FNG from Fort Worth, Texas - Planning a hunt to Idaho!!

[Rawks]

Good tidings to all.

Been hunting all across the south-east United States, and of course Texas, but recently had an opportunity of a lifetime hunting in Africa. It really got the bug started for branching out, and now that I am retired, I am planning bigger things.

I have never hunted or taken an Elk and that is on my bucket list. Elk is one of my favorite game animals to eat and just starting to figure out a 2026 hunt in Idaho. I have settled on the Lemhi zone, based on my own research, however that can still change.

I want to do a pack-in hunt and enjoy the outdoors as it should be (right??) - and bring my Mathews Monster (old school, but still shooting 318 FPS with 410gr arrows). I want to increase my chances, so I would be looking for a solid guide to help educate and get me on a good bull.

That said, not sure where to post a request for a guide here on these forums. I am not looking for a major outfitter, but someone that is local-ish, knows the area, is highly recommended and loves the outdoors as much as we all do. Any help with that would be appreciated.

Cheers to all and I wish you all the success in your outdoor adventures!!
-Ryan

 

[TopherDave]

I’ve hunted elk twice in Idaho. What I’ve learned about the western elk community, someone can correct me if I’m wrong, is they hate out-of-staters. BUT that’s only if you’re from an adjacent state like WA. If you drive all the way up from TX or down from AK, like I did. They seem to be more open to sharing information.

First time, in 2022, my buddy met a guy on here and he let me park my car at his place for a couple of weeks and take a nap in his shop while I waited for my buddy to pick me up to head up into the mtns. I bombed over from WI in a lil ‘09 cobalt and my buddy didn’t want me taking it up into the mtns. Had a hard hunt, knocked down a couple of decent 6x6’s. Took us a couple of weeks.

In 2024, we drew again, so we planned on going back but he started a new job and couldn’t get away. So I drove down from AK. Made short work of it, since I knew where they were a couple of years prior. Had a lot of fun with the fiancé and our dog. Met some really awesome locals who were impressed that we made the drive. At the end of the day, just be kind, like anywhere and you’ll be fine. I try to talk to everyone. Drives the old lady nuts but if they know ya, I feel like people won’t mess with ya as long as you didn’t rub them the wrong way.

 

[eddielasvegas]

As the self-appointed chairman of the welcoming committee, it is my privilege to extend a laurel, and hearty handshake (virtual, of course) to our new TX member, Ryan.


Eddie


P.S. @TopherDave Good advice and those are some excellent pix.