Idaho moose hunt: Pre or Post rut?

[HydeParkHunter]

I drew an Idaho Unit 65 moose tag with a season running Aug. 30 - Nov. 23, but I am unable to hunt between Sept. 15 - Oct. 19 due to other obligations. Before and after that is fairly open and I can string a 8-10 day hunt on either end. And possibly... slightly shorter hunts on both ends, but not likely. I live about 5.5 hours away.

I'm not holding out for a trophy. Looking like I will have the help of a friend with pack llamas. Not much else to frame the questions, I'm just beginning my research.

Question #1: Would you focus on hunting early September or late October/very early November?

Question #2: Which would likely have the best tasting meat? Are there better odds for the table if I shoot one early? This is a very important consideration for me.

Any and all feedback appreciated. Thank you in advance!

 

[NRA4LIFE]

Just from my 1 experience, the early part was tough here in WA, just a couple miles from the ID border, just because of the density of the leaves and brush. November was better. But I have only moose hunted once.

 

[mike.adams.467]

The later hunt means better visibility with the leaves gone. I killed mine early but I had all season to hunt.

 

[idahodave]

Later for sure. Not even a question. Not only is visibility MUCH improved with the loss of aspen leaves, but almost everyone else is gone. Also don’t have to worry about fighting the heat for meat extraction.

I’ve assisted/guided on 9 bulls over there now, and all were end of October/1st of November. From last year…

Dave

 

[npm352]

I would rather hunt two days in late October or November than ten days in early September.

I've hunted a bull in SE Idaho and have been in on three others.

Early September can be really tough.

 

[johnsd16]

Agree with the above. Later is better due to lack of heat for animal movement, visibility and predictability of where you’ll find them (on food). Bummer that you’ll miss the entire rut. For that I’d target sept 25/28-October 7/10. Bulls can appear out of seemingly nowhere and their calls are cool.

Early sept can be tough if it’s hot. They’re big black animals and will stick to cover/shade and spend all day bedded up.

Look at all the other seasons in the unit for deer/elk and try to find when the fewest hunters will be out and target that time. I don’t know anything about that unit but plan to be able to access as high as you can. Those big bulls can be up on the ridge tops with snow above their knees.