Idaho Elk, What's a trophy?

[PLS_PublicLandSportsmen]

Hunting over the counter general season archery elk is getting harder and harder here in Idaho. The ease of the over the counter tag with no points needed brings everyone and their dog to Idaho. We have killed many "trophies" through the years but what is a true trophy? To some success period is the trophy, to others its how the elk scores. No matter what your idea of a trophy is, never give up on that pursuit!! Once the fire inside dies, so does the hunter.
After hunting other states and comparing it to Idaho, we've decided that a good trophy bull elk here is that 310"-330" range. This is public land general season hunt. Agree or Disagree?? We're hoping to put a tag on a couple bulls this year reaching that "trophy" mark. The link is some bulls from last year, let us know what you think, any trophies?? We're headed out this weekend to check cameras and do some scouting. Fingers Crossed!!!

@public_land_sportsmen

 

[ebeebe]

I think anything over 300" is a trophy elk in Idaho.

 

[BrowningRage]

Um, that 360" bull with the Devil Tines you posted a picture of in your HAC is a trophy anywhere in my book.

In Idaho, 320" is good bull. Have watched a ton of hunts in Idaho, and 320" looks pretty good. At least, I wouldn't pass one that size. One video was a Supertag hunting in December and they killed a 330" type bull and were stoked to have gotten him.

"Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion!" 2 Ne. 28: 24

 

[ID_MW]

Any 6 in ID is a great success. Management is for numbers, not skewed for upper age class bulls to develop in most units. Better think of letting the arrow fly or puling the trigger if you have a 6 in range. There are always a few truly exceptional bulls that are taken in Idaho every year, and some guys have great hunting spots that hold numerous mature bulls; but they probably keep that close to the vest. I think all but the most hard-core elk hunters would be just tickled if they could knock down a six in the gem state.

 

[Blank]

There are very good bulls to be had in most Idaho units, but you really have to be able to hold off or work your tail off for them. As a family, we usually are looking for cows and spikes to eat during the archery season. All my friends that I take on OTC rifle hunts want bulls, but the general hunt is tough to hold off on average bulls. They are usually 5 pts or small 6 pts like below. These get taken on the first two days of the hunt

The best we have taken on an OTC hunt was this 373 gross, 356" net 7 pt. The hunter got a 5x5, 5x6, 6x6, and this one in consecutive years. He finally quit due to age, knees, and the fact I couldn't find him an 8x8!

If you can draw a controlled hunt in October or November, the bigger ones start showing up and its nice to see 350" and up bulls.

 

[fullthrottle]

For an over the counter archery elk hunt in Idaho anything over 300 is a dandy bull.

 

[YZF_88]

Good question. For OTC bow 300 is the mark I use. So far I came close twice. I use that number because a bull that big has eluded A LOT of hunters in the unit I hunt.

With that said though, I drew an early controlled rifle hunt for the same unit this year and will work hard looking for something 320+.That would be a dream come true for me and I will take the entire 1st 2 weeks off work in October to make it happen. Haven't gun hunted for a long time!

 

[ForkWest]

I'd agree with your assessment PLS. Any 6'er would make me happy. 310-330 is top notch, in the areas I've hunted.

 

[elknut1]

http://www.elknut.com
Vortex Optics Dealer



Well, good luck with that benchmark! You must have a much better area than we hunt for sure, I'd honestly put 275" plus as a very good archery bull here. A true 300" bull with archery is very tough to come by, oh ya they are around but finding that rare one is tough to do much less two. I'd lower my standards a bit if you like elk meat! (grin)

ElkNut1

 

[PLS_PublicLandSportsmen]

Sweet pictures!! That hunter is extremely lucky!! What an amazing bull

 

[PLS_PublicLandSportsmen]

Here's some bulls from our trail cameras we just checked this weekend. Looking very promising for us!! Can't wait till September, hoping to notch a couple tags on some of these bulls. Never give up on your goals! Hard work and dedication is the key. This area has always been a great spot for us but we have never figured out where the bulls like to hang out, until now!! With tree stands up and the season approaching, we couldn't be more excited about what's to come for us!!

@public_land_sportsmen

PLS

 

[Blank]

Crop your pictures to remove the leaning tree. I know exactly where you are!

Nah, just kidding. Great cam pics, and I would be there opening day too. Good luck on the hunt, it could be great.

 

[smokepoler63]

Great trail cam photos PLS! You have the same plan we do. We're getting lots of great public land, OTC bulls on our cameras. We have the tree stands in place and are counting down the days until the opener! Good luck!

 

[juice]

I've been wondering about quality as well. I drew a Unit 40 late tag but interestingly you can't find much about numbers. This unit has been talked about for a decade but you never see much proof. Any body have any history out there?