Salmon zone solo

Solo619 · Jan 8, 2017

Evening guys. I'm a new member to this forum and happy to be here. I've been hunting most my life yet am new to elk and mule deer hunting. That being said I recently purchased my elk B, general deer and gray wolf tag for the salmon unit 2017.

I was originally supposed to do this hunt with a buddy who had a change of heart the day after I purchased my tag... that being said I'm still going. 3 weeks at that. Solo.

I have been scouring GE trying to find promising areas and identify trails/trail heads. I'm 40 but, pretty fit. I worked as a Hotshot for many years and actually fought quite a bit of fire in the area years ago. That being said I plan on backpack hunting up to 3 day intervals to scout for sign/elk. I have quite a few areas picked out and plan on working through each area thoroughly.

FYI, I'm not green to the mountains or its challenges. I understand all the realities of this venture. I have all communication and navigation needs met. My gear is top notch.

I guess I'm just looking for a little affirmation I'm in the right direction. I don't want to post to much for respect of privacy to the unit. If anyone has any suggestions or vague direction that would be great. I got stuck with this hunt but will make the best of it!!!

Thanks for everything... support our troops??

Weiserbucks · Jan 8, 2017

Pm sent

dz · Jan 10, 2017

The kind of effort you plan to put into this hunt will make it a great experience for you. 3 weeks is a long time to be out there solo. If your mind can keep you going that long you will do great. For me that is too long. I would need to go home or a day or two off the MT down at town. Awesome country and BIG country. Hope to see how your adventure goes.

DZ

Solo619 · Jan 10, 2017

Thanks for the response! I'm positive not every day will be on the mtn... I've gotta re supply and get a hot shower in at least mid trip. I'm training and have multiple, multiple local trips planned to keep my head tight and gear dialed. My only concern is locating a bull. I've read so many different forums etc and it's really mixed. I've had one guy tell me I'm completely wasting my time... I can't see how. Gaining experience, challenging myself, feeling good about my deer tag and out of the rat race for several weeks... I could only dream of wasting more time lol. I'm pumped. Only 9 more months... best to you DZ.

There could be no success without failure.

dz · Jan 11, 2017

Take all you read with a grain of salt. 1 out of 100+ hunters put the kind of effort you are talking about into a hunt. And hunter success is a lot higher then 1%. I still think the main thing you need to do is keep your mind in the game. You can hike around for days and not see much then have an animal show up in your lap and you need to be ready. Look around every corner and walk over every ridge as if the biggest bull or buck is right there. That is hard to do for three weeks. There are elk, deer and wolves there. No hunt is ever wasting time. I'm excited to see how it goes for you.

DZ

boise · Jan 11, 2017

Most guys would just go for a week. The benefit of three is you'll know if you ever want to hunt that unit again! Idaho has great hunting it would be hard to apply that much time in just about any unit and not come away with something. Have fun take a lot of pictures, hit a hot spring and bring a fishing pole.

Solo619 · Jan 12, 2017

DZ... I appreciate your confidence. Going into this blind, it's great getting some positive feed back.

It's funny, I'm on several other forums and this is by far the best. This hunt has been years in the making and I am putting nothing less than 110% into it.

As far as fishing goes, I'm an avid angler. Again I know nothing of fishing in that area. What would be recommended tackle and presentations? Less fly fishing lol. My wife would chop my head off if she saw that and there is no opportunity locally to utilize the investment...

So thanks again guys for the positive comments. I look forward to posting my potential success..

And for what it's worth, if you guys are in San Diego this summer let me know. The offshore fishing is incredible and I'd be happy to put you guys on the the fish.

NiceRack · Jan 12, 2017

PM Sent.
I can help.
PB

Solo619 · Jan 12, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jan-12-17 AT 06:30PM (MST)[p]Nice rack.... I looked through my inbox. Lol not sure if I'm looking in the right place but, I couldn't find ur pm. I appreciate your time. Thank you much...

