8,8a,11a elk

[IDbones]

going to be hunting local this year, just wondering if anyone has any current info on the elk herds

 

[twsnow18]

unfortunately i don't, sorry. but you might read the thread
"elk hunting in 37 and 37A" entirely before you get reamed...

 

[idelkslayer]

Archery season or October Rifle?

 

[IDbones]

im hunting archery, i live in lewiston and ive been out scouting, i also drew a unit 11 waha mule deer tag too that ive been scouting for, im just hoping to compare notes with some folks that are working the same area. I have a honey hole up in little canyon that i saw some nice bulls in last year but i had the waha muzzloader tag so i literally had to watch them walk by at 40 yards and bugle in my face. and i did read that post and i dont care, those guys spend too much time on here rednecking people looking for info. Its a forum, where people come to talk about stuff like scouting and hunting etc.

 

[idelkslayer]

There are plenty of elk. Wolves haven't taken over yet but in 8A they are moving in from the north and northeast. A few small groups do roam around in 8 and 8A. Every year I see tracks but I always seem to miss them and not hear or see any wolves.

The elk are out there, just hard to find in the thick forests. In september while I scout for rifle season and hunt grouse I always hear bugles and cow talk. My advice, find a closed forest service road or old logging road and walk in a few miles, then find some ridges that you can sit on and glass several clearcuts from the same place in the mornings and evenings.

Ilove the waha area, although I have never drawn the tag I go in there a few times a year and hunt grouse and camp. I always see plenty of deer and I have seen some big bucks in there.

 

[IDbones]

thats great info thank you, we were up north of deary today on at the top of a mountain and could see a huge stretch of land with trees so thick you couldnt see the ground in a single spot. it was a beautiful spot but i could imagine it being tough to locate a roaming herd. much less intercept them. i always end up seeing a few out of viola where we deer hunt in october, i know there in there somewhere. thanks for the info and great luck to you. ill update on how the season goes

 

[fly4fish]

I have deer hunted a little bit in little canyon, but have not seen much for elk in there. I guess I will have to look a little harder.

I think the elk are a little more wide spread across the river in unit 8 and 8a where there is a lot more public/clearwater paper property. There are big bulls shot up there every year, but it helps to know the area.

At least 95% of 11a is private, but that can be good if you are willing to put forth the effort to get permission in there. I have found the farmers to be put off a little by deer hunters as it gets crazy with people who think they can go wherever they want. Elk might be different though as they are a little more destructive. Also, if you are not in a farm field, then that country is very steep and cliffy; some of it quite treacherous that is to dangerous for people, so don't get yourself somewhere you don't want to be.

 

[IDbones]

i already have access through a farmer, and yes poachers are abound up there, the elk are nearly invisible as they walk in the very bottom of the canyon. we have horn hunted very har$d where i have access, often times going from top to bottom a few times in a day. last year i went out there opening day of deer season and 4 trucks with farmboys were parked next to my access and i heard a shot on the canyon edge. i took pictures of there liscense plates but never pursued it although i should have. you could tell when i pulled up that something shady was going on. the main thing that bothers me about being in the bottom of the canyon are the black bears, its such a confined place and the walls so steep that theres no escape, there would be a showdown for sure if you startled one. i just make sure i always have my pistol handy when dropping in there. ive had a little $hithead bear messing with my trail cam every time i reset it. the property i have permission on has a couple of absolute giant whitetail, 160ish in july, i cant imagine what theyre lookin like right now.