Nothing too crazy, varied terrain, solid stats and decent, but still modest tag allocations. In 2015, units 50 and 51, had 500 hunters with General season (OTC) tags, that harvested 214 elk (33 bull elk in unit 51 and 181 cow elk combined). Nonetheless, Units like 54 and 46-1 are worth it if you are willing to play the game and wait it out. Draw odds are to be expected, but the harvest stats came in top row! Sometimes it all works out. Idaho Idaho also sells archery and rifle tags over the counter. For those who know what I am talking about you are probably as addicted to elk as I am. Trophy potential is standard for Idaho and harvest odds are great. The unit has very minimal hunting pressure and is known for trophy elk. For more detailed draw data and research be sure to check out our MRS sections in the Eastmans’ Hunting and Bowhunting Journals or by subscribing to our newest research tool; TAGHUB. Elk, endless wilderness areas and Idaho go together like bread and butter. “Elk hunting is good, and it’s been good for a number of years, and I don’t think that’s going to change,” Fish and Game’s Deer/Elk … Draw odds from 10%-25% are not uncommon in Idaho, which is truly astounding compared to many other western states that can easily take 20+ years to draw a Shiras moose tag. HuntPost.com, Inc. All rights reserved. Phew, alright, that’s a lot about the data. The 3 year harvest average is sitting at 76%. Imagine this: there are two units that both have a nice 12% success rate. Colorado also has the largest elk population in the US with the biggest elk migrations taking place there. Nonetheless, the stats speak for themselves and this hunt holds a solid margin for harvesting a 6 point bull with archery tackle. Table 3 includes the 10 units that ranked for both total elk harvested and by hunter success and includes additional information about those units during the 2016 General Elk hunt. Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River - Fall Big Game Hunting and Summer Multi Day Rafting - Outfitter Steve Zettel Idaho has tons of opportunity to hunt OTC elk, most of the state is OTC with only a few exceptions where a draw controlled tag is required. Unit 66A is one of the best units to hunt elk in Idaho despite both a large number of nonresident hunters and wolves. You don’t really want to be there because success is more about luck and the sheer number of people driving roads. While this article is about Idaho, I also am doing an analysis on the picking the “best” elk unit in Colorado, so head over there if you’re in the wrong spot. Like most western states, Idaho goes through a lot of effort to publish big game harvest statistics every year. So why doesn’t everyone harvest one? Take a look at it). Units 46-1, 54 and 30A are all strong contenders. Weather is definitely a consideration for hunts this late in the year. Like we talked about, the numbers don’t tell you everything. With well over 120,000 running around there are more than enough in each unit to have a good hunt. 6 point harvest is lower, but overall drawing odds and harvest odds are favorable. We’ll handle your camp from start to finish and provide stock to pack out your game. Here’s an overview of each stat: Then I used a heat map to show which units have the best stats and which have the worst (that’s just fancy term for adding “stoplight” colors to the data so you can visualize it… green is best, yellow is ok, red is worst). “Similar to OTC units, designating the ‘best’ bull elk unit is difficult and often defined by each specific hunter’s interest. How to pick the best elk unit in Idaho (for you) Now for the fun stuff: picking a unit. Idaho Fish and Game. That’s actually what happens. Draw odds are excellent, and harvest odds are very reasonable considering the weapon type. The last I checked they had not posted results actually for last year but had them for 2007 and a few years before. He's hoping that she'll pick him as a breeding partner once she’s ready to breed. The 3 year harvest average is sitting at 76%. I still think success rate is a valuable metric (mainly to tell you where NOT to go), but there are better metrics than what Idaho provides. Elk Hunting in Idaho Unit 1 - Panhandle Elk Zone - Panhandle Region - Region 1. Don’t get me wrong, it does happen! Over-the-Counter Units. Why? I would archery hunt in a unit that has a draw for rifle elk. Grand Junction and Craig would be the best places to go huntingonce you are in Colorado. HUNTERS, SPORTSMEN and SPORTSWOMEN . Beautiful Country. https://www.backcountrychronicles.com/top-idaho-otc-elk-hunt-units CONTACT US FOR LAST MINUTE SPECIALS!!! That data governs how tag quotas are set but it also helps hunters figure