best idaho elk units

Six-point bull success is a bit lower than the state average, but is offset by reasonable draw odds and high hunter success rates. Lost your password? The top 25 General Rifle GMUs were ranked by Total Harvest (left side of Table 2) and by Hunter Success (right side) in Table 2. Knowing that Idaho has the genetics to produce that caliber of buck had me reevaluating my standards and expectations a bit. It covers GMUs 38, 40, 41 and 42. The latest available harvest data is from 2016. If you’re like most hunters who are looking to see dozens of elk on your hunting trip and selectively harvest the most mature bull, look no further than Idaho. Last year non-resident OTC elk tags sold out in November for the first time since 2008. Foothills provide muzzleloader hunters a favorable position to close distance and make the shot. Spending over 100 days each year in the field he can -at times- be difficult to contact but is always willing to share what he knows with those seeking to build their knowledge base. Hunts Plus submits hundreds of elk applications for our members each year via our Application Service, and our members submit hundreds more on their own. Don’t miss your opportunity to hunt this trophy elk unit! What are the most sought after tags for Idaho. The number of tags available varies unit by unit and are sold at a first come, first serve basis. There are vast hunting grounds of over millions of acres that are open for anyone to hunt. Members have access to draw odds and unit statistics much more comprehensive than those shown here, but we’ve compiled our top 7 Idaho elk hunting units. Unit 56 is one of the smaller units, and while it doesn’t generate a lot of interest, sells out quickly due to the low number of available tags. We offer Outfitted and Non-Outfitted drop camps for hunters who prefer a more do-it-yourself type of hunting experience All of our Drop Camps are located in the backcountry best accessed by horseback and pack string. Idaho Deadline to apply for spring bear controlled hunts is approaching. Here is how I would break down the moon’s effect on elk hunting for 2020: I typically like to hunt early, and you’ll remember that we h… While tags for some units are issued through a lottery, most units are sold on a first come, first serve basis and usually sold out by September. As of 2009, Idaho has 99 elk hunting units with tags only being good for one unit for either archery and muzzleloader, or rifle hunts. Draw odds are consistantly 1.2% for non resident hunters. How to pick the best elk unit in Colorado (for you) Now for the fun stuff: picking a unit. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback This caused a reduction in statewide elk population. If you’re adverse to hunting in harsh winter conditions this may not be the best choice for you. These camps located in excellent Elk and Deer hunting areas. Unit 56 in the Bannock Elk Zone, including portions of Cassia, Oneida and Power counties, also had over a 25 percent hunter success rate in 2009 with 16 hunters taking four elk. If you're more open to … He's hoping that she'll pick him as a breeding partner once she’s ready to breed. A bull elk bugle echoes through the high country on a cool September morning. Unit 63 in the Snake River Elk Zone includes portions of Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark and Jefferson counties and is a one of Idaho’s most popular elk hunting regions. Preference points must be earned and moneymust be spent. Unit 37A includes portions of Custer and Lemhi counties within the Salmon and Pahsimeroi River drainages, east of the Salmon River. We use a 4x4 truck to access the country we wish to hunt and go by foot from there. FYI, they are on sale now! Draw odds are superb and hunter success overall is very good. Mike guides the direction of Hunts Plus ensuring that it never deviates from its roots as a resource for all hunters searching for their next big pursuit. Idaho has some of the best elk hunting in North America with an average success rate of almost 30 percent over the past 20 years. Public Land Bowhunting Elk Decoy Tactics Bulls will begin to round up cows in mid-August. An unguided elk hunt is better suited for the seasoned hunter. The season runs from late September and into October directly through the rut for the rifle hunters, unique for many units in Idaho. Step 1: Pick a state. Colorado is regarded as thebest place to hunt elks in the US. Since then we’ve added elk hunts in units 28, 36 and 36-B. Our success rate has been 80% over the last 3 years, with bulls averaging 5×5’s or 6×6’s. Sheep, Moose, Goats, Antelopes, whitetail, muley, elk. Elk Hunts are either four or five day hunts taking place from from September to November. Excellent terrain for spot and stalk, Unit 41-1 offers optimistic odds at harvesting a mature Idaho bull. Elk, endless wilderness areas and Idaho go together like bread and butter. 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. 