Idaho Archery Elk Unit 61 and 62A

[cshore93]

Looking at these two units for an OTC archery hunt. They are in the Caribou Targhee National Forest. Does anyone have experience with how good the elk population is there? Also maybe how many other hunters are usually around? It's right by YNP so I kinda thought Grizzlies and Wolves might be a problem. Thanks!

I'll also throw in unit 76 as well

 

[mike.adams.467]

I hunt that area because my cabin is there. Elk numbers are down, because predators are up. There is a large grizzly population there, and quite a few wolves. Not just telling you this to steer you away; it's harder every year to find nice bulls. The grizzly threat is real, too. Someone gets nailed about every archery season.


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[cshore93]

I hunt that area because my cabin is there. Elk numbers are down, because predators are up. There is a large grizzly population there, and quite a few wolves. Not just telling you this to steer you away; it's harder every year to find nice bulls. The grizzly threat is real, too. Someone gets nailed about every archery season.


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Not a very safe place for a backpack hunt then, huh? Are there very many hunters?

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[TheTone]

Certain areas are much worse for bears than others. I hunted that country for 5 years and never saw a track or grizzly while hunting, I also never saw a wolf, wolf track or heard howls while hunting. I did see a few wolves in summers, but not in the fall I knew other people that did see grizzlies and a lot of it was based on where they hunted IMO. I always would say its not country where the backpack hunter would really gain a lot over being truck based and more mobile. Most hunters I talked to complained about the hunting (which I thought was pretty darn good), but the truth is in that country rifle seasons drive populations and not predators.

 

[mike.adams.467]

I see on average a grizzly every fall and tracks about every weekend. I also fell victim to an attack while hunting unit 61 in 2015. (You can google the story). Believe what you want, but it is a problem. Lots of hunters from Rexburg since it supports a fairly large student population. Just my observations and experiences.


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[TheTone]

Dang, I remember the incident and also know multiple others that have had bad bear experience. I don't want to discount the fact there are plenty of bears in the area but at the same time its not exactly guaranteed you're going to see or have issues with them.

If a person hunts these units they better pack easily accessed bear spray and know how to use it. I never went a single day without it myself.

 

[avluey]

From your story: "Losinski said he doesn't anticipate the hunter will face any charges as he did nothing wrong." Jeez ya think? Hope your recovery has gone well brother - had to be one hell of an experience.

 

[mike.adams.467]

There were no charges brought against me, since I still wear the battle scars. It certainly could have been much worse.


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[NJDiverDan]

I hunted 61 for the first time this year and was unsuccessful in filling my tag. I did have a wolf at 10 yards my first day out. I could not get my revolver drawn fast enough before he saw me move and took off. Should have shot him with the bow instead but it happened so fast it took a few seconds to register what it was and what I wanted to do about it. In the area I was hunting there are plenty of other hunters, mostly running the roads and trails on ATVs or in their trucks. I never encountered another hunter actually in the woods. Talking with the other hunters, it seem the elk were not there. No bugles, no sightings. Overall a frustrating year.

 

[cshore93]

I hunted 61 for the first time this year and was unsuccessful in filling my tag. I did have a wolf at 10 yards my first day out. I could not get my revolver drawn fast enough before he saw me move and took off. Should have shot him with the bow instead but it happened so fast it took a few seconds to register what it was and what I wanted to do about it. In the area I was hunting there are plenty of other hunters, mostly running the roads and trails on ATVs or in their trucks. I never encountered another hunter actually in the woods. Talking with the other hunters, it seem the elk were not there. No bugles, no sightings. Overall a frustrating year.

Don't worry. It was a very frustrating year for a lot of people.

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[lightning3m1]

I hunt that area because my cabin is there. Elk numbers are down, because predators are up. There is a large grizzly population there, and quite a few wolves. Not just telling you this to steer you away; it's harder every year to find nice bulls. The grizzly threat is real, too. Someone gets nailed about every archery season.


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I guess that makes you Grizzly Adams!
I'll bet you needed new underwear!!