Idaho Moose

LAST EDITED ON Aug-10-16 AT 11:53AM (MST)[p]

Hey All, I was handed a surprise this year when I got a congrats notice that I drew Unit 66 Moose in Idaho. Like most of us I never hunter moose before. Being that its a once in a lifetime hunt I decided to do some scouting. Made this trip last week and covered the entire unit with the pick-up, ATV as well as hiked plenty of miles. It was hot and there wasn't a whole lot moving but I was able to see 7 moose, all cows.

Anyways I have done a ton of research on moose hunting but thought I would throw it out there if anyone has any personal experience here in the forum.

There were lots of cows and sheep hearders. Do you guys know if they impact the moose? Also is the rut for moose similar to others like deer and Elk, not dates but that you all of a sudden just start to see bulls?

I am planning on taking three weeks for the hunt if I need to, One week early, one toward the end of Sept-October and the other early November if I need to. I am itching to go early but if its just not a good time ill add the time onto one of the other dates.

Ill hopefully have at least 2-3 folks to help for the pack out if I get one. What is a good Bull? 40"? The average for that unit is 36" for the past few years.

Thanks and look forward to the discussion. Not looking for a trophy but looking for one that will turn me on! Thanks
Dan

What hunt # in 66? 66-1 or 66-2? I have hunted moose twice in 66, once with my dad and once on my own tag.

I had a plan similar to you: hunt early season, hunt mid season, and save time for later. Mid season (Late Sept-Early Oct) seemed to be the optimal time, although I did get my bull on opening weekend (Sep 1st). in hindsight, I would probably hunt early just to get out and then increase my hunting time in late September.

Talk to the sheepherders if you can...they helped me locate my bull.

I traveled the entire unit like you did and knew every road I could access. I then determined which trails would be open for ATVs to haul out meat and focused my hunting within 1/2 mile of these. Without livestock, this was essential to ensure I could get the meat out.

Enjoy the hunt...I am envious!

Thanks! I sent ya a message.

Dan
www.hunts4two.com

Great Unit!!

Plenty of Moose, good luck!!

We rifle hunt elk in 66 and see bull moose every year. If you haven't put a bull on the ground by Oct 15, I would ask every elk hunter I saw where the moose are. They will know.

Hi Dan, COngrats on the tag. I dont hunt moose personally. I dont like the taste! BUT, I have hunted that area for 30 years, and know it inside out. The moose tend to start rutting about mid october and go thru into november.. 36 inches sounds about right, I know there are a few that go bigger in there, but most mature bulls i've seen are about that 36 inch mark.. Its been super hot and dry in 66 this year so hunt those water holes hard! Sit somewhere where you can glass, and then glass some more. Those critters have long freakin legs and cover ground like you wouldn't believe. Try camp creek and commissary ridge for a decent bull, a good place to watch and see them crossing back and forth is driving along skyline ridge road at day break and evenings. Good Luck! I'm sure i will run into you there at some point, while I hunt for deer and elk this year.

I have been fortunate enough to draw a tag in WA and been on several moose hunts in WA and N ID. Once the rut rolls around the bull moose will be out and covering serious ground. Listen and listen more...moose grunts are pretty quiet and if you can pick them up you will be on more moose than most. Call a lot with cow and bull sounds moose are very responsive to calls that I have noticed. I know lots of people including myself like to hike and hunt areas, but in areas that have lots of fs or logging roads drive them! and cover ground moose are not hard to see in openings are almost never spooked of Atvs or trucks. More ground you can cover the better.

HAHA dido that on the ATV's and trucks Huntnnw. I cant count the times ive driven up on bulls and had them just stand there looking at me, like "what you want punk", lol.. And me telling them to haul ass before some moose hunter comes along and plants them!