2026 Idaho Sawtooth B tag

[seaotter24]

Good morning,

My buddy and I were fortunate enough to draw a Sawtooth B tag in Idaho this year. We have never hunted ID before but have experience hunting other states. I by no means am asking for anyones hot spots or honey holes but just looking for general guidance in addition to the research that I have already done. We are trying to figure out our approach to this trip and where we are going to stay. We are flying into Boise and renting a car for 10 days. We are leaning on going first part of the season. As far as where we are staying, we are undecided. We have sort of broken it down into three different options of what we are leaning on doing. 1 - Get an airbnb, 2 - pay for a drop camp, 3- spike camp.

The drop camp seems appealing, but is also the most expensive.

We do not have the gear needed for spike camp at the moment, but could get it.

Airbnb would be the "easisest," but I am not sure how much of a disadvantage it would put us at for killing an elk. As far as Airbnb goes we were leaning on staying more towards Stanley vs. Garden Valley.

If anyone has hunted this area in the past and wouldn't mind sharing some pointers that would be much appreciated.

Thank you.

 

[Can’tDraw4Shiz94]

From a resident, I would steer away from Stanley as it’s a hot spot for recreationalists with red fish lake being close by. It’s a great region with a ton of elk. I’d personally hunt lower towards the border of 48 and 43. There’s a good campground near the 48 border that may be worth looking into. I think it’s called Chemetaken campground or something.

I’ve seen a lot of elk towards garden valley right off the road. Though, it was during the rifle season. I’m guessing you’re doing the archery tag?

And if I were you, I’d try to atleast get an suv and not a car in this zone. If you have the money, a drop camp is where it’s at in this unit. You’ll be able to get away from most pressure and stay out longer with less miles on the hoof every morning.

 

[Can’tDraw4Shiz94]

Nvm I just re-read, B tag lol

Definitely get an suv or a truck. You will get snow

 

[seaotter24]

From a resident, I would steer away from Stanley as it’s a hot spot for recreationalists with red fish lake being close by. It’s a great region with a ton of elk. I’d personally hunt lower towards the border of 48 and 43. There’s a good campground near the 48 border that may be worth looking into. I think it’s called Chemetaken campground or something.

I’ve seen a lot of elk towards garden valley right off the road. Though, it was during the rifle season. I’m guessing you’re doing the archery tag?

And if I were you, I’d try to atleast get an suv and not a car in this zone. If you have the money, a drop camp is where it’s at in this unit. You’ll be able to get away from most pressure and stay out longer with less miles on the hoof every morning.

Thank you for your help.... We do have rifle tags. We are definitely going to get a pickup.

 

[JM151]

Maybe you both should read the rules before blasting an area.