Non-resident buy A tags for Idaho OTC?

[nw_bowhunter]

So I have a friend that lives in Idaho and recently got into bowhunting. He has property in the middle of unit 4. If all works out I will get my first crack at hunting Idaho for elk. I plan on getting over there in May and check out the area that we can hunt. I have done some looking on the Idaho Fish and Game website for stats, maps, etc. 

If anybody have any experience hunting Unit 4 or 4A? Would appreciate some feedback to get any idea of what the hunting is like, terrain, challenges, etc. I would really like to start my first experience hunting out of state off right.

[WDFW-SUX]

Wolves!

[nw_bowhunter]

I figured this would be mentioned. Any other input? Is this unit a total waste of time for elk?

[WDFW-SUX]

Sorry the wolves really aren't that bad but the bad ass brush is...seriously thick you will have bull bugling 10 yards from you and all you will see is hooves and tips of antlers..its a trip.

There is a pic around here somewhere of a hound that got ripped in half by the pack up there...watch your back.

Oh and its all day long steep..think swakane with super thick stuff..I crossed the river 8 times one day trying to get out of the jungle...it can make for some tired dogs.

On the plus side its not uncommon to have 6-10 bulls bugling at one time and they go all day long by the 15th.

[nw_bowhunter]

I read an article about bowhunters in CDA press that they they primary rely on tree stands. This was from last year.

Is unit 4A the same? I figured that unit 4 was going going to be thick. I never hunted the Swakane but that helps give me an idea.
How many times did you hunt this area and were you successful? Would you ever hunt it again?

I assume it is OTC tag correct?

Is hunting the area better after the 15th?

[ribka]

Depends on the weather but typically around the 15th would be good.
Get over and scout and look to the steep brushy areas. I would consider using tree stands at least part of the time. Stay flexible in your hunting methods. Get the type of tree stand that is light and easy and quiet to put up. Do not forget your safety belt.

[tlake]

I hunted the North end of 4A near Packsaddle Mt.  Lots of elk, lots of brush, lots of people and it is steep country.

[nw_bowhunter]

Thanks for the feed back guys...

So if this is your first time hunting elk in Idaho would you shy away or give it a try?

I was looking at the map and was checking out Independence Creek...

[Alan K]

Worst case scenario you get to hunt in a new state in a new area and just flat out be in the woods some more.  Even if you don't harvest it will be a great time!

[nw_bowhunter]

That is how I was thinking...I want this to be a fun and positive exp. I'm not really to concerned about the kill, although I do want to be prepared.

[top pin1]

I live and hunt Idaho. South of the unit your talking about but same type of country.

Thick is the key word. Elk at less then 20 yards with no shot is normal. Elk feel comfy in the thick stuff so thats where you'll find them.

A tag for the panhandle units 1-9 is OTC. Its a long season, you'll have a short rifle and muzzleloader season also. You wont be stuck just in unit 4a also. You will have miles of country to hunt.

Its only a 6 hour drive to your hunting camp from Seattle area. Very doable to come over for 3 or 4 day weekends.

Elk get the most vocal from the 15 to the 25 +/- a few days. May not be the best chance to get a elk during that time though, as its easier to call them in earlier in the season when the bulls dont have their cow harems.

Whats your experience for calling elk? If you dont have any you got a lot of learning to do before you go. I would forget the tree stand unless you have a ton of time to scout out well ahead of time. Elk are not like deer and will not use the same trails or water each day consistently. Beginning elk hunters have alot harder time finding the elk each day then someone with experience. I'd say thats going to be the biggest learning curve to get over. Cover a ton of ground fast and call alot. DONT SNEAK OR HUNT till you find the elk. The hardest part for a beginner is finding elk each day to hunt.

If you can find anyone that knows how to call or has called in elk before become their best friend. You will need them to help teach you to call. There is a real art to it, just making the calls sound realistic. If you can spend just a couple days with someone that has called elk in you'll be years ahead in what to learn.

Its steep and thick. Hiking uphill for a 3 hours straight is not a uncommon hunt.

Be prepared that one season elk hunting will become a life long obsession!! Nobody goes elk hunting just once!

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[nw_bowhunter]

Great information.... I have been hunting elk for a number of years, however I would consider myself a rookie. I have only shot 1 cow elk durning a late elk hunt in Cle Elum. Growing up dad and I only deer hunted so my elk hunting exp didn't start until 2000. I started up in the Colockum.

My calling consists of using a hoochie mama and a few other cow calls. Not much for bugling. Most of the time I sneak or find areas to sit and watch. Of course I suppose hunting elk in the Colockum is a lot different than over in Idaho.

This is why I been asking so many questions, not sure if this a good area for a rookie to hunt elk.

[top pin1]

It will be a good start!!

I'd go, plan on it. In fact I'd be buying your license now and going turkey hunting this spring April 15th thru May 25th. and getting feel for the country. Turkey tag is I believe only $60.00 more and if you blank this spring you can use the tag in the fall.

I'd be reading up on some good elk material and finding someone that has successfully called elk. Go over to their house and have them work with you on your calling in person. A few days will have you actually sounding like a elk and not a rookie elk hunter. Bowhunting elk a diaphram all is a must!!!

Any elk seminar you can attend is a must!! One seminar is what has made all the difference in my success. It made me realize that you hunt elk by pretending to be a elk and calling them into you!! You will have very little success trying to be a predator and hunting them. They are too good at making a living staying alive.

Good luck,

You will never regret the chance one bit in your life!!

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[nw_bowhunter]

Thanks again...sent you a PM