Elk in Idaho????

bowhunteridaho208 · Nov 8, 2008

I have been hunting Idaho long and hard. Now the last two years of hunting in Unit 39 I have only seen a hand full of elk. How many people are having the same trouble here? I personally believe it is the wolves and the pressure. It has never been like this before, I think its about time to make it a draw unitl. I would love to know what others think and if they have been having any luck. Thanks

Idahogrinder · Nov 8, 2008

You are crazy if you think they'll make that a draw unit. Do you know how many hunters that would displace, and would just move to the next closest general area.... As for seeing only a handful of elk...you're not in the right place then.... I have friends that have been seeing elk everyday, and their group has notched a few tags... I've been hunting 45 and watched atleast 250 head cross into 39...... Also, wolves and pressure.... one word..WEATHER... the pressure just changes their patterns, and wolves have had a minimal impact... Everything is dependant upon the weather for that hunt to be a bust or not. I don't get why people on here have a rough week of hunting, and all of a sudden its the states mismanagement, polar bears have migrated in due to global warming, or whatever other reasons have been stated..... Quit being so negative.... Today is the day!

bowhunteridaho208 · Nov 9, 2008

Thanks for you input. I agree about the weather being a key. I just know the area I have hunted for years and has historically had a ton of elk has none this year and a lot of signs of wolves. I am not trying to be negative on the whole thing, I am just wondering what others are dealing with. I am thinking about hunting the side of 39 that borders 45 next elk season, either that or get an early season archery unit. Thanks for your opinion on it, it is greatly appreciated.

orion23 · Nov 9, 2008

LAST EDITED ON Nov-09-08 AT 04:27PM (MST)[p]I've lived in ID for 11 years, usually archery hunt a different unit than 39 but did rifle hunt it this year. We pulled 2 bulls out of there. Could have just been lucky tho.

critterstalker · Nov 9, 2008

LAST EDITED ON Nov-09-08 AT 09:18PM (MST)[p] I personally think wolves are having a bigger impact then people think.I hunted hard this year hiking 5-7 miles each day one way. Only to see more wolf tracks than anything.We even had them howling and carrying on 500 yrds from camp.My uncle has hunted this area for 20 plus years and has always at least seen elk.I know it's not hunting pressure because we never saw anyone the whole week.

Kentuck · Nov 11, 2008

I just got back from hunting 39. We got one bull for three hunters. Only saw two elk after opening day. Lost about 10 pounds hiking around, up and down and through the snow. I'm positive the weather had more to do with the numbers of elk we saw than anything.
Opening day was crazy. Guy down the ridge from me on Sat. had to have shot over a box of shells. Personnally saw him take 500+ yard shots. Wanted to go down and slap him out of his dreams. Heard many stories of folks tagging other's elk, groups fighting over elk etc. Heard tons of yelling in the drainage over from us after a long volley of shots.
Did see more wolf sign than years past. One guy I know that hunts like a madman and normally tags out quick felt lucky to tag a 5-point on Wed. Only bull he saw.

bowhunteridaho208 · Nov 11, 2008

Nice bull. Well I hunted hard all week and saw nothing ever to shot. Anyone have any other units they hunt? I have thought about going up to the Selway or Frank Church area. I am not opposed to packing in if it means an elk. Any thoughts?

Idahogrinder · Nov 11, 2008

We've thought about heading north as well just to stay away from the boners that plague this area. I don't know what it is, but they are just flat out idiots... I almost wish everything was a draw at times because of the mindless idiots that just go buy a box of shells and a tag and are ready to roll, and suppress the hillside!!!

Abomb · Nov 11, 2008

>We've thought about heading north as
>well just to stay away
>from the boners that plague
>this area. I don't know
>what it is, but they
>are just flat out idiots...
>I almost wish everything was
>a draw at times because
>of the mindless idiots that
>just go buy a box
>of shells and a tag
>and are ready to roll,
>and suppress the hillside!!!

Whoa now, we have just as many dip$hits up here.Opener was a joke! You boys just stay down there. The wolves have taken over up here too.

KamiahKid · Nov 12, 2008

Don't think if you head North that you will get out of the wolves.... we have just as many (probably more) than you have down South. The elk hunting up here has been a joke this year. We need to be hunting wolves.... just my 2 cents worth...

Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.