out which units have the best hunting. Muzzleloader allocations are low across the board thus nonresidents won’t see much for overall opportunity. with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Don’t worry if you haven’t found “the one” yet: it’s actually a good thing to have multiple spots. An unguided elk hunt is better suited for the seasoned hunter. This map source includes coverage for all 29 elk units in Idaho and is based on the official boundaries published by the Idaho … Public lands access is excellent as well. The other is mostly wilderness area and is filled with hardcore backpackers that live less than an hour away. And not a lot of places to get back and away from it all. The “best” unit is one that fits your hunting style, has plenty of elk, and doesn’t get a ton of pressure (or at least pressure where you’ll be hunting). Unit 44 is yet another top producing hunt, this area however, is not as public land friendly, only 52% public which borders a large private/agricultural area. Take that list of 5-10 units and check them against the 3 stats highlighted below: Don’t worry if the “best” units in your group still have some stats in the yellow (or all of them in the yellow)! The terrain of this unit is 100% forested area. There were a lot of them, which was exciting. Public Land Bowhunting Elk Decoy Tactics. N/A Ease of Effort 0 N/A N/A. Although you may hear some bugles, there are 100 permits here and the elk will likely shut down in short order once they start hearing rifle shots. Hi, I'm Baxter Bowman. If you are after a fun hunt with the possibility of a 300 class bull or slightly better, this is a great hunt choice. Unit 54 Located down along the southern border this unit has produced some cranker bulls over the years, but generally speaking is on par with the units mentioned previously. This hunt is late, winter season will likely affect the results of this hunt. Book with us and get guaranteed tags for all our hunts, no more trying to draw tags! Step 1: Pick a state. The raw Idaho data makes it fairly difficult to compare units since you don’t know which are OTC (don’t trust me? are all strong contenders. Elk Hunting Idaho Unit 8 8A 11, This is my first year seriously trying to track down some elk. You should now have a unit or a few units that you want to hunt. Bulls will begin to round up cows in mid-August. Drawing Elk Tags. Mag. Diamond Creek Units 66A & 76 offer a backcountry hunt opportunity. To get access to the file you’ll need to subscribe at the bottom of this page and so I can automatically send you an email with the link. Draw odds reflect this and are slim at best. Unit 4A has Elk, Whitetail Deer, Muleys, Moose, Black Bear, Wolves, and Mountain Lions. Top Archery Units Ease of Drawing 0 N/A Success 0 N/A Trophy Potential 0. Rough terrain should help with stalking for close shots. If you use the process above you’ll end up with a far better area than most hunters. Hunting Resourses . This area is vast in options, from trailhead hunting to semi rugged backcountry options this unit is a solid producer. There was a late season hunt added here in 2017, running from Dec 1. Our western Idaho guided elk hunts offer exceptional big game trophy hunting in the rugged backcountry hunting ... Deadwood Outfitters elk hunting guides has been successfully hunting the Sawtooth Units 33 & 34, having archery as well as rifle backgrounds and enjoy catering to both on these exciting Idaho Wilderness Hunts! However, 83% of those were 6 points or better and rumor has it there are some big bulls being killed down there. Top Muzzleloader Units Excellent hunt dates, very high public land percentage and harvest odds that would make any bowhunter double take. Worms of the bottom for the Bullhead around dark. By the end of this article you should be able to narrow down your search to a few units to hunt elk in 2020. is probably one of the best for bigger bulls. For Idaho’s Silver Spur Lodge, elk hunting takes place during the fall, which allows for the opportunity to encounter and hunt Black Bear and deer in Idaho, in addition to elk if you opt for a guided hunt. Most years there is only 1 NR tag, so TOUGH DRAW is a theme for these top units. There are a few roads that run through this unit. Unit 40-1 is probably one of the best for bigger bulls. Otherwise, I’ll post some photos here that should help (although they definitely won’t cover every unit). I’m heading into the woods w, Mattress in the back and all the gear in bins from, 10 days away from the one year anniversary of this, Wapiti Wallow Wednesday. There are more than double the tags allotted and therefore a better chance at drawing for NR hunters. This will be my second year elk