ID 66A Late Bull Hunt !!

[Daxter]

I think I may have just gotten really lucky for the first time ever. I just wondered if anybody has had experience with this late elk hunt? I wondered what kind of habitats will the elk be in this time of year, what are the chances of finding a 6 point, how bad is the hunting pressure? If there are any general areas that would be better to concentrate on than others, if scouting will help any or if the elk are migrating during this hunt? I would really appreciate any info or tips from anybody. This might be the only chance my Dad and I ever get to shoot a branch antlered bull. You can pm me or send me an email at [email protected] Thanks so much for your help.
Dax

 

[Deerlove]

Dax how many tags were issued? Wasnt it like 500?

 

[Daxter]

Yeah, there are 500+ tags, and I know it is not a "trophy" area like draw elk units in UT or AZ, but I am not expecting to see 380 bulls all over the place. NR draw odds were like 10-15%, so for me that is incredibly lucky, I usually don't draw in units that are 50/50 draw odds. I have never drawn an antlered elk tag, and I would be happy as can be with a soild 6x6 even if it only scores 300ish. Thanks again for any help, I really appreciate it.

Dax

 

[Deerlove]

I think you can take a 280 plus bull in the unit with some work, I've archery hunted it the past 4 years. Anything over 300 would be great. Russ

 

[idhunters]

There are tons of elk in that unit. However, there are OTC archery tags for 30 days in Sept and there is alot of pressure. Then there is 25 or 50 bull tags in the first week of OCt. Along with your hunt (550+/- tags) there are 1500 cow tags that open the same day.

That being said you can find elk in harder to get to areas and on private land. You may be able to get access if you go knock on doors in the summer. I believe a 300" bull is a realistic goal in that unit if your willing to do a little walking.

The elk get pushed around but again, there is alot of elk in the area. My dad and wife both have the "late" cow tag in the unit, 250 tags 11/16-12/31.

 

[archeryelk]

That unit is not really that big and from the hunting stats it must get a ton of pressure during bow season.

Any feedback about that appreciated,

Archer

 

[Deerlove]

all 500 tags arent in 66a its in the diamond creek zone.

 

[PleaseDear]

Unit 76 also is included in your hunt.

The southern end of 76 boundary could be the area ya may want to get to know.... before the snow hits.....

 

[MulePacker]

Daxter,

I believe you live in Cache Valley is this correct? If so send me a Private Message with a number to get a hold of you.

Travis

 

[Daxter]

Travis,

I sent you a PM. Thanks.

Dax

 

[archeryelk]

Will be near 66A on a Wyoming Moose hunt. Had spend some time going over maps a couple of years ago and thought about running down there some. Can still get an Archery Elk tag. Everyone is talking how bad the pressure is. Think it will be pounded by the 3rd to last week of Sept?

I know 66A is not that big but you would think a man could get away from some of the folks.

Any help appreciated,

Archer

 

[lv4huntn]

That is actually a good hunt IMO, contrary to mm popular belief. There is a ton of area and a ton of private ground as well, with possible access. Almost all of the landowners I have talked to there are willing to let you in or at least direct you to who will. I would concentrate in 76, as 66a get alot more pressure. look around freedom and some of the areas in there. Follow the roads and then just get out and hike to distant meadows and saddles at the top of the thick and nasty. Have seen quit a few good solid 300ish bulls in that stuff, but not many people think it is worth the pack out. Avoid the sheep and you will find elk. Good luck and PM me if you need further assistance.
Dan

 

[OutofStater]

You drew a good tag! I've hunted 76 2000-2003 and we killed 3 bulls, 2-330 bulls and one five point. We quit the general hunt
dueto hunter pressure and hunt quality. Not because of bull quality. If they ever made it an archery elk draw with about 500 permits I would apply in a heartbeat. Keep in mind there will be 1000 cow tag hunters taking to the woods during your hunt but don't worry it's a long season (12 or 13 days)and most cow killers don't leave the roads to far. Watch for snow especially if you pack in into 66a two years ago the late hunt got dumped on and most of the bulls were killed from the roads. I'd look at 76 over 66a.

 

[BBB]

Hey Dax,
I hunted that country a bit while I served my time in Cache...I can give you a few tips anyways on where I had seen 6-point bulls.
Michael

 

[Daxter]

Thanks to everyone for the help so far. I will be making a couple of phone calls this week. I really appreciate your willingness to help.

I am getting really excited about this hunt. It is even helping me stay positive after reading my WY results. All of those unsuccessfuls will just give me more time to scout for a good bull.

Mike, I sent you an email, I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Dax

 

[idhunters]

Its up to 1,500 cow tags not 1000 plus an additional 250 cow tags later in the season. Plus the 550 bull tags.

But, the comments are correct there is alot of elk in the area.

I just think the archery hunt is over rated as it is really crowded and people drive through units with good archery hunting to get to the "mythical" unit 76.

I know a bunch of locals that quit hunting that zone due to the crowded bow hunt. They hunt the bannock zone, less elk but WAY less hunters.