Picking an area to hunt—which unit is best? (Idaho)

[spencerkwick]

Just to clarify, I’m not asking for coordinates, I’M LOOKING FOR GUIDENCE.

I am relatively new to elk hunting and have yet to take my first elk. I’m an Idaho resident, but my brother isn’t, so we’re limited to his luck in the December 1st nonresident tag draw. Two years ago, he ended up with a Middle Fork tag (back of queue), which we quickly learned is not beginner-friendly—we didn’t even see an elk… Last year, he didn’t come up, and I hunted Palisades with no success. It’s close to home (Rexburg), so I’d consider hunting there again, but I can’t help wondering:

IS IT ME OR THE AREAS I’M CHOOSING?

I realize it’s likely a mix of both, but I want to improve my odds by picking a unit with a good elk population. My research so far has led me to Island Park, Sawtooth, Salmon, Pioneer, Smokey Bennet, Diamond Creek, and Tex Creek. Units 36, 36A, and 36B (that corner at the 3 zones) seem promising, with Sawtooth standing out. Island Park also looks good, especially since it’s close enough to scout thoroughly, which I think is the most important factor—time in the field. Tex Creek and Diamond Creek show strong numbers, but I’m less confident in ranking them.

Here’s my thinking: I want to nail down 2-3 good options. If my brother can’t pull a tag for one of them, we’ll skip it altogether—no point in wasting time and money on a dud. My top three picks right now are:

1. Island Park (close to home)
2. Sawtooth (or maybe one of the others nearby in that central part of the state...)
3. Diamond Creek

Does this plan make sense? Any tips on what to focus on or avoid? I’m planning to scout a ton, but with his tag draw coming up, we need to lock in a unit that gives us a decent shot (assuming we put in the work). Thanks!

P.S. We aren't new to hunting or backpacking and I can honestly say we hunted hard for 7 days in middle fork and again in Palisades. We just are just newer to understanding elk and a point in the right direction could go a long way.

 

[Cyril]

I don’t know Idaho at all but I would say, all units have elk. There is a huge advantage to time in the field. If it were me, I would put proximity and likelihood of my brother drawing, as top two priorities. Again, not knowing those units but your time and four eyes versus two, I am guessing would yield better results.

 

[V2Pnutrition]

Cyril gave you some great advice. Virtually every zone is going to have elk. IDFG publishes data that tells you which of those have larger concentrations even.

I hunted a zone this year that I’ve hunted for just shy of 10 years. We’ve seen elk every year of those 10 years. Sometimes they’re in the same (ish) area and other times not at all. I hunted that zone this year for 6 days without seeing a single elk. Finally found them on day 7 and was able to fill the tag on day 8- the last day of the season.

All of that to say part of finding elk is time in the field and trying to figure out where they are pending on what season you’re hunting, pressure, etc. Because of that, I’d say you guys try to pull something close to home to get in the field as many days as possible over the stretch of a season and solve that puzzle.

 

[PredatorSlayer]

Nobody is, or at least should talk about specific areas on this site. This will come up in google searches and turn good spots into zoos.

 

[bowkill]

If you're a resident, it feels like you would be able to spend some time doing some on the ground scouting. Leave the "which unit should I hunt?" questions to those of us that have to drive hundreds or thousands of miles to get to a spot that we know nothing about.

 

[Idahobugler]

Best advice is pick a zone that you can spend the most time in BEFORE the season. Use trail cameras, go camping on the weekend, it took me a while to find an area I’m consistently into elk. General tags/zones are tough, do your homework ahead of time and it’ll pay off in the fall.

 

[Indian Summer]

You need to stick with one area and learn it. There’s nothing wrong with the Palisades or r a couple others you mentioned. Elk aren’t deer.

 

[MuleyFever]

Quick side question. Can you buy a tag for your brother so he doesnt have to play the online portal game? Or can residents only buy tags for other residents?

 

[mtnbound]

Just to clarify, I’m not asking for coordinates, I’M LOOKING FOR GUIDENCE.

I am relatively new to elk hunting and have yet to take my first elk. I’m an Idaho resident, but my brother isn’t, so we’re limited to his luck in the December 1st nonresident tag draw. Two years ago, he ended up with a Middle Fork tag (back of queue), which we quickly learned is not beginner-friendly—we didn’t even see an elk… Last year, he didn’t come up, and I hunted Palisades with no success. It’s close to home (Rexburg), so I’d consider hunting there again, but I can’t help wondering:

IS IT ME OR THE AREAS I’M CHOOSING?

I realize it’s likely a mix of both, but I want to improve my odds by picking a unit with a good elk population. My research so far has led me to Island Park, Sawtooth, Salmon, Pioneer, Smokey Bennet, Diamond Creek, and Tex Creek. Units 36, 36A, and 36B (that corner at the 3 zones) seem promising, with Sawtooth standing out. Island Park also looks good, especially since it’s close enough to scout thoroughly, which I think is the most important factor—time in the field. Tex Creek and Diamond Creek show strong numbers, but I’m less confident in ranking them.

Here’s my thinking: I want to nail down 2-3 good options. If my brother can’t pull a tag for one of them, we’ll skip it altogether—no point in wasting time and money on a dud. My top three picks right now are:

1. Island Park (close to home)
2. Sawtooth (or maybe one of the others nearby in that central part of the state...)
3. Diamond Creek

Does this plan make sense? Any tips on what to focus on or avoid? I’m planning to scout a ton, but with his tag draw coming up, we need to lock in a unit that gives us a decent shot (assuming we put in the work). Thanks!

P.S. We aren't new to hunting or backpacking and I can honestly say we hunted hard for 7 days in middle fork and again in Palisades. We just are just newer to understanding elk and a point in the right direction could go a long way.

I would concentrate on the units where you can spend the most time. Being able to put boots on the ground in an area is priceless.

 

[flyfisher117]

Choose the unit that realistically you can spend the most time in. More time spent on the ground equals more time and chances for success.

I'm guilty of wanting to travel to the central portion of the state but realistically that doesn't give me time to scout and time to learn the area.

 

[bluetick78]

No one is going to tell you where to go hunt. Even if your question is as broad as an entire zone. Take a look at elk numbers, public access, % of public vs private, and proximity to home. The game is the same for everyone.

 

[Z Barebow]

Idaho has an EXCELLENT hunt planner. Also great website for pulling stats for critters/zones/seasons/unit breakdown. I can't/won't comment on your posted options. But here is what I did.

Using the website, I downloaded the states for the zones I was interested in. 5 year period and built an Excel table which allowed me to sort by whatever column I want. Success %, number of hunters, # of 6 points etc. This information allowed me to rank my choices.

On application day, throw all of it out the window if you get a high # because all your choices are gone and only thing left is a private land area or some wolf infested h*ll hole.

 

[IdahoBeav]

Lolo

 

[ez_willie]

No one is going to tell you where to go hunt. Even if your question is as broad as an entire zone. Take a look at elk numbers, public access, % of public vs private, and proximity to home. The game is the same for everyone.

I will tell anyone exactly where to hunt, as long as they buy me the same tag! (I’ll pay for my own tag)