Choosing and Idaho Unit

[blacklu]

Hello Elk World!


Like many people here, I am new to elk hunting but not new to hunting.  I have finally decided I want to chase bulls during the September rut, and have narrowed my sights to a few units in Idaho.  I have read many posts about wolf problems and lots of steep country in Idaho, but am still determined for an OTC tag.


Through my research on Idaho F&G website, I want to choose from Units 15, 30, 36B, or 21.  I politely ask for any hunter's experience in any of these areas.  I'm not looking for coordinates or hot spots, just some general information about the elk populations, terrain, and tips for a new hunter in those areas (who probably won't be able to do any pre-scouting on foot, as I live in WI).  I've been debating investing in "go-hunt insider" as a scouting tool, but I'm not sure its worth it for OTC tags.  Does anybody have an opinion on it?


Thank you!!!
blacklu

 

[montanaelk31]

Hello and welcome-
If it were me I would plan on hunting unit 30 or 21. I've never hunted Idaho but I have right across the border in Montana adjacent those units. They both have good combinations of timber and openings. No matter what you do or where you go in Idaho and Montana you're going to have a wolf issue. The main thing is is when wolves are in the area you need to get out ASAP! Having a plan a, B, C, D, E, F, and G is very important. Don't fall in love with anyone spot as wolves can always come in and ruin a hunt!  Good luck.

 

[MT_mulies]

I really think you will be good with just about anywhere in Idaho. I lived/hunted in Northern Idaho and saw elk, I currently hunt/live in SE Idaho and have seen elk. I have hunted in Central Idaho and have seen elk. I really think you have pretty good odds almost anywhere you go. I have never hunted the units you are talking about, but wouldn't be surprised if they are similar to all of Idaho. I will say more than likely the farther from big cities you get the better your chances are, ie. Boise, Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Moscow/Lewiston. If I were you I would try to be 1-2 hours from any of those cities/places. Wolves can be a problem but elk will still be there. Two years ago every night we heard wolves, but every day we saw elk. They just weren't as responsive. I had a biologist tell me once. "Where there are wolves there are elk." Because the wolves are following the elk. Last year we went to the same spot and no wolves and the same number of elk, they were just more responsive and out longer in the day.
I have the onX hunt app. But I don't pay for anything. I just use the GPS and Arial photography when I'm out hunting since a lot of Idaho elk hunting spots don't have service. It works fine for me. I will usually just get on Idaho fish and game website and print a map or two with landowner layers and then use my phone to show me where I'm at. Most of my spots though I'm a mile or more from private property.

 

[cokeson]

Is anyone familiar with the Pioneer Zone? Specifically Unit 36A.  Would like to chat with someone who has hunted around there.  Thanks

 

[Elk101 Admin]

Unit 36A? I have spent a moon or two in the Pioneer Zone.