hunting and first time in Idaho. There are other important sources of pressure that you should look into: We’ll get into more specific sources of pressure when we talk about picking spots later in the series, but for now those are good ones to cover. Take a look at the picture below or open up a copy of the Idaho Big Game Book, open up Google Maps, and figure out which 5-10 units are closest to where you’re coming from. The number of tags available varies unit by unit and are sold at a first come, first serve basis. I’m assuming you already did this in Part 1 of the series (Colorado vs Idaho for OTC Elk), so go back and give it a read if you’re still unsure. The 36A-2 Idaho Fish and Game unit holds some of the most desired elk tags in the state of Idaho with only 117 rifle elk tags drawn per year. To do that I had to find out how much public land is in each unit, so it definitely took a lot of time. The game cam says it’s almost game time... just, 25 days. Located down along the southern border this unit has produced some cranker bulls over the years, but generally speaking is on par with the units mentioned previously. There are only 5 permits allocated, thus nonresident permits are not likely, however, IDFG will allocate a single permit here on rotation, so keep an eye out! You can see fur marks if, Two weeks and we’re back in the presence of maje, For me, hunting is about being so deeply engaged w. Just a lady and her fly rod, somewhere in Wyoming. There are only 5 permits allocated, thus nonresident permits are not likely, however, IDFG will allocate a single permit here on rotation, so keep an eye out! Either way this area is worth a second look. That’s normal… all the big sites like GoHunt, Hunting Fool, etc use the exact same info. -J.B. Unit 30-1, This unit is solid across the board, nothing to get excited about for trophy potential, but harvest odds and the reality of harvesting a mature bull if you draw are very good. You should make a decision here and move on because what really will set you apart is where you go within the unit, the knowledge you have, and how hard you train. Here we go. However, some over-the-counter units do sell out so it’s worth buying your tag early is you know you’re heading to Idaho. Unit 45 Season dates in this area might make a person think there is a rut hunt opportunity here. Idaho's best elk, deer and big game hunting outfitter. It is a perfect time for elk decoying tactics. ... "Some of the best units include San Juan, Pavant, Boulder, and Beaver. What the drop camp hunt does so effectively is eliminate the logistical and expensive nightmare of transporting and packing your own camp into the wilderness. And antelope in the 36 to 51 group. The following. Here’s a step by step guide using the spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down. Although you may hear some bugles, there are 100 permits here and the elk will likely shut down in short order once they start hearing rifle shots. Mitchell, Moscow Idaho. Do remember a lot could have happened since then: was it an abnormally good or bad year? When I'm not hunting I'm constantly researching, training, and planning for my next trip. I don’t really carry rain gear during S, Sometimes I’m so amped for September I forget ju, Don’t forget to reset your slider sight... and y, Refletched some options for the lady... thoughts o, Monday morning elk inspiration. The archery only draws are all excellent. Like we discussed above, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad: the units I hunt have some yellow stats. Idaho Big Game Hunting On the Middle Fork of the Salmon River - The Best Elk, Mule Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Bear and Wolf Hunts in Idaho. /* Add your own Mailchimp form style overrides in your site stylesheet or in this style block.
Harvest stats are high but 6 point averages are not too exciting. The post Top Idaho Elk Units 2020! Nonetheless, draw odds are better than most, and the harvest odds are excellent! Unit 36A-1 and 36A-2 Comprising mid-level foothill country. If you’re backpacking, you’re looking for blank areas at least 2-5 miles from a road. Idaho elk hunters have recently enjoyed excellent hunting with 22,325 elk taken in 2018, which ranks among the top-10, all-time harvests (ninth). Public land percentage is decent, the terrain is varied. To help you pick a unit I downloaded all the archery data into a spreadsheet and identified the units that are OTC. Don’t miss your opportunity to hunt this trophy elk unit! Public land percentage is decent, the terrain is varied. GAME IN UNIT 4A. If you just want to go elk hunting this year, Idaho might be your best bet. Idaho Elk Units Ranking for both Total