Idaho unit 20A

[6ptorbust]

We are hunting 9-19 thru 9-27 (drop camp) any weapon and all of us have deer and elk tags. This is near McCall, Idaho. I know its steep country and our outfitter says there are no wolves in the area. Any of you guys hunted near here before?

 

[jusjoe]

Hi, I did a lot of research on this unit, and it should be a good hunt. Which outfitter did you book with for the drop camp?

 

[3006enfield]

If the outfitter told you that there are no wolves, don't kid yourself.

Here is a link to US Fish and Wildlife Services that control the wolves.
http://www.r6.fws.gov/wolf/wk08122005.htm

Read down throught the report and take a look at how many "confirmed wolf packs" there are in Idaho for 2005.

This is a link to the 2004 map of known packs. Look for the areas east of McCall, ID.

http://westerngraywolf.fws.gov/annualrpt04/figure4_acc.pdf

The Frank Church Wilderness is a large roadless area that makes it very difficult and expensive to track and collar wolves. It is not a high priority to figure out how many wolves are in the wilderness areas because they are not causing any trouble for livestock operators.

Just my 2 cents.
Keith

 

[6ptorbust]

We booked elk creek outfitters. Guys name is Trent Bullock. Seems like a good ol boy. Born and raised in Idaho. His brother is also an outfitter. I guess we will see but I have high hopes. What did your research turn up?

 

[6ptorbust]

Thanks for the info-- Have you ever hunted this area? I am hoping the outfitter is right about the wolves. Either way, we are committed to this guy, mostly for the horses to get us in and any game out of that rugged wilderness area. I did check his references and they raved about him and his guides. But what else would you expect? John

 

[3006enfield]

Here is some information for you. This is a link to the IDFG harvest reports for the deer and elk general seasons in 2004.

http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/deer/04harv.cfm
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/elk/04harv_anyweapon.cfm

20A has decent kill rates, but the season for deer starts Sept15-Oct31 and elk, depending on tag A or B, starts Sept15-Nov18. Thoses are long seasons for around a 19% kill ratio.

Just remember, rough country and a lot of "Dead areas" without much huntable wildlife. Bring your fishing pole in case you have some time to spare.

Keith