Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Elk Hunting => Topic started by: buckmaster_wa on July 22, 2009, 03:37:29 PM

Title: Frank church wilderness
Post by: buckmaster_wa on July 22, 2009, 03:37:29 PM: Anyone on here hunt Idaho units 20a,26 or 27 with the early rifle elk tag? I bought a tag this year and I have been doing a lot of research, The biologist told me they havent had real bad winters the past couple of years. He also told me there arent many Wolves in that area, so I dont know wether his info is very credible. :dunno: Im heading over there to do a 4 day scouting trip in mid august. I am leaning towards Big creek area. If any of you have advice feel free to send me a PM. All input is greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: actionshooter on July 22, 2009, 03:43:23 PM: I don't know what the bio considers a large number of wolves, I have hunted deer there and we saw sign every day and heard them most nights. VERY rough country. Good luck!!
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: whacker1 on July 22, 2009, 04:15:56 PM: They have wolves - most definitely. If you see wolf sign move to the next canyon over. The game typically moves out fairly fast when wolves show up. Best of luck to you.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: longear on July 22, 2009, 04:36:11 PM: Quote from: actionshooter on July 22, 2009, 03:43:23 PM
I don't know what the bio considers a large number of wolves, I have hunted deer there and we saw sign every day and heard them most nights. VERY rough country. Good luck!!
We have had them in camp, and have seen them in the headlamp packing out at night. I don't think that bio is being very truthful.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: Hunter Henry on July 22, 2009, 06:19:30 PM: WOLVES, WOLVES AND MORE WOLVES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: Elkric on July 22, 2009, 06:29:51 PM: Quote from: longear on July 22, 2009, 04:36:11 PM
Quote from: actionshooter on July 22, 2009, 03:43:23 PM
I don't know what the bio considers a large number of wolves, I have hunted deer there and we saw sign every day and heard them most nights. VERY rough country. Good luck!!
We have had them in camp, and have seen them in the headlamp packing out at night. I don't think that bio is being very truthful.

I can also tell you there are definitely wolves. It was both pretty eerie and awesome having them howling in the early a.m. as we were on the trail and they were on the rock bluffs all around us. Also saw plenty of elk carcasses left over from wolf kills.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: Elkric on July 22, 2009, 06:30:47 PM: All that said. I'm excited to go back in November to chase the deer around.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: norsepeak on July 22, 2009, 07:31:35 PM: I've been in there twice and saw tons of deer and elk and have never seen or heard a wolf in where we go. Going back again this year, end of Oct.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: Buckmark on July 22, 2009, 07:45:47 PM: I used to hunt the area around Challis - cobalt, dont remeber what the unit was but i think that is one your looking at, if so stop at the couger creek store near cobalt, buy a "shot - shovel - shutup" t-shirt in there, there are wolves there, not sure the bio is telling the whole story, rugged country also, elk get deep in those canyons, also lots of out of state Lic plates so watchout.. Say plates there from Wisconson last time i hunted it and lots from Cali (almost as many as i see in Utah), if that area is were your going i'll find my maps and pm you some holes..
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: buckmaster_wa on July 22, 2009, 09:32:59 PM: Whell im not looking for a trophy, Im just wanting to tag any legal bull I see. I have a peaches ridge ML bull tag to hurry home to. :). I am heading back in there in November o if I dont tag out in Sept I can shoot one in November. Thanks for any and all information. :tup:
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: videoman on July 22, 2009, 09:42:40 PM: Plan on hunting off the road because if you had to wear orange in idaho it would look like a pumkin patch. People don't leave the road to often. Lots of elk and wolves.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: colockumelk on July 23, 2009, 12:39:36 PM: Quote from: buckmaster_wa on July 22, 2009, 09:32:59 PM
Whell im not looking for a trophy, Im just wanting to tag any legal bull I see. I have a peaches ridge ML bull tag to hurry home to. :). I am heading back in there in November o if I dont tag out in Sept I can shoot one in November. Thanks for any and all information. :tup:

I hate you so much. You don't even like elk hunting. I hope you get mounted by a wolf :)
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: ing on July 24, 2009, 07:09:05 AM: I've hunted there twice for deer and saw lots of them. We had a great hunt both times. The first time we went we heard the wolves howling. The second time we crossed lots of wolf tracks and then accually saw a glimpse of one. Personally, I dont think that the wolves had any effect on our hunting success at all. We tagged out both times.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: actionshooter on July 24, 2009, 10:55:26 AM: Quote from: ing on July 24, 2009, 07:09:05 AM
I've hunted there twice for deer and saw lots of them. We had a great hunt both times. The first time we went we heard the wolves howling. The second time we crossed lots of wolf tracks and then accually saw a glimpse of one. Personally, I dont think that the wolves had any effect on our hunting success at all. We tagged out both times.

I'm glad you were succesful, but trust me, the wolves DID effect your hunt. Should have gone before the wolves.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: buckmaster_wa on July 24, 2009, 12:50:26 PM: Quote from: videoman on July 22, 2009, 09:42:40 PM
Plan on hunting off the road because if you had to wear orange in idaho it would look like a pumkin patch. People don't leave the road to often. Lots of elk and wolves.
I think im gonna fly in there in the early season hike in about 5 miles and set up camp. This should get me away from a few of the hunters. I am also flying in there in Nov to hunt for deer.
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: buckmaster_wa on July 24, 2009, 12:51:54 PM: I hate you so much. You don't even like elk hunting. I hope you get mounted by a wolf

Clockem I invited you to go with me you big sissy. You just dont have the balls to get away from the wife. :chuckle:
Title: Re: Frank church wilderness
Post by: colockumelk on July 24, 2009, 02:59:54 PM: Trust me it's not the lack of balls, it's the lack of funds. If the Army was paying me right now I'd already have a tag in hand and show you how real men hunt elk. Don't worry big dog I'll still call a big fatty for you in Peaches this year.