First Elk Hunt

[Calbuck]

I drew my first elk tag, unit 49 in Idaho..I'm not a new hunter, but I'm new to elk hunting. I've been lurking here in this forum for quite a while and learned tons just reading. Anyone care to share any experiences or advice on 49?

[zpd307]

I have never been to Idaho, next week for our scout trip...... but our unit isn't 49, so I cant help you.

[Elkduds]

Welcome to the best elk forum on the 'net. By lurking you have gained a lot of intel. A useful tool is to be able to exchange Private Messages/PMs. You will be able to do so after making 3 posts. Often you can get more input on a specific unit via PM, so it doesn't get posted for all the world to see. Good luck this fall in ID!

[Swede]

Many years ago I worked with a man that got his elk mid season one year. He had hunted all morning, got tired and went back to his pickup. There he sat on the road eating a sandwich and drinking coffee. About that time a nice bull elk stepped out of the forest right in front of him and this coworker as able to kill it there on his lunch break. This coworker was out in the elk woods, so he was in the right place. He was an experienced elk hunter with many elk to his credit, but the rest was pure luck.
The moral of the story is you can get lucky if you are out there where the elk are. The rest will depend on what you know, patience and perseverance. When I talk of perseverance, I don't mean you have to hunt like a marathon madman. You just stay out there hunting for as long as you can and don't give way to the temptation to throw in the towel.

[Calbuck]

Thanks for the replies guys. I agree, just being out there is half the game. I know I haven't posted in this forum much, but I feel that it's better to keep quiet if you don't have much to add..I've looked at maps and satellite views for hours, and read what I can here and Eastmans and Rokslide. I have a pretty good idea what I'll need to do.

[zpd307]

rex, where are you from? are you able to scout?

[Wapiti]

scout while you hunt and remember elk trails are going to feed, water or bed !! Don't be scared to just get on them and start going !!

[Calbuck]

From NorCal, won't be able to scout. I'm not really finding much info for this unit. I've been doing as much e-scouting as I can. I have a call in to the biologist there. Mostly I'm just trying to find good points for access, whether I go on foot or use atv/utv. I know there are motorized travel restrictions in unit 49. I applied for it based on statistics. I believe it may be a blessing in disguise that there's not much talk about it, as in people want to keep a sleeper zone secret...I have no problem with that!

[Indian Summer]

Many years ago I worked with a man that got his elk mid season one year. He had hunted all morning, got tired and went back to his pickup. There he sat on the road eating a sandwich and drinking coffee. About that time a nice bull elk stepped out of the forest right in front of him and this coworker as able to kill it there on his lunch break. This coworker was out in the elk woods, so he was in the right place. He was an experienced elk hunter with many elk to his credit, but the rest was pure luck.
The moral of the story is you can get lucky if you are out there where the elk are. The rest will depend on what you know, patience and perseverance. When I talk of perseverance, I don't mean you have to hunt like a marathon madman. You just stay out there hunting for as long as you can and don't give way to the temptation to throw in the towel.

I'll match that one Swede. Had a buddy pull into a trailhead. Got out and dropped the tailgate of his pickup. Bam! When he did a bull bugled! So he cow called. Bull bugled again only a lot closer. So he cow called again and nocked an arrow. Bull steps out onto the parking area and he shoots it and it drops over dead right there. 7 by 7!!!!!!

That year he also drew and East Fork bighorn ram tag n Montana and killed his sheep to top it off. Had both mounted.

[zpd307]

Many years ago I worked with a man that got his elk mid season one year. He had hunted all morning, got tired and went back to his pickup. There he sat on the road eating a sandwich and drinking coffee. About that time a nice bull elk stepped out of the forest right in front of him and this coworker as able to kill it there on his lunch break. This coworker was out in the elk woods, so he was in the right place. He was an experienced elk hunter with many elk to his credit, but the rest was pure luck.
The moral of the story is you can get lucky if you are out there where the elk are. The rest will depend on what you know, patience and perseverance. When I talk of perseverance, I don't mean you have to hunt like a marathon madman. You just stay out there hunting for as long as you can and don't give way to the temptation to throw in the towel.

I'll match that one Swede. Had a buddy pull into a trailhead. Got out and dropped the tailgate of his pickup. Bam! When he did a bull bugled! So he cow called. Bull bugled again only a lot closer. So he cow called again and nocked an arrow. Bull steps out onto the parking area and he shoots it and it drops over dead right there. 7 by 7!!!!!!

That year he also drew and East Fork bighorn ram tag n Montana and killed his sheep to top it off. Had both mounted.

now that just wouldn't be fun.... first day and next to the truck..... geez

[zpd307]

rex, just looked on Idaho's site. only a small portion is in national forest. are you planning on hunting in the public area? if so contact a forest ranger there and they will send you trail use map that will show where and what can and can not do, along with trail heads and such. mine were sent lickety split so you should still have time to get them.....

[Calbuck]

Thanks ZPD, I'm making the calls today. I've been on evac alert for fires in my area so haven't had time yet. Those maps will be very useful!

[zpd307]

no prob, anything to help. I hear you, California is a mess right now. its either burning or flooding..... good luck

[twinkieman]

Is your tag for bow, or rifle, and when will you be hunting?

[Lefty]

Good country, nearly any type of hunt you want, serious packing in, or big ranch area with road/trail access
ATVs could be a huge advantage in some areas,others , strap on your mountain hiking boots and get ready to suck some air as you work the steep elevations
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapcenter/
hmm I think I was there last week,.. and going through there again this week
Spend a lot of time on the fish and game site
turn the land management , Access Yes , ATV trails layers on


lots of good places to hunt, dont be afraid to drive up some of those deep canyon roads or trails then hie our from there, lots of elevation, can a promote getting a wolf tag!!!
Call the local CO he might have ranchers with problems

[Calbuck]

Thanks all for the tips. I'll be hunting the last week and half of rifle season (Oct 27-Nov 9) unless my son and I tag out early in Utah. I'm coming with utv and atv, hiking boots and pack..whatever it takes I will be willing and prepared to do!

[2011bullyelk]

Congrats on a good tag! Unit 49 holds some giant bulls! Access to awesome hunting isn't hard to find. I used to archery hunt that unit every year when we could both archery and rifle but the same year. Now idaho makes a guy choose. I haven't been able to draw that tag but I would love to. I actually live in bellevue which is in unit 49. If you have any questions about what canyons lead to where/meet up with each other on top etc. I would be glad to help where I can. My buddies wide took a 330 bull outta there last year!

[Calbuck]

That's what I like to hear! I'm really getting excited about this hunt. What are the typical weather patterns on this unit in late Oct/early Nov? I know I should be prepared for extremes, but what is typical?

[2011bullyelk]

The last couple years have been un-seasonably warm and dry. I am hearing rumors of an El Niño year so I hoping for some better weather (ie snow) this year. I will be hunting 48 across the road with my bow because there is a late spike only hunt with a rifle I can fall back on since I am pretty new to archery myself. My brother is hunting 49 archery, it truly is a great unit. 49 elk herd is pretty stout compared to the rest of the surrounding units. I would come prepared for snow and cold though, it is idaho and a guy never knows. Also the terrain can get steep and nasty so being in a little better shape won't hurt either

[Calbuck]

Thanks for the reply, that's the type of info I'm looking for. Good luck on your hunt in 48!