Sounds like you guys did good. It was also 20 years ago when archery pressure was probably way less. That said, there’s always going to be a few that get lucky right away or are just hunting studs.
First hunt in a trophy quality unit is a huge waste for 90% of guys because they don’t know how to hunt and might as well be in a low point unit. I talk to more new hunters than most and the vast majority shoot small critters if they’re lucky.
I think as GregB said that you can no longer designate who your tag goes to but any returned tags to through the new returned tag purchase process. The refs seem to have last year’s process and can be revised by later rule change. The IDFG website thoroughly explains the tag transfer rule and...
I generally agree with most of you but sometimes there’s only one logical camping spot in a large area. Some here are a bit too territorial I think but I hate coming across people in the field so I understand and plan to escape people as best as I can. That said, other hunters in the field can...
I'm not familiar with the Snake River Zone but anywhere elk are on ag there's a decent chance that they are bouncing around to the public nearby, as long as the public isn't pressured real hard. Elk in the desert and lowland areas seem to often be bouncing around the ag to some degree or another.
Im aware it is wild country but that is something else. Any more backstory on why the stock couldn’t get out and whether they died back there over the winter?
I really wouldn’t be trying to pass a 370” bull in an OTC unit because you’re chasing unicorns and the point counting endeavor can lack satisfaction. I’d have a ball shooting 300” bulls or one with a lot of character (huge mass, etc.) while saving points and cash to get drawn or buy a landowner...
Sounds like you’re a Utahan at heart. “I waited 20 years for a tag, scouted 30 days, ran 7 trail cameras, had 10 spotters, and all I could find was a small 360” bull, the state DNR is horrible.”