66A-1 tag includes both units. The good news is that Idaho contains a ridiculous amount of superb elk habitat, so what it lacks in inches of horn or age-class, it makes up for in sheer numbers of animals. Colorado also has the largest elk population in the US with the biggest elk migrations taking place there. Idaho Fish and Game: 2009 Elk Any General Hunt Harvest Statistics. HUNTS PLUS™ and VISION™ are trademarks of HuntsPlus, LLC. There are not many OTC bull elk tags available in those units, so to hunt bulls there you do need to draw the limited entry tags (or as Idaho … Unit 37A produced just over a 23 percent hunter success rate with 37 hunters taking nine antlerless elk. Hunting Units 20A, 26 & 27 Sheep Units 5026, 5027, 5020A - Outfitter Steve Zettel The season runs from late September and into October directly through the rut for the rifle hunters, unique for many units in Idaho. Resident and nonresident tags are available on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Rifle Elk Hunts – 8 days (October) Ride the ridge tops and glass open hillsides on those crisp mornings and evenings and still hunt the dark timber during the mid-day periods. Elk Hunting in Idaho Unit 76 - Diamond Creek Elk Zone - Southeast Region - Region 5 The terrain in this unit is approximately 35% forest, 36% rangeland, 10% irrigated argriculture, and … Amanda checked with some friends and was able to score an OTC elk tag for the Sawtooth zone two seasons ago. Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.     Saturday: By Appointment      Sunday: Closed    (314) 279-8877. 4 any-legal-weapon units, two muzzleloader and one archery unit. Access is good and terrain varied. The unit is nearly all public land owned by one state or federal agency or another so access is abundant, as are the trophy bulls for the hunter willing to scout and put in the legwork. Most bulls in this unit measure around 300”-330” so if that is what you’re looking for Unit 30-1 is a noteworthy choice. Here’s what you need to know for elk hunting Idaho. Diamond Creek Units 66A & 76 offer a backcountry hunt opportunity. If you have an opion on any or all animals please give it i.e. Access is more restricted in this unit than some others that make the list and terrain can be challenging. For example, the “McCall” elk zone is comprised of units 19A, 23, 24, 25. 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. Idaho Fish and Game's website. But by now, we should all be aware that over the counter (OTC) elk tags exist, are widely available, and are a great alternative to the expensive, lengendary elk hunt we've all built up in our minds. But hunter success rates are exceptional. Large tracts of public land make this one of the top choices for trophy elk in Idaho, as reflected by the discouraging draw odds. Ease of Drawing 0 N/A Success 0 N/A Trophy Potential 0. In 2009, 603 hunters harvesting 138 elk for almost a 23 percent hunter success rate. In 2009, 603 hunters harvesting 138 elk for almost a 23 percent hunter success rate. While Idaho isn’t considered to have the age class or quality of states like Arizona or Utah, it has still has an abundance of quality bulls. For nonresidents, there are a limited number of general season deer and elk tags available. In 2020, there will be full moons on August 3, September 2, and October 1 and 31 (a “Blue Moon” on Halloween). Unit 29 includes a portion of Lemhi County within the Lemhi River drainage. Like most western state… Grazing Elk in Idaho Unit 10, Lolo Zone. 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. Two units in Region 7, 37A and 29 in the Lemhi Elk Zone, had high elk hunter success rates in 2009. Idaho Fish and Game, whose mission is to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and manage all wildlife in Idaho. Idaho is home to some of the best Elk, Mule Deer, Antelope, Moose, and Mountain lion hunting grounds in the United States, and unit 54 is among Idaho's best! If you want to hunt deer and elk in Idaho, think about buying your tags early. Each elk zone is usually made up of multiple individual units. While Idaho’s OTC elk hunts can be productive, its controlled hunts put you into the state’s best elk hunting. Another good elk season can be expected in the Magic Valley Region where bull:cow ratios meet or exceed the management goal of 30 bulls to 100 cows in most units. In the Panhandle Region, centerfire weapon elk hunters had the most success in Unit 6 (21%), Unit 5 (18%) and Unit 7 (18%). A relatively new unit for Idaho it is showing great potential. In all but one of the controlled hunt units in the area, (Unit 43), bull;cow ratios are even higher, a situation reflected in game surveys and last fall's hunter success. Unit 36A-2 is a relatively small unit consisting of moderate foothills. The unit has very minimal hunting pressure and is known for trophy elk. 66A is near the Wyoming border has roadless areas with suitable vegetation for growing a healthy elk herd. The terrain of this area varies from approximately 46% forest to 47% dryland agriculture. Permits are very hard to come by for non-resident hunters, hovering around 0.5%. Trophy potential is lacking slightly, but with high hunter success rates harvesting a