Wolves and Elk in the Idaho Desert Areas (52a & 68)

[Sliverslinger]

Got a question for those with experience in Idaho south central and south east desert areas.

I snagged a nonresident Big Desert A elk tag (52a and 68). All of my Idaho areas that I’ve hunted were taken, but this unit was on my list as an alternate based on data I had compiled.

I’m beginning the e-scouting and research process to find out if this was a hit or miss choice.

Every other unit I’ve hunted has been mountainous and we’ve seen or heard wolves the last 4-5 Idaho hunts. We’ve had to have plan A,B,C depending on where the wolves were. Anyone have experience with this unit who can tell me if wolves are a factor at all in those desert areas? It would seems like they wouldn’t be in that kind of country at all, but I admittedly know very little about their territories.

 

[IdahoBeav]

Per the harvest statistics, there has not been a wolf killed there in the last 5 years, maybe ever since a season opened on them.

Nonetheless, IMO wolves should not be a deterrent on where to elk hunt.

 

[Brawndo]

I also selected the same area for 2025. Purely based on stats it seems good, but I’m sure there’s a hidden element here. Be it private lands or something else making the numbers seem high.