actual rut stage, and all the action is gobbled up by lesser bulls. It can still be very productive that time of year and I would expect to hear good bugling and allot of call ins, but although they will be herd bulls,  ( and likely bulls  95 percent of hunters including myself would shoot in a second  )  they are likely not the strongest bull in a given area. He is likely waiting in the wings for cows to get hot a week later. Also if your in very thick terrain with multiple water options, then waiting a bit later makes sense simply to try and ensure good bugling action as other tactics like stand hunting, or spot and stalk may be more difficult.

From my research, the unit in Idaho (29) I have picked out has plenty of water. I'm not sure if that is a positive or negative? I'm guessing it will spread out the elk more. I'm used to sitting in treestands so I am not opposed to sitting at a water hole, but I think I would enjoy getting after the elk more. That said, I will use any tactic I can to get a bull. I have been on a couple tag along archery hunts in the Blues and had a lot of fun. Can't wait to get out there with a tag in my pocket 
 

[Mudman]

IMOP sitting on a hole isn't that great with elk.  Being mobile and covering lots ground on foot is the way to go.  Unless its only water/wallow in a 5 mile radius I wouldn't sit on anything.

[iahunter]

IMOP sitting on a hole isn't that great with elk.  Being mobile and covering lots ground on foot is the way to go.  Unless its only water/wallow in a 5 mile radius I wouldn't sit on anything.

Yeah, covering lots of ground on foot will be my preferred method, especially since I've never set foot in the unit before. I have a feeling the first year out will be a hell of a learning curve.

[Mudman]

Yup.  Be mobile, cover as much ground as you can anywhere away from the roads.  Find fresh sign or vocals and assess pattern, why then how.  Wind is the game changer-never give it to the elk.  You will be just fine.   Might see ya over there next week depending on where ya going..