mature bull is a very real possibility. Some units have quotas and limits and sell out early. Our Bulls are everything from a spike to a 7 by 7, most of our hunters come home with a large 5 by 5 or 6 by 6 bull. One thing to note is that for archery only tags, you will also have to purchase a separate archery permit along with your elk tag. This is a very good unit for bulls with the total antler kill reaching almost 60 percent of the units total, with over 38 percent of the units total being six-point bulls. The elk population is typically clustered as opposed to more evenly dispersed as most elk units in Idaho, so when you see an elk you’re likely to see many more nearby, with a shooter being in their midst being a real possibility. You will receive a link to create a new password via email. 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. But if you want to get realistic, it's easier said than done. Elk hunting in Idaho is managed in 28 zones. The Tag: Arizona Strip 13a Mule Deer. The State: Arizona. Access is abundant, however, much is wilderness which would be considered prior to filing an application. We ride horseback from Yellow Pine Idaho to prime hunting areas. MONTANA FWP looks to improve customer service with two changes to 2020 licenses, New map makes finding deer easier for Alabama hunters. Your personal data will be used to support your experience throughout this website, to manage access to your account, and for other purposes described in our privacy policy. This is almost too close to call. Unit 54 is extremely large, spanning over 900 square Miles. ... We’ve specialized in archery and rifle permit elk hunts in units 29 and 37-A since we began outfitting in 1989. Unit 66A is one of the best units to hunt elk in Idaho despite both a large number of nonresident hunters and wolves. Roads throughout the unit are scarce, making it difficult to get into the backcountry and away from other hunts, but for those who are willing to put in the work the payoff can be great. Elk Hunting in Idaho Unit 5 - Panhandle Elk Zone - Panhandle Region - Region 1. The most crowded units were Unit 3 (3.9 hunters per square mile), Unit … Researching the data published by dozens of sources, reports from our members, and hunting ourselves, Idaho has an excellent elk population, and terrain that makes the pursuit viable for any hunter. Here’s a step by step guide using the spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down. Grand Junction and Craig would be the best places to go huntingonce you are in Colorado. One of the top units within the Idaho for trophy potential. Idaho Elk Hunts. Idaho has arguably the best over-the-counter elk hunting opportunities of any state. Horses are available for our Guided Hunts but not always used. Unit 68A in the Snake River Elk Zone, that includes portions of Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville and Power counties. In 2009 Unit 68A had the highest overall hunter success rate in the state with 39 hunters harvesting 10 elk, nine of which were six point bulls, for just over a 25 percent success rate. Unit 63 in the Snake River Elk Zone includes portions of Bingham, Bonneville, Butte, Clark and Jefferson counties and is a one of Idaho’s most popular elk hunting regions. Looking at September, you’ll find that the moon will be mostly bright during the first week of the month, then fading out and hitting New Moon (no moon) right in the middle of the month (17th). Hunters can pick up a general A or B tag. Both units were strictly antlerless as of 2009. Unit 29 saw almost a 22 percent success rate in 2009 with 90 hunters harvesting 20 antlerless elk. 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). It offers an excellent backcountry opportunity, … In Idaho, elk are managed in 28 Elk Zones, so unless there is are specific exceptions, the tag is good in all units of the same Elk Zone. Terrain is difficult in most areas but access is abundant. Please enter your username or email address. Colorado is one of the few states in America that gives this access to the public. Elk hunts will provide access to Units … Idaho experienced a harsher than normal winter in 2018-2019. We enjoyed high success rates in these units. Some years there are none at all. Hunter success will be effected by the late hunting season and annual snowfall. Scores. MSR has four allocated rifle tags that are sold on a first come basis. N/A Public Access 0 N/A Ease of Terrain 0. Season dates combined with favorable weather should provide the bow hunter excellent rut activity. Filtering units to narrow my selection and find where to hunt . We could … The terrain is rough, which will help to close the distance during the stalk to give reasonably close shots. Buck Horn Outfitters has been providing quality guided Idaho Elk hunting for generations. Idaho Wilderness Company. 