I have hiked the Eagle Cap wilderness a bunch. I hunted it 2 years ago for deer - rifle that is. Like already mentioned, you have up and you have down in the Minam - not much flat country at all - really great country though. And like mentioned, you need to be back in maybe 9+ miles to get into the best part of the unit. If you have maybe 3-4 guys and you agree to only maybe kill one bull or a couple deer you can do it yourself, otherwise there is no way you can DIY backpack in and out with all your stuff and game, its just too far and steep. And even in early September, be prepared for all kinds of weather- from 80 degrees to a snowstorm, rent a sat phone, have the best gear and get in better shape than you think you need to be in - its that big on there. Or, find a good packer and call them on your sat phone if you get an animal down. As far as game, yes there are some pretty nice bulls and some pretty decent bucks in there, but you better be prepared to glass for them, for the elk its almost easier to find them than the big bucks - but there really isn't anything easy in the Eagle Caps. Great hunt though if you make it.