Edit.... sorry Paul. I found it. Long day it was.... sorry to bomb you with several emails. And thank you again. I'm shocked at the incredible response I'm getting here. Thanks guys

dz · Jan 12, 2017

You think we are being nice...... we are just trying to get hooked up with some tuna....Now that we have that info out of you. Seriously you are setting your self up for a great trip. Altitude will mess with you some too. I would think Big Bear is not all that far from you. I would plan a few hikes up there this year. I have hunted elk for 30 plus years. Up early and stay out late is the best I can give you.

DZ

Weiserbucks · Jan 12, 2017

It will be a great trip, the experience will be well worth it. If possible, find an area you like and hunt it for years to come.

Solo619 · Jan 12, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jan-12-17 AT 06:57PM (MST)[p]Dz.... if you want on tuna or other Pelagics.... consider it game on. Come on out in late June or early July and I will put you on the fish. And if you wanna get wet.. I'm huge on spearfishing. Just sayin.

I'm so pumped on this trip it's unreal. I feel like a frikin kid. Haven't even been and I'm hooked. I've worked my ass off locally for the VERY small black tail. But, it's so worth it. I just love the country and solitude.

Right now I'm getting ready to buy my first kifaru pack. The hunter harness and the mountain warrior pack. Time to get some heavy load pack hikes in. And it's funny you said big bear. I was already thinking that. The local mtns here only hit 6200... nine months to get into beast mode...

Man, I could talk with you guys for hours. 99% of the people around me don't get it. It's great to be here around guys with so much experience... btw, how's the duck hunting there???

HalfAce · Jan 12, 2017

Haven't hunted the Salmon, but last I checked it was below objective on Bull elk. But you put in 3 weeks anywhere, and you should get a few solid chances at an animal, whether it be an elk, a mulie, maybe even a wolf.

Your from SD huh? I worked on the First String for 6 years. Worked with a guy that became a fireman in SD, his name's Matt Carlton. Maybe that rings a bell?

Anyway, ill just give you a warning, once you start hunting out of state, like ID, WY, CO or wherever with big deer and elk, your not gonna want to hunt those Cali fork bucks no more... and your going to HAVE to go every year!

Solo619 · Jan 12, 2017

Wow, small world.. I know Matt well. I worked as a medic with him. Haven't talked to him in some time though. And the first string. Do you know Matt Arcos, Jason Beckett or Stan sgambulleri?

I'm not workin fire anymore. Did 10+ years on the shot crews... time served. It's funny. I just turned 40 and have been looking for a motivational factor to stay in shape and kinda refocus on my roots. Ive found so many reasons not to do this before. My wife actually was the one who said make it happen. Go figure huh?! I'm glad, I take that back, ecstatic I'm takin the leap.

HalfAce · Jan 12, 2017

Wow, small world for sure. I haven't talked to Matt for long time, but he's a great dude. He lent me his monster of a Suburban when my car got stolen down there one year. He was like the JeBron James of Deck Bosses down there, at least in my eyes. Unfortunately I don't know any of the guys you mentioned, my last season down there was 2009, wanted to finish school and needed to get into a new line of work. You can only cut fish for so long...

This site is great, but guys don't share info as freely as they used to. The WWW has ruined more than one good hunting spot. You don't seem like the type that would ask for a handout for an Elk spot, but I'm partial to big Mule deer, and I saw a few good bulls last season (albeit not in the Salmon zone). So if you want a point in the right direction don't be afraid to send me a PM.

Lastly, if you don't find the motivation to stay in shape, those Idaho mountains will definitely motivate you after you look at them. Google Earth wont do them justice. Goodluck in what will be a new addiction!

Solo619 · Jan 13, 2017

Ya, let me be very clear. I am not looking for a handout. There isn't a damn thing I possess I haven't busted my ass for and this won't be any different. I'm speaking with a gentleman now who has given me an overwhelming amount of information. I feel like I need to drive up there now just to shake the mans hand.

