Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: ganghis on November 03, 2020, 10:17:49 AM

Title: McCall cow elk
Post by: ganghis on November 03, 2020, 10:17:49 AM: Hi All,
I've got an Idaho McCall A tag and am heading out in a week to try to get a cow with my muzzleloader. I've done a bit of e-scouting and talked to a bio, but it looks like there's a big system coming in at the end of this week that might alter my plans a bit. It's supposed to dump a foot or more at 7000+ feet, maybe 5 inches around 6000 feet, and minimal amounts around 5000. Then it's supposed to stay cold. So that crosses some access points off for me (forest roads over 6500 feet most likely) and I'm guessing elk will be hitting their migration routes towards the breaks of the Salmon and Little Salmon. I'm thinking of hitting those areas, and maybe near Burgdorf if the road is still accessible. Any info on access points, good places to set up camp, or likely elevations / areas to target would be welcome. Debating on whether to set up a base camp to start with or just be more mobile until I get on some animals- it's a big area! I'm not afraid to spike out with a hot tent too, though am a bit reluctant to be more than 3-4 miles from the car given the potential pack out. Feel free to PM

Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: McCall cow elk
Post by: trophyhunt on November 03, 2020, 10:21:07 AM: Take lots of pics, I heard that area is absolutely beautiful, good luck! I know nothing about that area other than that.
Title: Re: McCall cow elk
Post by: bracer40 on November 03, 2020, 10:31:25 AM: With snow on the way, I’d stay mobile and do some road scouting for sign. Lots of places for dispersed camping. They’re in there, but as you said, it’s a big unit. Your wheels can help you locate them w fresh snow.
Title: Re: McCall cow elk
Post by: ganghis on November 04, 2020, 12:37:58 PM: Thanks for the idea, bracer. That's a little different than my usual strategy (backpacking in blindly, ha ha), but I bet that'll have the highest chance of success. Time to get a window mount for my optics set up!