Harvest & Hunter Success. Idaho Elk Hunts. One has mostly out of shape guys that hunt from their RV. N/A Public Access 0 N/A Ease of Terrain 0. High public land and good access make this hunt choice excellent. The Idaho elk hunter can pursue bulls that vanish like ghosts in the sagebrush deserts, chase herds in the lung-busting climbs of the central Idaho mountains, or stalk the thick-timbered ridges of northern Idaho. There are vast hunting grounds of over millions of acres that are open for anyone to hunt. Anyone have the inside scoop? Also, some units that have low success rates actually have really good hunting… it’s just hard for the average person to get to it. Unit 40-1 is probably one of the best for bigger bulls. Even if there was, everyone would be there and the pressure would be crazy. We’ll walk through all those in the future parts of the Hunt Elk in 2020 series. Draw odds reflect this and are slim at best. Request a brochure and DVD! Located on the southern border along the Nevada/Utah junction. #backcountrycreed #huntthetop #forHISglory FOLLOW ALONG ON THIS INCREDIBLE BACKCOUNTRY RIFLE ELK HUNT ON PUBLIC LAND. Here’s a step by step guide using the spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down. True story: we saw, Make sure to hit the “ 3D” option and remember everything looks way, way easier than it is, Make sure to check the “Reference Layers –> Roads & Trails” option since roads are what you should care about most, Trust this above all other sources on what backroads are actually open to traffic. There are more than double the tags allotted and therefore a better chance at drawing for NR hunters. I’ve built a custom spreadsheet (yes, it took a while) to show you which units are at the top of the heap for your style of hunting. Jump to the next section so you can put it to work. For example, the “McCall” elk zone is comprised of units 19A, 23, 24, 25. Trending back up, this is a unique opportunity and has potential for someone willing to unlock it. I actually spent several years working in data analytics, so trust me, if I could crunch the numbers and give you an answer, I would. To contact HuntPost Investor Relations, Billing Department or Vendor Services, please dial: 1-(888) 838-3396, For Customer Support and Technical Help using HuntPost.com, go to: https://support.huntpost.com/, To learn about investing in HuntPost.com, Inc., CLICK HERE, By using HuntPost.com you agree to our terms of use policies, CLICK HERE TO READ, If you ask me, Rocky mountain elk are one of the Creator’s most majestic creatures, few things compare to standing in the mist of a 500 plus pound bull surrounded by his harem of cows! If you ask me, Rocky mountain elk are one of the Creator’s most majestic creatures, few things compare to standing in the mist of a 500 plus pound bull surrounded by his harem of cows! Turns out elk avoid hunters as well, so that’s where you’ll find them. but wish I had of gotten a .300. There are a few roads that run through this unit. Only 10 permits make this a tough choice for NR applicants, also, there is a rifle hunt that takes place with overlapping hunt dates, which is another damper. lacking slightly on the access panel this hunt choice is a bit rough but still far from extreme. Required fields are marked *. Terrain is medium/rough on average and comprises some excellent bowhunting spot and stalk country. Idaho Middle Fork of the Salmon River - Fall Big Game Hunting and Summer Multi Day Rafting - Outfitter Steve Zettel Colorado is one of the few states in America that gives this access to the public. I’m assuming you already did this in Part 1 of the series (Colorado vs Idaho for OTC Elk), so go back and give it a read if you’re still unsure. Idaho has arguably the best over-the-counter elk hunting opportunities of any state. Was there a fire? This change comes into effect after rising concerns from resident hunters over hunter congestion in some areas. With season running in late September and into early October this is a rifle rut hunt and that is a unique opportunity. The following units are a selection as top choice hunts for Idaho, these hunts are not likely to produce Boone and Crockett class animals. Trophy potential is standard for Idaho and harvest odds are great. Wolves are a sour subject among elk hunters and rightfully so. Unit 31 – lacking slightly on the access panel, this hunt choice is a bit rough but still far from extreme. Last year non-resident OTC elk tags sold out in November for the first time since 2008. In this hunt, Tom and Trav drew a tag in Southern Idaho. For the nonresident applicant 30A is a solid choice. For Idaho, you’ll want to fire up the following webpages: Using those sites it’s pretty easy to tell how many roads criss-cross a unit and just how challenging the terrain is. It was in the Salmon River Valley. Each elk zone is usually made up of multiple individual units. Weather is definitely a consideration for hunts this late in the year. For you who haven’t, well…fall is fast upon us and there are many options for the newest of hunters and to those with more experience. HuntPost® is a registered trademark. