Middle fork elk hunt 2020

[Marcusoliver70]

To start off, I was very unfamiliar with how Idaho did purchasing for non residents.  So we were late!  I originally wanted to hunt the McCall, middle fork, or salmon units based on state bull to cow ratio reports and the google earth mapping...looks like great area!  As I said we were late and by the time we got to purchase both the salmon and McCall were sold out, with plenty of tags left for the middle fork.  So we bought them!  Now we realize why they were there lol!  It’s the wilderness.  We are not discouraged though!  Everywhere I’ve looked throughout the internet....people rave about the beauty, however state that they wouldn’t hunt there if they’re paid.  So here is where we stand.  We’ve hunted the Pasayten in the past and also hunted the deep areas that surround peaches ridge and the manashtash and know what steep country is.  What I’m looking for is a little guidance to where we would be likely to find elk with some work.  I have read that the density is referred to as thin because the area is vast.  And pointers for access.  By mapping I think we might try to head in via beaver creek.  Your insight will be gratefully appreciated.


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[slowhand]

Tagging along 

[fishngamereaper]

Boots on the ground grasshopper...

Ive hunted and killed elk in the Frank over the year's. Some luck was involved and a lot of work...it's also not what it used to be..get over there and spend a week hitting all the area's you can drive to. Get to know the area a little then roll the dice on a spot.

Also, the Frank makes peaches look flat...

[Marcusoliver70]

Headed over in July to scout it out.  You ever get back in the matheney or Quinault ridge?  I know there is a lot of access, but steep also....should I expect more?  Just to clarify, I’m 49 and have been hunting Washington since I was 12, not new to the game and definitely not arrogant to think I know it all.  I’ve switched from high power elk, as the rules changed when I was gone in the army, and have mostly hunted EWA archery with a lot of success even considering it’s spike unless you draw the tag lol.  There will definitely be miles put on.  Thanks for your input! Are you aware of mapping available that shows access roads?  It looked to me that unless coming from the south the 27 is flanked on either side by units that are in the frank, so you’d have to hike/bike through those just to make it in?


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[cbond3318]

There is access to 27 from 28 and 21. Use ONX and get a Salmon-Challis NF use map it will show what rds are open and type of travel allowed that will get you to 27. Pair that with GE / ONX and you will start building the plan.

[fishngamereaper]

The Idaho hunt planner has a good mapping system as well.

Elevation gain and loss in Washington is half of what it can be in the Frank. The only flat spots are the bottom and the tops.

[actionshooter]

Headed over in July to scout it out.  You ever get back in the matheney or Quinault ridge?  I know there is a lot of access, but steep also....should I expect more?  Just to clarify, I’m 49 and have been hunting Washington since I was 12, not new to the game and definitely not arrogant to think I know it all.  I’ve switched from high power elk, as the rules changed when I was gone in the army, and have mostly hunted EWA archery with a lot of success even considering it’s spike unless you draw the tag lol.  There will definitely be miles put on.  Thanks for your input! Are you aware of mapping available that shows access roads?  It looked to me that unless coming from the south the 27 is flanked on either side by units that are in the frank, so you’d have to hike/bike through those just to make it in?


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What season are you going to hunt? 

[Pathfinder101]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

[idahohuntr]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

No. It's not a capped zone, so only after the total nr quota is gone would it be unavailable.

[Marcusoliver70]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

No. It's not a capped zone, so only after the total nr quota is gone would it be unavailable.

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[Marcusoliver70]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

No. It's not a capped zone, so only after the total nr quota is gone would it be unavailable.

It sold out 12/15


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[Marcusoliver70]

Headed over in July to scout it out.  You ever get back in the matheney or Quinault ridge?  I know there is a lot of access, but steep also....should I expect more?  Just to clarify, I’m 49 and have been hunting Washington since I was 12, not new to the game and definitely not arrogant to think I know it all.  I’ve switched from high power elk, as the rules changed when I was gone in the army, and have mostly hunted EWA archery with a lot of success even considering it’s spike unless you draw the tag lol.  There will definitely be miles put on.  Thanks for your input! Are you aware of mapping available that shows access roads?  It looked to me that unless coming from the south the 27 is flanked on either side by units that are in the frank, so you’d have to hike/bike through those just to make it in?


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What season are you going to hunt?

We are hunting 9/15-9/30


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[280ackley]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

Nope, its not caped.  Its apart of the general NR quota.

[High Climber]

To start off, I was very unfamiliar with how Idaho did purchasing for non residents.  So we were late!  I originally wanted to hunt the McCall, middle fork, or salmon units based on state bull to cow ratio reports and the google earth mapping...looks like great area!  As I said we were late and by the time we got to purchase both the salmon and McCall were sold out, with plenty of tags left for the middle fork.  So we bought them!  Now we realize why they were there lol!  It’s the wilderness.  We are not discouraged though!  Everywhere I’ve looked throughout the internet....people rave about the beauty, however state that they wouldn’t hunt there if they’re paid.  So here is where we stand.  We’ve hunted the Pasayten in the past and also hunted the deep areas that surround peaches ridge and the manashtash and know what steep country is.  What I’m looking for is a little guidance to where we would be likely to find elk with some work.  I have read that the density is referred to as thin because the area is vast.  And pointers for access.  By mapping I think we might try to head in via beaver creek.  Your insight will be gratefully appreciated.


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So there are tags available for all 3 zones you listed... you will want an “a” tag for sept archery hunt dates. Salmon is sold out for b tag only and McCall is not capped as previously stated. My  go in July and check out McCall zone and salmon zone and decide then OR just flip a coin and buy one now then spend July gameplanning whichever you choose. As long as you like the country spend a few seasons in there and you will start figuring stuff out. Good luck 

[idahohuntr]

Is McCall Zone sold out?

No. It's not a capped zone, so only after the total nr quota is gone would it be unavailable.

It sold out 12/15


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That's incorrect.  It is not a capped zone - it has not sold out. You must be thinking of a different unit or zone.