Unit 51 bulls

My son has this tag. We've had the luck to hunt it 4 times in the past with various tag holders with success. We're going over this weekend for 3 days, and then he'll go back for most of Thanksgiving after that if needed.

We know the unit and he is in phenomenal shape, can shoot, etc., and is willing to hold off for a decent 6x6 this time. Historically less picky, but have had some luck in recent years and the freezer ain't empty. Spike will die on last day or two though.

So, this isn't the usual post about how to hunt an unknown unit, but if any late buck hunters are seeing any larger than ave bulls, or if anyone has hunted it and has a report about the amount of pressure and if the bulls have pushed back up high due to lack of snow, that would a help to get us started on a short trip.

Please, no public detailed posts on a specific bull/spot as we'd rather find one all on our own than be bumping into others due to post.

We love 51. Looking forward to glassing up some elk and helping him pack one out. Weather seems warmer than most trips, but still cool overnight. The fun is watching him run up and down those ridges, while I glass from beside the truck with my coffee and donut(s).

As you know 51 can be a great hunt. I don't have any relevant info but looking forward to hearing about your adventure and hopefully some success pics!! Good luck

Will do....

My Dad has the late season muzzy deer tag. We?re headed up this Friday night for a week. I'll reach out if we see anything.

Also, my Dad has a disability. He works hard to get where he needs to but it can be tough. If anyone has any ideas that might help please let me know. He is not holding out for a monster, any 3-4 point would make him a happy man.

I haven't been up there in a long time. I know you will do awesome.

Solohunter and BPKhunter PM sent

Solohunter, PM sent.

We will be up this weekend, and if need be, the week of Thanksgiving.

We will be camped in this:


http://www.monstermuleys.info/photos/user_photos_2018/69419img0141.jpg

And driving around and glassing from this:

BPK how did the hunt go?

I would be way high for elk.

Sorry for the slow response, but between Elk, Whitetails, work, home, and now holidays....

The hunt was very dry and somewhat warmer that usual. This did have the elk acting a little different. Usually see them in small groups, usually 5-25, with the occasional bigger group. We were finding bulls in singles, and not a lot of elk, except when we found them the groups were large.

We did find more high, but some right on the valley floor.

Son did get on one very large bull, for the area, twice. Once up close, and the bull zigged when he zagged, but he didn't take a bad shot and either wound or blow him out. Went back this past weekend and found him again, but half of one main beam was broke off. Unusual huh! I only saw one other 6x, and he too was broke off. Smaller bulls were not.

So he ended up tagging out on a small six. This unit gives up six points very rarely for us, so he is happy with his result.


Want to give a shout out to the MM members that we talked to and PM'd. In particular I want to say that I had the pleasure to visit with SoloHunter from here. He, along with his Dad, Uncle, and two very handsome young boys were very very nice. Dad had a buck tag, and despite a very significant disability to one leg, was climbing straight up and chasing a good buck. Seemed like very hard hunters. We have a lot of negative interactions on cyber-space, but every MM'er I've met in person has been great!

PS To anyone skulking the internet for area info that reads this, understand that this unit is a tough hunt. Elk can be found if you know where to look, but the unit is very steep(most stalks are 1800'-2500'+), the herds are hard to get close to with many eyes, and the weather can be absolutely brutal. Our luck is balanced with knowing this unit well and being in Amazing shape(my son and friend). It is an opportunity hunt, as are many in Idaho.

Thanks BPKHunter. It was great meeting you as well. Thanks for your help locating some bucks. We were very grateful. My Dad is running back up for a few more days this weekend. I'll make a post hunt post whether he gets one or not.

Oh and that's a great bull. It's not always about the size sometimes it's about the hunt. I know first hand how hard he was working. He should be proud and remember that hunt forever.

Way to go!! Thanks for the update.