First hunt for My Sons are 39-1

First let me say I'm kind of a new hunter. I hunted last year (deer for the first time since i was 17, I'm now in mid forties)
my Sons 16 and 10 will be hunting for the first time in their lifes this Season. We drew Cow Elk hunt is unit 39-1 so myself, my boys and my GF will be hunting Elk for the first time. and for my boys will also be their first deer hunt as well. i really want to make this a memory making experience for us. We did a scout trip last weekend From Idaho City clear to Atlanta and then down the N fork of boise around Arrow rock to Lucky peak. We saw no Deer or Elk and some a few tracks. now granted we didn't get out everywhere to look ( will be doing more of that up to hunting season starting 10/5) We did see a young Cow moose which was awesome. So my question is in trying to make a memory for these boys and i are there any recommends of where to take them to best find Elk? As they are in School they will be limited to weekend hunts and the first weekend will be it seems the best chance as open rifle will not open until 10/10. there are alot of places in that unit. So if anyone has suggstions please share or PM me i would be grateful to get these boys hooked on this like I am.

Thanks

James

Pm

James,

There are many elk in different parts of unit 39. The start of the hunt is during the later part of the rut, so you c use bugles and cow calls to locate herds. I wouldn't worry about the migration too much during October.

As far as where to go. I think, in general, that moving closer to Atlanta helps, though I've been into elk around the North Fork of the Boise area. Atlanta is higher elevation, and a little less disruption and traffic. You will likely need to get a few miles off any roads to increase your success rate. 39 is steep, so if you guys aren't big-time hikers look at using motors to get you away (check the map to show you which trails allow for ATV's or trailbikes) and then hike from there or drive some of the roads off of Middle Fork Road that go to higher elevation. Trinity Ridge Road is an option. Swanholm Road. Somewhere in there. You'll get the general lay of the land and find some areas you like with scouting. I have seen cows and they have been shot not far from most of the roads towards Atlanta, but I think it's more of a crapshot to rely on that. I seem to find more in the higher elevations--6500+.

The kids may like hiking around some, so that isn't a bad idea but mostly just glass and glass. You'll find some cross over but elk hunting and deer hunting are often most effective when you target one specifically (sage for deer, trees for elk).

Good luck. Let us know how it goes. PM me if you need more specifics.
Kyle