Never going to ask without giving.
I usually hunt Smokey-Bennett Archery in Idaho and have hunted the GPNF for over 30 years for both rifle and archery. This year due to work I have to hunt Idaho rifle and a buddy convinced me to give Salmon zone a try with him and his dad (they’ve never been there either). My research has not been encouraging, but I have identified several drainages that seem to be farther from trails and roads that I am considering.
Most people start by saying they aren’t asking for honey holes. I AM asking for good spots and info on specific drainages in the Salmon zone. I’m willing to share specific drainages in Smokey Bennett that we ALWAYS get into elk in and have seen numerous high caliber bulls. OR, I’m also willing to share specifics on Gifford Pinchot areas (with some trail cam pics) which includes some monsters. I’ve read enough now to not expect to find many huge bulls in Salmon zone, but surely there have to be some good ones in there somewhere. I hate the process of investing hard earned vacation with no scouting to learn a unit that far away with nothing to go on.
I’m not overly optimistic about this Salmon tag, but I am hoping to get a leg up since I won’t be able to scout it in advance.
General info is appreciated. I will trade specifics for specifics.