I get the hush hush. Deer hunting here is brutal. I'm very reserved with who and what I share. Not out of greed but, I helped a guy out and he told several of his buddies which told several of their buddies etc.... the area is officially dead and I spent two hours picking up their trash. How do I know it was theirs? Because id never seen anyone in there in six years of hunting it. Or trash. I kindly drove to his house and proceeded to dump it across his front yard.

So I get it. I'm not looking for spots, just a little direction. And I am willing to share what I have if at all possible. I really appreciate everything I've gotten here. I hope to run into several of you guys this season. And if you score. Let me know. I'd be more than happy to drop what I'm doin to give you a hand.

And on that note if you know some general areas to look for mulies in the salmon, I've got my tag.. I've got some areas highlighted now but, nothing beats boots on the ground. Btw, I'm Ty. Thanks again.

idhikker · Jan 13, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jan-13-17 AT 01:56PM (MST)[p]Hey, I wanted to throw in something. I haven't hunted the Salmon zone, but I have a couple of friends that have. They heard bugling when the reason started October 15th or something like that. It wouldn't be a bad idea to have a bugle, learn to use it, and throw out some locator bugles or at least keep an eye out for them. Other than that, just glass and glass. That's what it's all about.

I've always found more elk in Central Idaho at 7000-8500 feet for whatever it's worth. I think it's related to pressure and the fact that they summer high usually and don't need to leave until the snow gets deep.

I've seen that in areas that have timber deer are a little sparser and you have to be really ready to shoot if you bump one because you're likely close to them. But, if you find a patch of good sagebrush habitat there are usually deer and deer sign all over it.

Make sure you call the Salmon office to pick the brains of the biologists. They can give good info. even though it's hit or miss.

You should probably get a meat processor or a meat locker lined up in Salmon. It sucks to be worried about the meat and if you shoot a deer or elk, you want to be right out afterwards looking for the next animal. The meat will taste better if you keep it closer to 32 degrees anyways and it can only stay in a cooler or hanging for so long.

Just a few things I thought about. I'm anxious to hear how you do. Good luck!

Solo619 · Jan 13, 2017

Again more great advice. I think I'm on to a lead as far as a processor goes. But, it was one of my main concerns. I'm going to keep researching. Lol the research I've been doin has been a blast. Meeting some great people and learning a ton....

So a question... what optics are you guys using? Specifically Bino's.. I'm looking at picking up a pair of vortex 10*42 hds.... any fans out there? My others are low quality and looking to up grade. Yes I've read all the gear forums, just looking for some fresh insight.

I'm also the proud owner of a kifaru duplex 24" w/ a mountain warrior pack... just ordered it last night so I should see it in about 2 weeks. My only comment so far on it is OUCH. I'm hoping it's as good as I've read.

Does anyone have any gear item you find essential or just damn handy? Curious to hear....

Well as always guys, thanks again for everything.

N_Corey · Jan 13, 2017

I know several people who use vortex optics and are happy with them. I'd suggest buying the best glass you can afford. In big mountain country you can cover ground much more efficiently by gaining elevation and glassiing then by just hiking.

Solo619 · Jan 13, 2017

I run vortex on all my rifles and AR's. Great glass. The wifey is gonna be real proud of me lol...

Weiserbucks · Jan 13, 2017

As far as a meat locker , Pete's custom meat in Salmon. During the season, he keeps a freezer truck outside the business for hunters to drop off game after hours . Great guy also.

dz · Jan 15, 2017

Solo, I might not be the right guy to talk to about glass, I use cheap stuff. In fact I left my cheapo Binos by a tree a few weeks ago. Sure glad I didn't have much money in them. Mostly I'm a meat hunter that likes horns, so with a grain of salt put your money in your boots and GPS. Get the Idaho chip as not all the animals are on top of the mountain. I have good eyes and willing legs. I like to hike the hard stuff in the dark and be where I think they will be at day light. Usually you can drive around that country and find some to watch from the valleys. But they can be as much as 5000 feet above you. I'm as cheap as they come when it comes to gear, but boots need to be good. If the feet can't go then you can't go. Also shoot as much as you can, and remember where you are going is likely to be straight up or straight down for the shot. Or across a canyon with lots of wind. Figure out what your outfit does for each scenario. Nothing worse than working your tail off and miss the shot. I am trying to talk my self into thinking I'm interested in coming down to do some fishing. Just the 24 hour drive isn't setting well.

