GMU 45 Elk Hunt

[Tailhunter]

Headed to GMU 45 for the last 2 weeks of September for an archery elk hunt and was wondering if anyone had any insight on the area, Holy Cross Wilderness in particular? We are packing horses for a drop camp to hopefully get deep and away from hunters, hikers, ect. Going with 2 others and we have done 2 other Idaho elk hunts together so we are not afraid of hiking. Any idea on how the elk act this time of year? We will be overlapping seasons with muzzleloader so is there a change in rut patterns even if we are a ways back there? Are the elk abnormally vocal that time? A lot of hunters in that area? Was hoping to get in on the north side.......good idea or no? Not trying to get hunting spots from anyone, just trying to make sure I pack an elk out and I didn't buy a $600 out of state tag for a hiking trip...anything helps!

 

[cnelk]

Did you apply for that tag this year?

 

[Tailhunter]

Did you apply for that tag this year?

Purchasing OTC tags when they come available August 6th I believe. Shouldn't have a problem correct? No application needed if purchasing OTC right?

 

[cnelk]

Better read the regs my friend.
Those units are draw, and bull only.

The application period ended last Tuesday 8pm MDT.

 

[Jbehredt]

Welcome to the forum. Cnelk may have just kept you out of court.

 

[loopmtz]

I used to hunt that unit a lot growing up when I was a rifle hunter. Since switching to Archery I have hunted it a couple times. Tough unit with lots of pressure and the area you mentioned has a lot of hikers, nature enthusiasts!

It's been an OTC unit for ever. Last year it was OTC Bull only..This year draw bull only...

 

[Tailhunter]

Better read the regs my friend.
Those units are draw, and bull only.

The application period ended last Tuesday 8pm MDT.

I used to hunt that unit a lot growing up when I was a rifle hunter. Since switching to Archery I have hunted it a couple times. Tough unit with lots of pressure and the area you mentioned has a lot of hikers, nature enthusiasts!

It's been an OTC unit for ever. Last year it was OTC Bull only..This year draw bull only...

Thank you for the detailed insight! Thought it was still OTC but guess not. Might just be going back to Idaho.

 

[LongWayAround]

Thank you for the detailed insight! Thought it was still OTC but guess not. Might just be going back to Idaho.

I saw that Idaho suspended and then amended non-resident license sales. You might look into that.

 

[Tailhunter]

I saw that Idaho suspended and then amended non-resident license sales. You might look into that.

Applying for secondary draw for GMU 45. Outfitter says shouldn't be a problem getting a bull tag. Any thoughts on this?

 

[LongWayAround]

Sorry, never been in 45.

 

[lipripr]

Give this a listen

Ep. 121: A Man of the Law

Podcast Episode · The MeatEater Podcast · June 18, 2018 · 2h 2m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[Tailhunter]

Give this a listen

Ep. 121: A Man of the Law

Podcast Episode · The MeatEater Podcast · June 18, 2018 · 2h 2m

podcasts.apple.com

Good listen lipripr! Thanks. Elk talk podcasts are great.
Anyone have anything else to add?

 

[lipripr]

No problem my friend and I have hunted 45 the last 5 years only pulled one nice 6x6 off the mountain 5 years ago. It’s very steep with lots of dark timber. We’re switching units this year.