My hunting partner and I just returned from a 2/1 guided combo elk and deer hunt in southern Idaho. The Idaho biologists stated good numbers of elk and an increase in mule deer after their winter kill in 2021. We hunted out of the Beaver Lodge facility, sleeping there and having our meals prepared there. We left the lodge @ 5:15 am and were driven in the guide's truck 30-45 minutes up forest service roads to our hunting area in units 77,78. We then hiked in the dark with headlamps 1-2 miles up the mountain, sometimes slowly hunting the terrain when it got light enough to shoot. We then sat on a saddle or other crossing point until late afternoon for the evening hunt down the mountain. During the 5 days of hunting, we saw 7 does, one small buck, and bumped a small herd of 6 cows and 1 spike twice, not getting a shot. There were 8 hunters in camp, with 3 guides. Only one 5 point bull was shot among us. The previous group of hunters also had only one bull elk shot. Dale stated a 40%-70% shot opportunity, but in our group, it was only 12.5% as well as 12.5% for the previous group. There are 400 tags allotted for the unit with 50 for non-residents. The units have adequate feed and water for the animals, however they are pounded hard by the hunters from the archery season on and the hunting areas are accessible by ATVs. In my opinion, the areas hunted had a low density of animals and is not worth the effort and dollars to hunt it. The accommodations and food were very good and the guide first rate, however not enough game to justify hunting with Bear paw Outfitters in those units. Greg Gosch