DZ

Solo619 · Jan 24, 2017

I've got petes locked in. Thanks for the heads up on that.

DZ.. the pelagics should start moving around June with July being a better time as far as fish concentration. Keep those time frames in mind. I wouldn't consider anything sooner than July. If you decide to do it, try to make some time during the week. Weekends have all the Yahoos running over surfacing fish and just a down right lack of etiquette or brains. Not sure if you like to get wet but, spearfishing the paddies is a blast. If they don't come to us, we go to them lol...

FYI I'm awaiting the new vortex gen 2 pst.... 3-15x44 ffp.... and I should have my brand spankin new kifaru duplex w/ mtn warrior pack... again, the wifey is REEEAAAALLLLL proud of me

twsnow18 · Jan 25, 2017

I personally haven't heard many complaints about Kifaru packs besides the price. But you get what you pay for and I haven't tried a pack that hauls weight that well. I think there are definitely day and backpacking packs that are lighter and more versatile, but they don't haul meat as well as Kifaru's! So good choice there.

Get the absolute best glass and boots you can. I'm long overdue for some Crispis/Lowas/Kentreks myself. Vortex's are the best value.

Solo619 · Feb 27, 2017

Well good mornin guys. Rained out from work today, so I figured I'd try to catch up. Haven't been able to post, crazy busy with work and the fam. I previously posted on optics questions. I had great responses so thank you. I ended up with the night force SHV FFP on my tikka. That thing is incredible! Bright, clear edge to edge and very high quality. If anyone is in the market this thing tracks well, has an illuminated reticle and is incredibly stout.

For binos I picked up the vortex viper HD 10x42. Not $2000 glass but very impressed. To be honest I'm not sure a guy needs anything else... disclaimer.. IMO LOL... Also picked up the Sig Kilo 2000. This thing is hot! Incredibly fast tracking and HUGE range.. my testing is not complete but, wow. Great investment!! If any body is curious I'd be more than happy to answer any questions. I'm no expert but, I refuse to piss away hard earned cash.

I've also made several gear purchases. VIAM (6AM) Outdoors has been incredible. The owner Tristan has dialed me in on several custom projects at a smokin price with great craftsmanship. If your in the market for insulation or device carriers etc, look them up. Awesome guy.

Also been workin with Ed Vergin of Game Planner Maps. This guy has spent hours with me. Not only creating custom maps for my Salmon hunt but, walking me through a late season deer hunt in AZ this December. You guys, if you need custom physical maps, look him up. This guy will bend over backwards for you and give you all the time you need to custom tailor your purchase.

That leads me to this... I've been involved in several different industries. From the Fire Service, racing motocross, offshore fishing, local hunting, BMX racing, spear fishing and other general sports. And to this day I have not run into a better group of guys who are so willing to help, offer advice and just really are good men. So thank you to all of you who have been so helpful.

The journey to my dream hunt has been made incredible by all of you. I am really tired of the crap going on in our society. It is so damn refreshing to encounter a group of men who are genuine and selfless. This again, has been incredible!!

And for all you who have offered advice and your time, I'm not letting you down! I'm training my ass off and will be nothing less than beast mode physically, damn proficient with my rifle and there isn't a free moment I'm not reading, studying maps and just completely geeking out on anything Elk!!!

So thanks for dealin with my rant / update... just wanted to make sure people knew they weren't wasting there time offering me advice. This has been incredible and I genuinely appreciate all of your guys' time and experience.

Merica boys, Merica ??

Ps. Off shore fishing is around the corner here in so cal. I'd be more than happy to take care of anyone interested. Thanks again guys.