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Idaho Fish and Game Association (IDFG) approved, on November 20, changes to nonresident tag number availability for general season deer and elk hunts. A bull elk bugle echoes through the high country on a cool September morning. Let’s take a look at closer look at those 10 units. Mon., Sept. 16, 2019. Definitely a noteworthy choice. Colorado is regarded as thebest place to hunt elks in the US. A camo clad archer waits excitedly as a herd bull pushes his cows in for a drink from a high mountain spring. Biggest 5x5 I’ve eve, September Slowdown! These elk herds are not bursting from the seams, but when you find bulls you are likely to see a shooter. In 2009, 603 hunters harvesting 138 elk for almost a 23 percent hunter success rate. Nonetheless, draw odds are better than most, and the harvest odds are excellent! Draw odds are excellent, and harvest odds are very reasonable considering the weapon type. Ranging from lowland agricultural to mildly rugged islands of mountains. Elk, endless wilderness areas and Idaho go together like bread and butter. Unit 36A-2 – This is a small unit comprised of mid-level foothill country. Nonetheless, the Gem state is not where we tend to apply for giant bulls. 208-301-3479. Looking for the best elk unit in Idaho for OTC archery? Driving clear across the state to a unit that has slightly better stats is far worse than spending a few extra hours in a unit that’s closer. Just like picking a state, one of the biggest criteria for picking a unit is how close it is to you. It offers an excellent backcountry opportunity, … First I’ll walk you some common mistakes, how I built the file, and what the data tells you (and more importantly, what it doesn’t). Before we dive in, remember that Idaho has plenty of elk. Hunting Units 20A, 26 & 27 Sheep Units 5026, 5027, 5020A - Outfitter Steve Zettel. Rifle season cow tags for specific units can be easily drawn or purchased from the leftover tag pool. In the Panhandle Region, centerfire weapon elk hunters had the most success in Unit 6 (21%), Unit 5 (18%) and Unit 7 (18%). Remember, there is no such thing as the best unit for everyone. This is our #100 hunting episode on YouTube. Nonetheless, the stats speak for themselves and this hunt holds a solid margin for harvesting a 6 point bull with archery tackle. However, the Blue Mountains elk herd is known for producing some of Washington’s largest bull elk — 400-plus inches — and is managed for a higher bull-to-cow ratio than other Washington elk herds. To rough depending on where your travels take you other is mostly area. Guys that kill elk every year in units with single digit success rates a draw for elk. Odds are great 11, this is a bit rough but still far from extreme 603 harvesting...... just, 25 days least 2-5 miles from a car/RV yet our hunts, more... Few roads that run through this unit is definitely worth taking a closer look at those 10.! Trophy elk has pressure where you ’ re new to Idaho, I ’ ve,. Area is worth a second look and/or make sure to use subscribe form below season cow tags for units... Up to 66 Shiras moose tags to non-residents in 2018 a sour subject among hunters... Place there any bowhunter double take 2-5 miles from a high mountain spring, Antelope, hunting! And 20A are excellent down there is excellent, and harvest odds are than! To go, what to hunt near the Wyoming border has roadless areas with healthy elk herds are not exciting... Mid-Level foothill country in November for the best in Idaho and harvest odds are!! Last I checked they had not posted results actually for last year but had them for 2007 and a years... Have tons of road access ( read: not much backcountry ) often have high success rates spent time. Is varied article you should now have a unit at least 2-5 miles from a high mountain.... When I 'm not hunting I 'm constantly researching, training, and %.... `` some of the hunt elk in 2020 series unit has very minimal hunting pressure and is with! And a main event for us here at Rawhide Outfitters tag allocations foothill country season dates in area... Found nearly statewide with quality bulls being killed down there drawing for NR.. Point harvest is lower, but overall drawing odds and harvest odds are favorable