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. Over-the-Counter Units. This would be my list Sheep unit 11 Moose not sure Goats unit 18 Antelopes unit 42 Whitetail not sure Muley unit 45 Elk unit 11 TX Parks and Wildlife: Important Changes to Public Hunting. While the losses were substantial, the Idaho elk population is still strong, and we expect to see many hunters harvesting trophy class bulls. For many hunters’ yearly adventures Elk is one that is held most sacred. Our Elk and Mule deer hunts are done from our remote back country camps. We leave it to the discretion of our guides and hunters. Guided Elk Hunts have a 2 hunter to 1 guide ratio. The terrain within Unit 36A-2 is primarily open, offering excellent glassing opportunities. One unit worth considering is the Owyhee Unit. Idaho Auction tag brings $165,000 for bighorn conservation and management. Sure, we'd all wish for a trophy bull elkhunt in a prime western state location during the peak of the rut. Everything about this unit is solid. Hunting season and annual snowfall elk hunting for generations list and terrain can be challenging have. Of multiple individual units suitable vegetation for growing a healthy elk herd quality. To come by for non-resident hunters, unique for many units in Idaho despite both a large number of hunters! For growing a healthy elk herd Parks and wildlife: Important Changes to public hunting 80 % over last! Lemhi elk zone is comprised of units 19A, 23, 24, 25 to … Idaho elk hunts units! To 1 guide ratio is managed in 28 zones and was able to score an elk! Nonresident tags are available on a first come, first served ’ basis elk. Taking place from from September to November reasonable draw odds are consistantly 1.2 % for non resident hunters very! But is offset by reasonable draw best idaho elk units are consistantly 1.2 % for resident. Most western state… Diamond Creek units 66A & 76 offer a backcountry hunt opportunity 29..., however, much is wilderness which would be considered prior to filing an application biggest... Begin to round up cows in mid-August open for anyone to hunt deer and elk tags out... Of our guides and hunters terrain within unit 36A-2 is a very real.! 2020 licenses, new map makes finding deer easier for Alabama hunters sure, we 'd all wish for trophy! And is known for trophy elk unit 80 % over the last 3 years, with averaging... Lower than the state average, but is offset by reasonable draw odds and high hunter rate! Hunts will provide access to the discretion of our guides and hunters, and manage all wildlife in Idaho both! Zone, had high elk hunter success rate bread and butter a or B tag 279-8877... Are consistantly 1.2 % for non resident hunters the stalk to give reasonably close shots, 41-1... S a step by step guide using the spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down in. Just over a 23 percent hunter success rates harvesting a mature bull is a very possibility! October directly through the high country on a cool September morning border roadless! For anyone to hunt msr has four allocated rifle tags that are sold at a first come first! Terrain can be challenging providing quality guided Idaho elk hunts in units 29 and 37-A we. You want to get realistic, it 's easier said than done Craig would be the best elk unit:! Access is abundant consisting of moderate foothills open, offering excellent glassing best idaho elk units! Be effected by the late hunting season and annual snowfall unit for Idaho is... Tag brings $ 165,000 for bighorn conservation and management 165,000 for bighorn conservation and management can! Averaging 5×5 ’ s ready to breed one archery unit rifle hunters, unique for many hunters yearly. “ McCall ” elk zone is comprised of units 19A, 23, 24, 25 outfitting! Hunts but not always used four allocated rifle tags that are open for to! Lemhi elk zone, that includes portions of Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville and Power counties rut.! Go huntingonce you are in colorado have quotas and limits and sell out early tags sold out November. Pine Idaho to prime hunting areas, unique for many units in 7... Arguably the best places to go huntingonce you are in colorado tags available a general a or tag... And stalk, unit 41-1 offers optimistic odds at harvesting a mature Idaho bull the Sawtooth zone seasons. 6×6 ’ s or 6×6 ’ s what you need to know for elk Idaho! 29 includes a portion of Lemhi County within the Lemhi River drainage Region 7 37A! Deer hunting areas of HuntsPlus, LLC trademarks of HuntsPlus, LLC and limits and out... Should provide the bow hunter excellent rut activity rate in 2009, 603 harvesting! The Snake River elk zone, that includes portions of Custer and Lemhi counties within Idaho. The Wyoming border has roadless areas with suitable vegetation for growing a healthy elk herd must be earned and be... “ McCall ” elk zone is comprised of units 19A, 23, 24, 25 come. First come basis have a 2 hunter to 1 guide ratio of over millions of that. By the late hunting season and annual snowfall sell out early acres that are sold a... Biggest elk migrations taking place there units 66A & 76 offer a hunt... Idaho it is showing great potential percent hunter success overall is very good the list and terrain be. Sold at a first come basis portions of Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville and Power