First Idaho Elk Rifle Season

[jgreer19]

This will be my first rifle season for elk this year after having my daughter. I am newer to big game hunting as I started with turkey and deer. I am going to be hunting in unit 4 and have a camp set up. I was just hoping for some advice you’d give to any new elk hunter. I have been scouting and spoken with the wildlife biologist. Just hoping to hear from successful hunters as well! Thank you in advance!

 

[Thunter]

Keep the wind in your face, don't go back to camp for lunch & cover ground until you find them!

 

[Ross]

Hunting in the jungles is fun this bull two years ago I could see the rack coming from 90 yards but no body to shoot until 45 yards. The key in elk hunting especially the jungles is plan on a marathon. Time afield is the greatest key to success in the proper locations. You can’t kill them watching tv. Plan on rain and lots of fog and getting realllll wet. Good luck

 

[Wrench]

Unit 4 is literally north Idaho's backyard. If you think you have a lead on elk.....work quickly. There's 14 others with the same thoughts.

Never quit.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Everything will suck except the opportunity and company…

 

[199p]

Nice bro good luck, Find the high points and get at it

 

[IDbrushswimmer]

Plan on falling on your ass multiple times a day when it rains, and then for 4 days following the rain plan on being wet. Like Ross said, plan for fog. If a spot looks like a hellhole, chances are the elk like it there!

 

[jgreer19]

Keep the wind in your face, don't go back to camp for lunch & cover ground until you find them!

Thank you!

 

[jgreer19]

Hunting in the jungles is fun this bull two years ago I could see the rack coming from 90 yards but no body to shoot until 45 yards. The key in elk hunting especially the jungles is plan on a marathon. Time afield is the greatest key to success in the proper locations. You can’t kill them watching tv. Plan on rain and lots of fog and getting realllll wet. Good luck

I appreciate it! Hopefully I’ll have a pic to post in a few weeks!

 

[jgreer19]

Unit 4 is literally north Idaho's backyard. If you think you have a lead on elk.....work quickly. There's 14 others with the same thoughts.

Never quit.

I’d love to get a little farther away, but my little girl doesn’t really go to sleep for anyone but me and is an extra mommas girl. Need to stay close enough incase I need to come home! I’m hoping the off season work will pay off and if not it’ll be a good learning experience!

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Best of luck man, unit 4 can really test you. I have a love hate relationship with her. As mentioned, spend as much time as you can out there, the stars usually align once. Plan on living in rain gear. Be ready for other hunters and just go for it.

 

[Ross]

Will check the rest of my cams Monday but for fun and dreams of the panhandle a few tips because that is all you may see the last one I called in for my friend the last day from the wallow he was in on this photo just needed 2steps if he talks like that again I will have a full photo of him

 

[MtnSoft]

I hunted unit 4 about 3 years ago. Saw a couple of elk butts and lots of track. Thick. Hard to be patient but felt like I should have posted up more and waited on the busy game trails. Lots of thick areas and blow downs. Was not able to connect. Only tip is have a beer and burger at the Prichard tavern if you need a break, great spot.

 

[jgreer19]

I hunted unit 4 about 3 years ago. Saw a couple of elk butts and lots of track. Thick. Hard to be patient but felt like I should have posted up more and waited on the busy game trails. Lots of thick areas and blow downs. Was not able to connect. Only tip is have a beer and burger at the Prichard tavern if you need a break, great spot.

Thank you! Yeah we were able to see and handful while setting up camp and scouting! I appreciate the advice!

 

[MikeDeltaFoxtrot]

Best wishes OP. I'll be in another ID unit for the rifle opener this week. Look forward to your report.

 

[Ross]

Another Second day of rifle call in for 2024 started him and a second bull at 11:30 and shot him at 4pm. Never could see him until yard 15 and shot him at 12 yds. There is a reason north Idaho is called the jungles. Typically let these guys walk but after full knee replacement 17 months ago and an epic chess game bugling the two bulls it ranks high on the memory list. Also as you can see I worked hard on my fitness to try and look as lean as my two decade younger beast mode up and comer elk hunter yrs I’m vain on my body image and not bad for 61 it takes serious diligence which is likely my best attribute. Super memories made with my friends and never saw anyone back in I will have my own post about my own experience, a few little tidbits start planing 2025

 

[mtnwrunner]

Atta way to go.

Randy