FNG - Idaho panhandle elk

[Dburg322]

New guy here. Long story short a friend of mine and myself have panhandle tags and were supposed to be going with an experienced elk hunter that knew the area. We are now on our own.

I’ve read and researched and called Idaho DNR to understand some of these rules and areas to hunt. It’s confusing at best when it comes to controlled hunt areas. They seem to overlap public general hunting areas. I have onx too. Any advice as to understanding this in simplistic terms? Can I hunt all the public land in each unit unless designated as controlled hunt area only?

Any advice is appreciated.

 

[mtnbound]

The Fish and Game regulations cover that but DM me your Controlled Hunt Number and I will see if I can help.

 

[Dburg322]

The Fish and Game regulations cover that but DM me your Controlled Hunt Number and I will see if I can help.

Thanks for reply. I can’t DM yet. I should clarify I have a general NR tag not controlled hunt tag. I’ve read through F&G brochure, but controlled hunts are listed as complete units in some cases during the same hunt season as the general tag. So would that mean I can’t hunt that whole unit? It seems these rules and descriptions aren’t written well for someone not already familiar.

 

[Mwoody]

Rifle or bow?

 

[DAOutfitters208]

Thanks for reply. I can’t DM yet. I should clarify I have a general NR tag not controlled hunt tag. I’ve read through F&G brochure, but controlled hunts are listed as complete units in some cases during the same hunt season as the general tag. So would that mean I can’t hunt that whole unit? It seems these rules and descriptions aren’t written well for someone not already familiar.

Just focus on your tag and where it says you can hunt. Controlled hunts are totally separate.

 

[Dburg322]

Rifle or bow?

Bow. Heard the average shot in the panhandle is pretty close if you can find them.

 

[Dburg322]

Just focus on your tag and where it says you can hunt. Controlled hunts are totally separate.

I get that. Also trying to be sure I stay out of areas I’m not supposed to be. Tag is good for units 1-9, but there seems to be conflicting rule wording. I’ll call DNR at some point ask as well.

 

[Ross]

Good luck have hunted the panhandle since 1980. Get in shape x10 and practice shots as close as 4.5 yds My avg bow shot is about 18 yds and last yrs rifle bull was 12. There is a reason they call it the jungle and most despise it.

 

[Customweld]

All units within your zone should be open for the general A tag Aug-Sep hunt. The caution is basically be aware that there are any weapon hunts going on around you in different units within that zone.

 

[Dburg322]

Good luck have hunted the panhandle since 1980. Get in shape x10 and practice shots as close as 4.5 yds My avg bow shot is about 18 yds and last yrs rifle bull was 12. There is a reason they call it the jungle and most despise it.

Thanks! Working out as much as I can. Any tips on calling for the area? Cow calling versus bugle? We’ll be there 9-6 through the 12th.

 

[Ross]

That would all depend on the quality of your calls. Grunting and raking go along ways in this country, if you have a quality grunt. If not, would stick to short bugle, raking and cow call sequences.

 

[Dburg322]

That would all depend on the quality of your calls. Grunting and raking go along ways in this country, if you have a quality grunt. If not, would stick to short bugle, raking and cow call sequences.

Really appreciate it. Was contemplating bringing an OHV of some kind, but the rules for where you can go and how thick it is up there I’m not sure it makes sense. I also don’t want to blast through and mess with other hunters. I’ve read that happens. Is it worth it to bring?

 

[Wrench]

I will second the raking advice.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Bring your a/utv. It’ll open up a world of access.

 

[ProStaffSteve]

Your tag is identical to resident’s general panhandle tag, the controlled hunt is entirely different.

Their DNR, is IDFG Idaho fish & game. Read the rules closely. You’ll be hunting stuff that looks like the PNW, you want rain gear, and if I were going there I’d cover my boots in rain/water resistant stuff, you want “gators” for your boots. Saw fresh elk & bear tracks on a camping trip. There are cut throat, rainbows, small mouth, and steelhead aplenty up that way, so if you feel like taking a pause or if your camping you might find worthwhile.

Have fun!

 

[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 ID member.


Eddie

 

[Dburg322]

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 ID member.


Eddie

Appreciate Eddie. I’m looking forward to the experience and discussions.

 

[Ross]

OHV is not needed, as most of the roads are not to bad. That being said, some are brushed in, rutted, and narrow. Not much off road/trail access with them,simply easier travel on the fs roads.

 

[Indian Summer]

It’s one of those places where you either kill an elk or you don’t see any. That doesn’t mean you won’t hear them and smell them. You just can’t see very far. I would brush up on calling. You can probably leave the spotting scope at home. Lol.

 

[mtnbound]

Thanks for reply. I can’t DM yet. I should clarify I have a general NR tag not controlled hunt tag. I’ve read through F&G brochure, but controlled hunts are listed as complete units in some cases during the same hunt season as the general tag. So would that mean I can’t hunt that whole unit? It seems these rules and descriptions aren’t written well for someone not already familiar.

Ok, so you have a Panhandle A tag. You are reading too much into the regs, they do not say anything about not being able to hunt full units with your tag. Yes, you will see gun hunters during bow season as some do have special controlled hunts but, bear, wolf and lion are also open at the same time, so you will often see guys with a rifle during A tag season. F&G is just warning you that there are more than just archers in the field.