Best OTC tag for Idaho and a big thank you to Idaho DFG

[chasencrooks]

Looking for information on the best OTC tag areas for Idaho Elk. Looking for both archery and rifle, bull or cow. Would really like to take my son on his first elk hunt and found out a few days ago that Idaho had lowered the age limit. Of course he would be hunting with a rifle for his first time our and until he can pull more weight with a bow. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Might also put in for the second draw. If you have any suggestion for certain areas that would be great. Looks like this might become an annual hunt for me.

Would also like to thank Idaho DFG for taking care of the Disabled Vets. What they are doing for non-res Disabled Vets is incredible. I plan on supporting the State of Idaho any way I can and if that is an annual big game trip and waterfowl hunting there I’ll do it.

Thanks again to Idaho!

 

[MtnWest]

First off thank you for your service.

Not to sound like a cop out reply but my opinion is when it comes to the best OTC areas its the one you know. It may take a few years of learning but that is the great thing about it, you and your son can go every year.

Last year I met a nice older guy from another state in a unit many here in Idaho look down upon. He was scouting after the season and showed me pic after pic of big bucks he and his buddy's kill every year there. They know all about the unit and how to hunt it, better than myself or anyone I personally know and it's paying dividends. I gleaned as much info as I could and learned some good stuff from him.

In the area I bow hunt for elk it was slow going in the beginning, few opportunities but every year has been better to where we expect to get into them instead of hope. Sorry I can't say unit "x" is better than "y" but I really think its about effort and time put in with OTC.

What part of the state are you looking into for OTC? Second draw depends on which tags are not claimed. Some years great tags are available, other years not. Good luck and your son will love his time afield with dad.

 

[chasencrooks]

MtnWest

Thanks for the reply and no its not a cop out. I to think time in the field is the best. I'm just looking for a starting point. Southwest portion would be closest for me but I'm willing to travel further into the state if need be. I just don't know where to start. I really don't want to waste time in a area I just pick. Yet if it comes down to that oh well it is time spent learning the country and spending time with the family. Still trying to figure it out. Might just take a trip up there into some of the zone areas and look around.

 

[ric]

Morning! Have a look at my post, Idaho elk hunt. this may be something you might be interested in. I am looking for someone with a kid or older person to share time in elk camp with. OTC Idaho tag Dworshak " B " tag, still around 150 non res. tags left for this unit. Ric

 

[MtnWest]

For starters check out a topo map of some areas in mind. Certain places in Idaho set the standard for steepness. Steep can be good though because those that want it will have areas to themselves. I'd just hate for you to show up and get a stiff neck looking straight up. Most all of SW Idaho is in good shape, we've had some easy winters so the deer have been doing better.

Depending on what you are looking for, some areas are 2pt buck only and some of those hunts would be a blast for a young person. Also most areas are either sex if under 17. If you look at the stats, most units are within a few % points of each other so as long as they give tags you really can't go too wrong.

 

[Jelf]

You can use Gmap4 (I am the developer) to do some digital scouting from home. The following link shows a high resolution topo map for a random spot in Idaho. These nice topos cover the USA.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=43.703792,-113.879128&z=15&t=t4

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

 

[ERSS]

You can use Gmap4 (I am the developer) to do some digital scouting from home. The following link shows a high resolution topo map for a random spot in Idaho. These nice topos cover the USA.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=43.703792,-113.879128&z=15&t=t4

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

Thanks Joseph, that is a sweet link. Saved it as a favorite to my desktop at work..!

 

[double_a85]

You can use Gmap4 (I am the developer) to do some digital scouting from home. The following link shows a high resolution topo map for a random spot in Idaho. These nice topos cover the USA.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=43.703792,-113.879128&z=15&t=t4

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

What a great website! Just bookmarked it. Thank you!

 

[WV Hunter]

You can use Gmap4 (I am the developer) to do some digital scouting from home. The following link shows a high resolution topo map for a random spot in Idaho. These nice topos cover the USA.

http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=43.703792,-113.879128&z=15&t=t4

Gmap4 default map: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php

Gmap4 homepage: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.html

Joseph, the Gmap4 guy
Redmond, WA

If you haven't already you should start a new thread with all this info. That is an awesome system you've developed.

 

[Jelf]

If you haven't already you should start a new thread with all this info. That is an awesome system you've developed.

Thanks for the kind words. I'll start a thread this evening in the Fireside subforum

Joseph

 

[BrokeTrapDad]

Looking for information on the best OTC tag areas for Idaho Elk. Looking for both archery and rifle, bull or cow. Would really like to take my son on his first elk hunt and found out a few days ago that Idaho had lowered the age limit. Of course he would be hunting with a rifle for his first time our and until he can pull more weight with a bow. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Might also put in for the second draw. If you have any suggestion for certain areas that would be great. Looks like this might become an annual hunt for me.

Would also like to thank Idaho DFG for taking care of the Disabled Vets. What they are doing for non-res Disabled Vets is incredible. I plan on supporting the State of Idaho any way I can and if that is an annual big game trip and waterfowl hunting there I’ll do it.

Thanks again to Idaho!

Chasenrocks I just posted a similar thread my son and I are looking for the same thing OTC elk hunt where we can go.... I don't have a clue where to start looking....

 

[idahofishnhunt]

Pretty cool thing you've designed there...very useful! Thanks for sharing.

 

[BigRack]

Thanks for the kind words. I'll start a thread this evening in the Fireside subforum

Joseph

Great job Joseph.