Idaho or Utah...

BrookViewHunter · Mar 26, 2019

So glad that I found this forum, it's been very informative! The powers that be have granted my buddy and I some release time to hunt Elk out west. The big question I have for anyone with personal knowledge of the two states and areas we've researched is: Which would you choose? (considering we can only hunt a specific time based on our work schedules)

State: Utah Idaho
Unit/Area: Wasatch/Uintas Elk City
Tag: General Rifle OTC (quota) Rifle
Arrive: 4th day after opening day Day before opening day
Cost: Similar
Elk Period: Rut ending/Post Rut starting

*Colorado dates don't match up for us

We have researched this and now seem to keep finding the same info over and over so we're looking for some more personal insight/experience with either of these states/areas. I'd personally be going with Idaho, (whole day or scouting) but who knows what I haven't seen/read or thought about yet--I like to be very informed before making a decision about a hunt like this. (who wouldn't!?) If you prefer to PM me please do. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies!!!!

arns · Mar 26, 2019

I live at the base of the Uinta?s and the general elk hunt is the biggest $hit show you will ever see. I have never hunted Idaho but I can guarantee it will be better than Utah?s general elk hunt.And I'm not saying that just to keep you away because I quit hunting it about 10 years ago.There is no place to camp there are people on every ridge.People fighting over who shot the elk,because when one steps out there will be 10 guys shooting.

desertpointbrian · Mar 26, 2019

It's not even close. Idaho offers a much better general season/OTC Elk hunt. Utah is one of the least friendly states when it comes to general season. If you draw a limited entry tag one year that's a different story.

Cactusbuck · Mar 26, 2019

Last year I hunted Idaho OTC elk for the first time. Opening day was on a Monday and very few hunters were in the woods. It stayed that way through Friday.

We hunted five days and had two elk encounters. We got one five point bull. We heard him bugle and stalked him.

If you choose Idaho bring a shotgun. We saw lots of upland birds and could have shot a bunch.

txhunter58 · Mar 26, 2019

I don't think they are even remotely comparable. Idaho is the way to go. Montana would be comparable but I think you are too late for that because it is a draw, that said is is virtually 100% draw with some years having leftovers.

txhunter58

venor, ergo sum (I hunt, therefore I am)

BrookViewHunter · Mar 27, 2019

Thanks for all of the quick replies! I'll forward on the info to my buddy and we'll make a decision. 2 other questions I would have is:

1:Out of the 3 zones listed below, what would you choose (or how would you rank them) based on experience or what you've heard from someone who's been there?

2: Which unit# or area of that zone would be your "go to" to have an open area away from the crowds. (or where would you definitely AVOID)

Elk City
Dworshak
Lolo

I would be leaning towards Elk city (14) after what I have found online and looking over harvest statistics for the last 3 years. However, as I stated before, I (we) want to make the most informed decision possible so anything that you have is greatly appreciated!! Thanks again!

mickeyelk · Mar 27, 2019

I have hunted 10 before and I believe if you do some more reaearch on that unit you'll find out the wolves have taken it share. Very thick forest and wet. We saw one cow elk when we hunted it and that was driving into the unit at the very northwest corner. Best of luck.

heartshot · Mar 27, 2019

Limited Entry = UTAH

General Season = IDAHO all day long.

Idaho75 · Mar 27, 2019

Best go with Dworshack, but there are quotas on the tags for all those units so be quick on it! If those tags are gone, look into the Palouse just west of the Dworshack zone, or the panhandle just north of the Dworshack. Also, last year Idaho ran out of nonresident tags (15,000) before the general season opened, so pay attention to that. Another FYI...you can still put in for the draws for Idaho (May), and pick up a general tag if unsuccessful.

elkboy32 · Mar 27, 2019

The wolf situation in northern Idaho is pretty dire. The just shot a pack of 7 wolves out of the Lolo for population control. The elk numbers have gone from an estimated 10,120 in 1992 to around 1,893. Idaho may have more hunting opportunities and less competition, but your forgetting about the wrong animals you will be competing with.

I would choose Colorado over Idaho anyday. I would buy points this year in multiple states and really look at hunting elk in 2020. I think your just making a nice donation to the IDFG in my opinion.

Deerlove · Mar 27, 2019

Or go to Utah and shoot a spike.

Cactusbuck · Mar 27, 2019

We hunted in southern Idaho last year on our trip.

hawkbill · Mar 28, 2019

You might check out Colorado , but do it soon

heartshot · Mar 28, 2019

>Or go to Utah and shoot
>a spike.

While you drool over the big ones you can't shoot.

BrookViewHunter · Mar 28, 2019

LAST EDITED ON Mar-28-19 AT 05:38PM (MST)[p]Thanks again guys! I? appreciate all of the info. I spoke with a F&G officer in Clearwater region and he mentioned that since time frame is what it is and killing a huge bull is not the top priority that we should look into a cow or spike hunt. I found the Weiser River b-tag is available?has anyone had experience or heard good things about that zone? Starts around Oct 10th right after youth hunt ends. (If dates are similar to last years)