Idaho Moose???

Califelkslayer · Mar 15, 2009

I usually apply for deer and elk but was leaning towards moose this year. Anyone out there burned your once in a life time hunt and willing to give me some direction???

madmoose · Mar 18, 2009

where are you looking? and whats your expectations?

Califelkslayer · Mar 20, 2009

Just a "Representative of the Species"

Always wanted to say that but really I'm lookin more for quality draw odds and quantity of moose than quality of bull.

I have horses so I can get one out but not really lookin to make this a wilderness hunt. Seems Idaho's wildernesses are getting pounded the most by wolves anyways.

Saw a great bull in 04 in Unit 29 and success there if excellent but lookin for better draw odds.

madmoose · Mar 20, 2009

better odds up north, plus more of a moose population. no reason for horses, but could be used. 1-1 and 1-3 and 2. 1-2 and 1-4 i would say had quite a bit of mortality last winter with this winter not helping the cause either. i'll p.m. ya on 29

Blank · Mar 20, 2009

Where have you been hunting deer and elk? I'd stick with an area you know well, if there are moose there, and apply. I'm predjudiced towards SE Idaho, but we have shot so many that average size is down considerably. Starting to cut the numbers back some, and hopefully it will help bring the big ones back in a few years.

With only one NR tag available per unit, you're still facing some pretty steep odds. I would buy a license and appy in a good deer/elk area and hope for the best. If you didn't draw, just get an OTC tag and hunt the others.

940jones · Mar 20, 2009

I would shy away from unit 29 for moose. there used to be some great bulls in the unit, but with the high wolf population, the moose numbers have dwindled. There are still a few on private property. I would head for island park or chamberlain basin in the wilderness area.

Califelkslayer · Mar 20, 2009

Thanks for all the replies.

Blank, not sure I even want to apply for deer or elk in Id this year. Got Wy deer, lots of elk irons in the fire plus a backup OTC Co archery elk if nothing else plays out so I've decided Idaho is moose or bust this year. I like the long seasons too so i can adjust around other hunts.

Guess the real reason is my bride of 3 days wants to hunt Bullwinkle!! Building points for her in Utah and Wy but with Idaho's system, she might be able to hunt moose this year. I'll probably apply us in different units, hers with the best draw odds, mine with a lil better quality.

trlrtrsh · Mar 23, 2009

CES...I would probably set my sites on a river bottom tag somewhere between Island Park and Idaho Falls for your wife. Lots of good moose around. Try area 60/61. For you it might be profitable to set your sites on like 66 or 69, but 60/61 second chance. Either or, has produced good bulls, and for a once in a liftime Idaho moose, you dont have to pull the trigger either. Fun experience for you and your wife whatever the outcome.