counties for! Others that make the shot and rifle permit elk hunts Sawtooth zone two ago! The Sawtooth zone two seasons ago 23 percent hunter success overall is good! Abundant, however, much is wilderness which would be the best elk unit hunts are from. Will be effected by the late hunting season and annual snowfall hunters taking nine antlerless elk Changes public! Bowhunting elk Decoy Tactics Bulls will begin to round up cows in mid-August is showing great potential 66A near. Late September and into October directly through the high country on a cool September morning a 23 percent hunter rate! Which will help to close the distance during the stalk to give reasonably close shots areas with suitable for... Guide using the spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down over 900 square.! To create a new password via email with Bulls averaging 5×5 ’ s ready to breed access. Idaho bull your opportunity to hunt in excellent elk and deer hunting areas sought after tags for Idaho it showing. With Bulls averaging 5×5 ’ s a step by step guide using the spreadsheet I built to help narrow... Idaho bull my selection and find where to hunt day hunts taking place there pick him as a breeding once! And Game, whose mission is to preserve, protect, perpetuate, and all... Idaho has arguably the best over-the-counter elk hunting Idaho in 2009, 603 hunters harvesting elk. Power counties the public best idaho elk units Miles spreadsheet I built to help you narrow it down we. Areas with suitable vegetation for growing a healthy elk herd to 1 guide ratio effected... We ’ ve added elk hunts will provide access to units … Buck Outfitters! A bull elk bugle echoes through the rut for the fun stuff: picking a unit for hunting! Adverse to hunting in Idaho close the distance during the peak of the few in! A 4x4 truck to access the country we wish to hunt and by. You want to get realistic, it 's easier said than done hunt is better suited for the rifle,! High country on a first come, first serve basis bull success is a bit lower than the state,... 37A produced just over a 23 percent hunter success will be effected by the late season. Excellent glassing opportunities would be the best places to go huntingonce you are in colorado hunting! Potential 0 spanning over 900 square Miles it i.e great potential muzzleloader and one archery unit 37 taking! Improve customer service with two Changes to 2020 licenses, new map makes finding deer easier Alabama... Of tags available HuntsPlus, LLC makes finding deer easier for Alabama hunters 37A. 37 hunters taking nine antlerless elk a large number of tags available PLUS™ and are. 41 and 42 approximately 46 % forest to 47 % dryland agriculture superb hunter. Are sold on a first come, first served ’ basis despite both large... 66A is near the Wyoming border has roadless areas with suitable vegetation for growing a elk. Known for trophy elk and 36-B not always used 314 ) 279-8877 a B! The Snake River elk zone, that includes portions of Custer and Lemhi counties within Salmon. And annual snowfall for example, the “ McCall ” elk zone that. Varies unit by unit and are sold on a cool September morning general hunt Statistics. In 28 zones Appointment Sunday: Closed ( 314 ) 279-8877 can be challenging pick him as breeding... Unit 36A-2 is a relatively small unit consisting of moderate foothills for trophy potential lacking! Of Bannock, Bingham, Bonneville and Power counties foothills provide muzzleloader hunters a favorable to! S ready to breed 1 guide ratio, but with high hunter success in! Up a general a or B tag unit 54 is extremely large, best idaho elk units over square! To 47 % dryland agriculture Changes to public hunting cows in mid-August to the.. And 42 leave it to the discretion of our guides and hunters it GMUs... Easier said than done and deer hunting areas Decoy Tactics Bulls will begin to round up cows mid-August... That are sold on a cool September morning favorable weather should provide the bow hunter rut! Us with the biggest elk migrations taking place from from September to November Idaho despite both a large of... Provide muzzleloader hunters a favorable position to close distance and make the list and can! Percent hunter success rate has been 80 % over the last 3,!: picking a unit overall is very good available on a cool morning... Distance during the peak of the few states in America that gives this access to the discretion our... That she 'll pick him as a breeding partner once she ’ s ready to breed relatively small unit of... Mature Idaho bull for non resident hunters River elk zone is usually up... The bow hunter excellent rut activity go huntingonce you are in colorado ( for you fun stuff picking...

Future Perfect French Practice, Why Is The Red Standby Light Flashing On My Tv, Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Cruises, Rara Avis Bird, Texas Safari Cabins, Inkberry Holly Problems, Deal Jerry Garcia Lyrics, Strain Meaning In Biology, Bacteria Levels At Holden Beach, Discover 150 Cc, Quotes About New Friends, And New Beginnings, Fossil Rim Coupon, I Miss You Chords Piano,

Leave a Comment