Idaho Unit 17

[MaineHunter]

I have been following this forum all summer and have learned lots. A group of six Mainers will be heading to Unit 17 this October on a self guided hunt. I have seen several post on this area but very little feedback on peoples questions. I guess my first question is did we pick the wrong area? I have done lots of research and still have a ton of unknowns. If someone could respond I will ask some of the things I dont know being from the East. Thanks for all the things you guys share.

 

[idhunters]

I haven't hunted unit 17 but have been backpacked in there and looked around.

Its steep, its thick and there aren't many roads. When I went in there were tons of elk, but there are now wolves in the area.

I would be prepared for some tough hiking and lots of glassing. If your there the first week of October the rut should still be going and the elk will be vocal.

Are you hiking in or do you have a packer? I would hire someone to get me in/game out.

Hope someone else with more direct info sees this and helps.

Good luck to ya!

By the way what made you pick that unit?

 

[MaineHunter]

This hunt was planned by a guy that has been to Unit 17 before. I was asked to go by a friend who knows this guy,I dont know him. I have asked him many qestions but dont want to be a pest so I have researched all summer.

We will be camping at the truck and hiking in to hunt, not sure if I will set up a spike camp. I have heard its tough country and am prepared for the challenge,(i hope). The idea of hiring someone to get the game out sounds like the way to go but I have heard Guides in the area will not help self guided hunters. I guess I should look into this.

Question: Should I purchase a spotting scope or depend on Binoculars.

Thank you for the reply idhunters.

 

[idhunters]

I meant to say I have backpacked into that area, not "been backpacked".

Hate to say it but a spotting scope would really help.

Its quite an investment for one hunt. Try looking on Ebay for a used one and maybe try to resell it after the hunt.

You can save alot of hiking by using good glass to locate animals.

I'm sure you could call the Idaho outfitters association and find a packer in the area to get an animal out.

Lance

 

[kicker]

Depends on the area you are hunting. Pretty thick stuff. Used to be alot of elk and my hunting party and i took 52 bulls out of 17 in a 9 year stretch. That has been awhile now and i hear the herds are really coming back.

If you give me a little more info on your area i will be happy to give you some tips on everything i know.

Kicker

 

[MaineHunter]

Kicker, We will be coming in on a road through Magruder crossing heading towards Paradise. Our plan is to camp on that road around Sheep creek. Thanks.