SW Idaho Late Elk

[phildobaggins]

Hey folks, so my wife drew the unit 42 late rifle elk hunt. It is open from October 15th - November 24th. We live in Boise, so we're going to get down there several times, but wondering if any of the Hunt WA homies have hunted deer/elk in here during this time frame and can maybe point us in the right direction to find the bulls this time of year.

I've been on a hand full of elk hunts, but it's always been September archery. I figure the rut will be about done when we are able to get out to put a tag on one -- will the bulls be running back to their summer hidey holes post-rut if the snow doesn't show up and push them down? I don't think there will be an immense amount of pressure, but, there will be some pressure. The unit is draw only for elk, but there are still a handful of people that will be out chasing the elk, not to mention you ~could~ should a 2pt max mulie in there...

Don't want to waste the time and money to scout this summer if they're not really going to be in the general vicinity I find them. I can just show up a few days early before the hunt to get extra time in, but, I'm a planner 

[phildobaggins]

No one has been in 42 before? 

[dilleytech]

Trying to get your hand held so badly you go to a different states hunting forum to increase your odds of a onX waypoint to a bedded elk? 😂

[bornhunter]

No one has been in 42 before? 

If you dont get any info here you may want to try monster mulies. They cover all states and critters.

[redi]

Phildo has been an active member for several years and recently moved to Boise. Wish I had some info for him. Wishing him luck on his wife’s hunt.

[bornhunter]

 

Phildo has been an active member for several years and recently moved to Boise. Wish I had some info for him. Wishing him luck on his wife’s hunt.

[Magnum_Willys]

Congrats! Few have been lucky enough to draw that unit.   Because  Idaho has nonpoints those that draw are still in the game next year unlike WA.  So combine very few with experience and possibly hunting it next year don’t be surprised with zero feedback.  Are you sharing info on a honeyhole you hope to hunt next year? 

[Dan-o]

Phildo has been an active member for several years and recently moved to Boise. Wish I had some info for him. Wishing him luck on his wife’s hunt.

 

He's been an active and supportive member.
I hope someone shares useful info with him.

[Karl Blanchard]

Congrats! Few have been lucky enough to draw that unit.   Because  Idaho has nonpoints those that draw are still in the game next year unlike WA.  So combine very few with experience and possibly hunting it next year don’t be surprised with zero feedback.  Are you sharing info on a honeyhole you hope to hunt next year?

This is not correct. Any person who draws an antlered deer or elk permit are ineligible to apply the following year.

Good luck on your wife's tag Phildo. Wish I had some 42 info for you. If I did I'd certainly share   If it were my tag I'd definitely give it a go early but would plan on hitting it really hard later in the season. There's some Smoker bulls that come out of that unit.

[Magnum_Willys]

Thanks for correction.  Point being if I draw Quality tag in WA I know I’m not going back in this lifetime or at least anytime soon so will gladly share my info.   Idaho I’m going to keep honeyholes to my self. 

[phildobaggins]

Ya'll are great! Haha, the unit is quite large and 100% draw only, so, was just interested in helpful tips for a season of elk I've never hunted (or stepped foot in) before to maximize the chances of not eating an uncommon draw only tag

Doesn't everyone get psyched and start a thread for their OIL and quality tags? 

[phildobaggins]

Congrats! Few have been lucky enough to draw that unit.   Because  Idaho has nonpoints those that draw are still in the game next year unlike WA.  So combine very few with experience and possibly hunting it next year don’t be surprised with zero feedback.  Are you sharing info on a honeyhole you hope to hunt next year?

This is not correct. Any person who draws an antlered deer or elk permit are ineligible to apply the following year.

Good luck on your wife's tag Phildo. Wish I had some 42 info for you. If I did I'd certainly share   If it were my tag I'd definitely give it a go early but would plan on hitting it really hard later in the season. There's some Smoker bulls that come out of that unit.

Thanks Karl! We'll be out there every weekend in August basically and let the hunters have it when the early season opens and then come back a day before her season starts for a week or so. Gonna be a riot!

[HUNTINCOUPLE]

That's a great unit and tag to have! You have the right attitude and ambition to make memories to carry for life. Keep us updated on the adventure!

[phildobaggins]

That's a great unit and tag to have! You have the right attitude and ambition to make memories to carry for life. Keep us updated on the adventure!

Thanks, I’ll definitely share updates! 

[idaho guy]

Congrats on a great tag. I would devote a lot of time on the front and if necessary the end of the season. I have not been able to elk hunt in there but have been in the area for deer. It will not be hard to figure the unit out. I would go down at least a few days early before the season starts.

[phildobaggins]

Congrats on a great tag. I would devote a lot of time on the front and if necessary the end of the season. I have not been able to elk hunt in there but have been in the area for deer. It will not be hard to figure the unit out. I would go down at least a few days early before the season starts.

Thanks, that's basically our plan! I'm assuming the bulls will be on/around Juniper unless it's an early winter, then it seems like maybe driving around in the desert and long glassing sessions to find them 

[idaho guy]

Congrats on a great tag. I would devote a lot of time on the front and if necessary the end of the season. I have not been able to elk hunt in there but have been in the area for deer. It will not be hard  to figure the unit out. I would go down at least a few days early before the season starts.

Thanks, that's basically our plan! I'm assuming the bulls will be on/around Juniper unless it's an early winter, then it seems like maybe driving around in the desert and long glassing sessions to find them 

   


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[grade-creek-rd]

Just saw this post, which is why I am replying now instead of earlier...I don't know a lot about the Owyhees, other than watch for slick mud when it rains and have a sat phone or sat communicator with you as that area can get remote real fast. Snow can make the roads slick or more likely the snow drifts can build fast and you can get stuck easily...carry chains for all 4 tires, and let someone know your plans. Several years ago a young couple got stuck back in there for a long time (I think they ended up burning their tires to stay warm and try to signal) and the male half died when he tried to walk out...as for elk, well, from what I do know, there is some big bulls in there as they don't get hunted much. It is decieving terrain with deep coulees and big hardwoods (alder, cottonwood, etc etc) and big brush that can hide bulls. Expect to glass a lot and be ready to put some miles on the boots (and make sure you take a GPS so you can find the truck again!).

I believe this is the area where Claude Dallas evaded IDFG after killing an officer which tells you how remote it can be...also, for more info you might want to search antelope hunting posts as this is one of the "easier" draw units for Idaho antelope...

Grade

[phildobaggins]

Was a good hunt for us, not easy! In a nutshell, scooped a ~327 dead head bull, and wife shot a smaller 5x6.