Idaho unit 18

[buglebrush]

I am in total shock!  Been applying in Idaho for 24 years and just drew my first tag.  Unit 18 archery elk in the second draw.  It's myself and my teenage brother.  Absolutely clueless about this unit, and was hoping maybe somebody here could give me some advice.  I have all the gear and am experienced at backpack hunting.  Could possibly use horses too.  Happy to get a message.

[Naches Sportsman]

Congrats in the tag and I'd definetely use 4 legged critters if they are in shape.

That country has kicked my ass during the times I have been in there for work and for fun.

[WapitiTalk1]

Haven’t spent any time there but good luck brother, put a big ones nose in the dirt!

[huntnnw]

Horses will be a huge bonus to pack at a elk. this is some of the steepest country you will ever hunt elk in. Finding elk is not hard in this unit pretty much every canyon has a herd or more

[trophyhunt]

Had the rifle tag a few years ago, steeeeep country but beautiful.  I thought archery was over the counter???  anywho, I went in at riggings and then hunted the wilderness, some of the most beautiful country around, and steep.  Paid a local guy to haul my elk out, worth every penny!  I hope the hunting is as good for you as it was for me!

[huntnnw]

Had the rifle tag a few years ago, steeeeep country but beautiful.  I thought archery was over the counter???  anywho, I went in at riggings and then hunted the wilderness, some of the most beautiful country around, and steep.  Paid a local guy to haul my elk out, worth every penny!  I hope the hunting is as good for you as it was for me!

archery is draw only. 75 tags I believe

[trophyhunt]

Had the rifle tag a few years ago, steeeeep country but beautiful.  I thought archery was over the counter???  anywho, I went in at riggings and then hunted the wilderness, some of the most beautiful country around, and steep.  Paid a local guy to haul my elk out, worth every penny!  I hope the hunting is as good for you as it was for me!

archery is draw only. 75 tags I believe

That would be tough country with a bow!

[Gettin Birdie]

I can't remember if you can get upriver far enough in that unit before it is damned, but if so, I'd go to Heller Bar? (near the grande ronde confluence where the jet boaters launch from) and talk with local boaters, my old boss had a tag in 11 or 18, they were a tremendous help, finding the game, plus gear drop off, haul out.  horses certainly best other option.  Just a thought if possible, plus may be relatively affordable option.  Good Luck! And, one more thing, my bosses elk, took a huge tumble in that steep country, never did find all the broken off points, so keep that in mind! 

[trophyhunt]

  glad I had my rifle, shot my bull in the neck and he never got out of his bed, if he’d have ran down to the river, doubt I’d have been able to get him out.

[buglebrush]

Thanks for the replies!  I've been very successful killing elk in the Idaho panhandle with my bow, so the hunting part I'm ready for.  With it being the second draw, I'm just way behind the curve in learning about access etc...  Did anyone hunt the Eastern side of the unit on foot?  I may do some really quick trips early before I go in deep with horses, and would love to hit a few spots that are foot accessible on those trips.   

[buglebrush]

Had the rifle tag a few years ago, steeeeep country but beautiful.  I thought archery was over the counter???  anywho, I went in at riggings and then hunted the wilderness, some of the most beautiful country around, and steep.  Paid a local guy to haul my elk out, worth every penny!  I hope the hunting is as good for you as it was for me!

I'd love to have contact information for the local packer if you still have it?  you can message me.  Thanks!

[trophyhunt]

Had the rifle tag a few years ago, steeeeep country but beautiful.  I thought archery was over the counter???  anywho, I went in at riggings and then hunted the wilderness, some of the most beautiful country around, and steep.  Paid a local guy to haul my elk out, worth every penny!  I hope the hunting is as good for you as it was for me!

I'd love to have contact information for the local packer if you still have it?  you can message me.  Thanks!

Sent ya a PM. 

[huntnnw]

I can't remember if you can get upriver far enough in that unit before it is damned, but if so, I'd go to Heller Bar? (near the grande ronde confluence where the jet boaters launch from) and talk with local boaters, my old boss had a tag in 11 or 18, they were a tremendous help, finding the game, plus gear drop off, haul out.  horses certainly best other option.  Just a thought if possible, plus may be relatively affordable option.  Good Luck! And, one more thing, my bosses elk, took a huge tumble in that steep country, never did find all the broken off points, so keep that in mind!

wrong unit. that would be 11 across the river, then way further up would be 13 and even further is 18. If you launch to hunt 18 you would launch at pittsburg landing and I wouldnt hunt elk in Sept in a boat as its hot and most the elk are quite aways up in elevation that time of year.