Unit 163

[Machias]

Looking over the regs I see there is a late archery cow hunt in Unit 163.  Looking at the GoHunt map seems to be dotted with state land.  Is this unit worth a drive down and hunt for cow elk?  Is it on the edge of the Blues or is it wide open spaces?  Just curious for next year as I don't have an elk tag this year.  Thanks for any information.

[10heiau]

I would say save your gas money. It is mostly private farm land with little timber. There are elk that roam the unit but I think the thought of taking an elk in this unit is far fetched. If you are really adamant about taking a cow in the blues late hunt, get permission in elk area 1010.

[D-Rock425]

I was just looking at the same thing.  Unit 1010 is also open at least for archery.

[Machias]

Thanks a bunch for the replies!!  I might have to drive down and check out a few of the state land chunks for some yote hunting.   

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

It really depends on the snow, I went down there last year and you really cant get in the timber that is outside the nat forest that is available due to the crappy roads.  That is usually where you can find the elk, unless they move down farther.  You are stuck to farm land and some times you will see a herd off the road and sometimes you wont see anything.  If you stay down in the Marengo area I have seen elk along the river and at the top of hartsock, really depends on how much snow is high to get them out of the trees.  Also, get the windmill access pass, you might seem them on land that has windmills and you can hunt a lot of it, just gotta get the permission slips from the power company.  You can do that at the last resort.  Good luck. 

[BLUEBULLS]

it's more of a "get out of the house type hunt".

the area is filled with snow drifts, closed roads, and private land. It can be fun but it can also be a mess.
Good luck if you go for it!

[400out]

I went down there a few weekends ago scouting for elk and didnt see anything except loads of deer and private land. Now I only covered about 1/4 of the open area to hunt but I never left the truck or public roads and just glassed canyons. I talked to a girl who skis a lot down at Blue Wood (I think thats right) and she said that sometimes you see them down there but I have no idea if that land she was referring to was public or not. Also I am already tagged out from westside elk and decided if im scouting for friends they can get off their butt and waste gas.

Getting out of the house and seeing loads of deer is never a waste of gas  The problem with the blues in the private land! You just ahve to find a way to work around it 

[mtncook]

After I fed cows today the hunters were back at the jeep I have seen around for a few days.  They were very friendly and having a great time.  Been here since last Friday, seen elk everyday.  We knew of a big bunch (about 60) in the wind tower area.  The young guys told me yesterday they broke up a big bunch of about 80 into 3 small herds.  That should make it easier for them.. They were puzzled with the open country where these cows are running, not giving them very good cover to sneak up on the elk.  Not sure how long they will be here but they are making the most of their time and getting close.  Actually 1 of them let an arrow loose yesterday but the wind drifted it  he said.


mtncook