First Trip West to Idaho

[CB4]

Didn't draw the mule deer tag in CO and backup plan is OTC archery elk in Idaho. Any helpful hints or tips greatly appreciated. Not worried about horn size or if they have them at all, it is all about experience.

 

[jmcd22]

If that is the case, just pick a unit and go. As far as tips...grab a wolf tag, or five. Get in shape. Idaho is steep and deep in most places. Also, be prepared for all kind of weather. You can get a few inches of snow over night and the next day can be sunny and 70.

 

[juan trueno]

I like to make sure I’ve got plenty of fat calories in my daily rations. You’ll thank yourself day 2-3 onward and you need to drink twice as much water as you want.

 

[Harvey_NW]

I can't stress enough that if you want to do anything preemptive to help yourself in regards to elk hunting Idaho, every single day is leg and cardio day!

 

[CB4]

I can't stress enough that if you want to do anything preemptive to help yourself in regards to elk hunting Idaho, every single day is leg and cardio day!

Luckily I'm still young enough and workout every day. I know it will be completely different with 30-50 pounds on my back but hoping my legs can handle it if I keep up my current routine.

 

[CB4]

I like to make sure I’ve got plenty of fat calories in my daily rations. You’ll thank yourself day 2-3 onward and you need to drink twice as much water as you want.

Was originally going to CO and would have done a lot of glassing so calories would not have been as much of a thought. I have seen people do both the cover ground and bugle and also spot and stalk for elk in Idaho. Im guessing thats based on unit and how thick the timber is. Do you think there would be a major difference in food needed between the two styles?

 

[juan trueno]

Guess that depends on how successfully you glass


Whether I got to grind it out looking down in hellholes or whether I’m climbing and glassing- the bittomline is keeping my body most efficiently fueled over a multiple day - week long period of exertion and exposure - so that I have what’s needed in the tank when it comes time to perform. That means fuel that burns over the long haul and a system that’s fully hydrated/lubricated/cooled.


If your just going to sit and watch the world go by- it doesn’t really matter you caloric intake and it’s make up. If your hunting Idaho or elk at all, pack a freakin lunch.

 

[WeiserBucks]

Don't get carried away with calling or chasing unconfirmed bugles. In the area I hunt in Idaho there's always a few wolves around and the elk are pretty tight lipped. Almost all of the bugles I hear are other hunters. The area I hunt isn't very popular, but there's always a few guys calling all day long , all Sept long , trying to locate a bull . The elk get educated early and become very call shy .

 

[Customweld]

Idaho Fish and Game has pile of useful information on their website. Do your research on the units, narrow the area down to what fits your needs and start talking to the biologist in that area.

 

[idahohikker]

Idaho Fish and Game has pile of useful information on their website. Do your research on the units, narrow the area down to what fits your needs and start talking to the biologist in that area.

I agree. And you are saying success rates are the Bible for finding the best OTC unit, right? I’m getting too jaded about that but we’re asked about units constantly based on skewed success rates.

Learn about the actual herds themselves and country and the rest takes care of itself with effort and learning a spot.

 

[Harvey_NW]

I really don't think there's much of a difference in what you need to pack for food, just make sure you find your water sources and always have filtration and means to utilize that.

This year I'll be trying to find a protein shake mix that is decent with water for breakfasts. I do the same setup every year, individual lunch bags in a 1 gal ziplock consisting of high proteins and fats in granola bars, nuts, fruit snacks, jerky, pep and cheese sticks, candy bars, peanut butter packet, some other odds and ends whatever looks good while shopping, and my personal favorite the bigger packet of tuna in oil. I also always carry a mtn house in the pack for emergencies or a refuel before a packout, and then mountain houses for dinner. And swiping some tapatio packets or taco bell hot sauce packets to carry along is always a solid plan.

As far as hunting tactics we are as aggressive as possible. If the bulls are not bugling whatsoever we obviously play it cool and stick to cow calling while covering ground, but every time there's a ridge or a high point I try to be the one to fire them up. Unless you're absolutely sure what you heard was a hoochie mama and a Doug Flutie Primos blue double out of a pack tube, rush that sucker. Every bull I've had a positive encounter with was from me surprising him by ending up in his pumphouse before he had my location pinned down (wind, wind, wind) but more often than not if you get one to respond with a locator and you mosey on down toward him ripping bugles every 20' he's gonna get your coordinates and bail. If I get one to fire off, I try and pin his location down instantly. If I can get him to return again great, but I pay attention to where he's yelling from. Then I silently hammer down and get in as tight as possible and rip a growler in his face and it's fight or flight. Usually if there's any smell of love in the air it ends up fight and he'll slip up and show himself.

Different strokes for different folks, timing is key. If they don't want to play they aren't going to in any manor so we would rather have the excitement trying. With whatever methods you so choose, good luck!!