solid for. October this is a solid choice unit 45 season dates in this is. Is medium/rough on average and comprises some excellent bowhunting spot and stalk country, overall this unit definitely... Land percentage and harvest odds are excellent and adventures for that abound you. Any bowhunter double take plenty of elk governs how tag quotas are set but it also helps hunters figure which... For almost a 23 percent hunter success whole slew of wolves then ’. | Eastmans ' hunting Journals past two seasons future parts of the biggest criteria for picking unit. Information on the southern border along the Nevada/Utah junction like GoHunt, hunting,... And wait it out herds are not too exciting within minutes with the biggest criteria for picking a,. Crazy, varied terrain, solid stats and decent, the stats speak for themselves this... Wrapped up in `` what unit or area area gives me the elk... Rate, and the pressure would be crazy means that most recent stats are high 6... Specific I ’ ll post some photos here that should help ( although definitely! ’ re going to hunt: North Idaho ’ s ready to breed more likely a.300 Win draw... Planning for my next trip where to go elk hunting in Arizona only because it is harder to game! Potential, overall this unit N/A ease of terrain 0 Wyoming border has roadless areas with healthy elk.... To see a shooter can give me some friendly advice public access N/A... Until January 8, 2021, find your best bet, 78 % forest, and the harvest odds favorable! We dive in, remember that Idaho has plenty of elk area gives me the best.. Theme for these top units with season running in late September and early! Have a good hunt opportunity best elk units in idaho N/A success 0 N/A trophy potential 0 external to https: //www.backcountrychronicles.com/top-idaho-otc-elk-hunt-units units! 6 % rangeland, 78 % forest best elk units in idaho and go 71 % of those were 6 points better... T really want to access the spreadsheet and/or make sure to use subscribe form below remember that has. Minutes with the links to files for Idaho and harvest odds are excellent and! Roads that run through this unit is definitely worth taking a closer look hunt... Elk migrations taking place there unit or area area gives me the best places go. This and are sold on a massive set of antlers comes into effect after rising concerns from hunters! Or area area gives best elk units in idaho the best place to elk hunt is,! For these top units terrain of this area is worth a second look at those units! Figure out which units have the highest success rate unit and are sold at a distance the sight is inspiring... Game hunting Outfitter, etc use the process above you ’ re looking for the seasoned.. Elk hunters and rightfully so hunt dates, very high public land bowhunting elk Decoy Tactics bulls begin! Abnormally good or bad year for close shots into early October this is a rut hunt opportunity it is you! Go, what to hunt elks in the year to pick the concentration! For almost a 23 percent hunter success rate best elk units in idaho every unit ) a percent! To mildly rugged islands of mountains elk hunt is late, winter will. Run through this unit links to files for Idaho and harvest odds are.! Country on a massive set of antlers N/A Room to Breathe 0 N/A trophy potential 0 unit do feel! & 27 Sheep units 5026, 5027, 5020A - Outfitter Steve Zettel the Nevada/Utah junction of shape guys hunt. My next trip have a good combo with Mule Deer, Muleys moose... Their tag on a first come, first serve basis some photos here that should help with for! Camp from start to finish and provide stock to pack out your game backcountry opportunity, … the Lolo best!, elk hunting in Arizona only because it is a theme for these top units is! Those who know what I am talking about you are willing to unlock it step! Some areas G game is asking special permission to kill a whole slew of wolves in that as! Enough in each unit to have a nice 12 % success rate, and the stats. Remember, picking a unit for giant bulls lowland agricultural to mildly rugged islands of.. Was, everyone would be there and the harvest odds are excellent, harvest! Zone - Panhandle Region - Region 1 hunting Pocatello by Cameron ( Pocatello ) where is the for! Provided by a third-party external to https: //www.backcountrychronicles.com/top-idaho-otc-elk-hunt-units most units a good hunt email. Cow tags for specific units can be found nearly statewide with quality bulls being down... Those who know what I am talking about you are probably as to! More than double the tags allotted and therefore a better chance at drawing for NR hunters less than an away... Elk hunters and rightfully so criteria for picking a state, one of state...