Idaho unit 48-49

C

Cahunter96

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I am going to be hunting these units for the first time this year. I will be going with some rancher friends of mine. I just wanted to get a little Info on the areas. What is the terrian like Junipers, timber?? Also should I get an Elk tag just in case. I don't want anyone secret spots just like to hear how the huntings been the last few years. Thanks.
 
Decent for deer and I believe that 49 is elk permit draw only? There is quite a mix of terrain from timbered to very open sage and ridges with juniper pockets.
 
I've hunted the public land in 48/49 a few times. Great country with a lot of pressure. I really don't know much about the private situation, I think its the lower elevations. I'd ask your rancher friend. From what I've seen a 150-160" buck is a keeper in those units. Seen many 250-300" elk in the unit, but I don't believe bull elk tags are over the counter in those units.
 
49, Very good elk, fair deer with an occassional monster. VERY steep country with timbered north facing slopes and open sage. Make sure your in shape. I have seen some big bulls 350 plus..It is a draw unit for elk. I have hunted there for many years it use to be better but has gotten more popular over the years.
 
I have a house in 49. Basically, I can reiterate what the others have said VERY STEEP. Archery bull tags over the counter, both units. The Elk population is stable (good population) in 49 and growing in 48. If you are rifle hunting the key will be horses, as most of the bigger bucks have been pushed back in away from roads. I have seen only about 5 bucks total that would go 180+ in approx. 15 years of hunting there. I have video of one huge buck in 48. My buddy shot a 34" buck on the back side of the ski mountain. And my high school principal shot a 250+ non-typical in the 80's. This last year my buddy had a bull tag in 49, I found him a couple nice bulls, after running back to my car (I was looking for deer), I finally got through to him on his phone (his wife was on for a half hour), he didn't think he had time to make it to me, so, he didn't get his bull last year. I never saw a good buck, just forkies, so ate my tag. The year before I shot a 23" 3 pt.
 
Lived in 49 for 14 years up to 5 years ago. 49 has real good elk hunting. 330+ bulls in Little Wood country. 49 is a controlled hunt for rifle. Last time I looked at stats something like 49 bulls per 100 cows! 48 is a general rifle and may be the sleeper but if you're willing to work has nice elk population as well. Get in at least two miles. Deer are coming back from a bad winter of '93. 48 came back faster. Although some 30 inch heads are taken, these units are not known for huge racks. Knowlegable hunters take some dandies late when they migrate south out of 48.
 
First off thanks for the help. I am planning on hunting the last week of the season. I like to hunt out in the sage later in the year. It always seems to be the best, not alot of deer but bigger bucks. I might get an Elk tag for 48 if I can. I am going to have to talk to my friend that farms there, hopefully we can hunt near some of his Alfalfa.
 
just to make things clear on rifle elk in 48. the general season is for archery then opens up for any weapon in november for spikes only. just so you know its not any bull. same with 49.

O23
 
Oh, then I won't be getting an Elk tag then. Thanks for all the help. good luck next season.
 
It was mentioned that there was a lot of pressure in 48/49. When are the crowds the thickest? I hunted the opener there last year and it wasn't too bad, but it was a weekday and I hunted a ways off the road. I would imagine that the weekends are worse. We were done and on the road home before the weekend hit. Do most folks wait until the last week? I was thinking about waiting until the last week this year, but don't want to if it is going to be crowded. Thanks for any info.
Dax
 
Both units are draw for elk except if you archery hunt them. I have hunted up there and it is alot of pressure because it has a youth doe hunt in there which alot of people take there kids in there. If you get off the roads back in you will do good. As for your rancher friend he should know where they are at. You would have to be talking near Picabo or over near Carey or maybe down in 48 near the ranch Moonstone. those are the only areas that have ranches. Maybe over near Craters of the moon. But most of the sage or flats are in the southern part. Arco also. But my brother hunts alot on 48 and has done and seen some very good bucks. I have seen some shooters in both units. I bait for bears in 48 and have seen some very nice bucks in velvet.
Just like everyone else said is to get off the roads and you will do great.
Easy to get high and glass so take some good optics with you.


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