Idaho hot spots for elk

[Bill Christy]

I see. So why would I teach my son about this if he can just ask the fish and game where the animals are?!

Idaho F&G have introduce legislation against having to answer all these questions giving hunters an unfair advantage. I'm sure that other states will follow suit. It's time to become an educated hunter.

 

[BackofBeyond]

Bot.

 

[brymoore]

Idaho F&G have introduce legislation against having to answer all these questions giving hunters an unfair advantage. I'm sure that other states will follow suit. It's time to become an educated hunter.

The legislation was introduced by Rep James Petzke. IDFG did not introduce the legislation.

The issue was sheep hunters were getting collar data of the sheep herds to determine patterns and areas to search. Fair chase at its worse.

 

[BAKPAKR]

The legislation was introduced by Rep James Petzke. IDFG did not introduce the legislation.

The issue was sheep hunters were getting collar data of the sheep herds to determine patterns and areas to search. Fair chase at its worse.

Hmm, maybe I should make a public record request for the names of all individuals, businesses, or other entities who have made a request for collar data.

 

[TheTone]

The legislation was introduced by Rep James Petzke. IDFG did not introduce the legislation.

The issue was sheep hunters were getting collar data of the sheep herds to determine patterns and areas to search. Fair chase at its worse.

I thought sheep hunters were our supreme conservationists?

 

[BAKPAKR]

I thought sheep hunters were our supreme conservationists?

And, gunfighters.

 

[BackofBeyond]

And, gunfighters.

Gunfighters first, conservationists second.

 

[Gr8bawana]

If you were teaching your son all about how to read a local area, signs, rutting patterns, where big game go after a earth tremor, why local big game go and do what they go and do, you would be developing a future hunter. Think about it! I'm sure you know things they don't teach in videos and publications.

 

[perma]

Must admit I don't know that one.

They go into the underground caves where the water is! Is this your first day!?

 

[Red Fox]

With all this new info it looks like I need to change plans

 

[Cowboydowling]

I thought this might be a ChatGPT response but I was wrong.

Here is ChatGPT's response to "Idaho hot spots for elk".

Idaho is well-known for its abundant elk population, making it a popular destination for elk hunting. Elk can be found throughout the state, but some areas are considered hot spots due to higher elk concentrations and successful hunting opportunities. Keep in mind that the availability of elk can vary based on factors like weather, migration patterns, and hunting pressure. Here are some notable areas in Idaho for elk hunting:

1. Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness: This is a vast and rugged wilderness area in north-central Idaho, known for its pristine landscapes and abundant elk population. Access can be challenging, but it offers a true backcountry hunting experience.
2. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness: Another expansive wilderness area, this region provides opportunities for both archery and rifle elk hunting. It's one of the largest wilderness areas in the contiguous United States and offers a remote and challenging hunting experience.
3. Clearwater National Forest: Located in north-central Idaho, the Clearwater National Forest is known for its diverse terrain and good elk numbers. The forest provides a mix of timbered areas and open meadows, providing various hunting opportunities.
4. Middle Fork Zone: This area, located near the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, is known for its healthy elk population. It offers a combination of wilderness and road-accessible hunting areas.
5. Sawtooth Zone: The Sawtooth Zone in central Idaho is characterized by rugged mountains and high plateaus. This area provides a mix of forested and open habitats, making it suitable for elk hunting.
6. Panhandle Region: The northernmost part of Idaho, including areas like the St. Joe National Forest and Kaniksu National Forest, provides good elk hunting opportunities. Terrain can range from dense forests to more open areas.

Before planning any hunting trip, it's essential to check current regulations, licensing requirements, and season dates with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Additionally, consider reaching out to local wildlife offices or experienced hunters for the latest information on elk movements and the best hunting spots.

Anyone have any advice for hunting unit 4 in Coeur d' Alene national forest?

 

[Joeyk]

What in the world.

We need a paywall. Just like $3 a year or something like that.

I would agree!

 

[BackofBeyond]

Anyone have any advice for hunting unit 4 in Coeur d' Alene national forest?

Bring rain gear and something with iron sights.

 

[Joeyk]

Anyone have any advice for hunting unit 4 in Coeur d' Alene national forest?

Idaho contains a hot spot for elk hunters, ... and there is a reason for this. The geological and hydrological make up of units 66, 66A and 76 draw elk like a magnet. When Palisades Reservoir is full, the underground water feeds several natural spring hotspots throughout the mountain ranges in southern unit 66, throughout unit 66A, and northern unit 76. The underground water flow continues out to unit 69 surfacing as natural springs along the way. Elk, especially bull elk, love these spots because they are hidden back away from the public. We can look at examples like unit 66: map grids 10,11,14 and 15; Unit 66A: from road 087 down to the Monte Cristo Mind; unit 66A: map grids 31,6,5, 23, 25,26 and 36; Unit 66: Poker Peak area; unit 76: Diamond Flat. When these series of natural springs are flowing, they are a gold mine for pressured elk.

I’ll be hunting the panhandle with my dad who is getting old, does anyone know of resources for me access that can point us in the right direction to locate some elk near bonners ferry?

 

[44hunter45]

I’ll be hunting the panhandle with my dad who is getting old, does anyone know of resources for me access that can point us in the right direction to locate some elk near bonners ferry?

Hunters are famously tight lipped about their spots. I find that hikers and backpackers love to talk about the animals they have seen on the trail.
Check out hiking trip reports on sites like ITA Trail Reporter and others. The Panhandle Zone is huge. Unless you are dead set on hunting near Bonner, be willing to follow the leads.

Facebook has a couple of active North Idaho hunting groups that will usually get you grip and grins and sometimes even unit numbers.

 

[Westelker]

Unless you're hunting the late cow tag in these units, there is no need to get permission from landowners, the majority of all of these units are public land.

This may be a little late, but 83 where I'm referring to is all private with signs everywhere. My plumber named "Driggs" and my dentist have no problem hunting, but I was told, "Better get written permission." There's no huntable public low land for late cow tag around Driggs , Idaho.

 

[Lilhowie83]

This may be a little late, but 83 where I'm referring to is all private with signs everywhere. My plumber named "Driggs" and my dentist have no problem hunting, but I was told, "Better get written permission." There's no huntable public low land for late cow tag around Driggs , Idaho.

I don't even know where you're talking about because Idaho doesn't even have a unit 83. If you're talking about unit 63, it isn't even close to Driggs, it's in the desert west of Idaho Falls. If your talking right in Driggs, maybe unit 65? And that is still a long ways from where I was talking about, because the original poster on this thread was talking specifically units 66, 66a and 69.

 

[Westelker]

I don't even know where you're talking about because Idaho doesn't even have a unit 83. If you're talking about unit 63, it isn't even close to Driggs, it's in the desert west of Idaho Falls. If your talking right in Driggs, maybe unit 65? And that is still a long ways from where I was talking about, because the original poster on this thread was talking specifically units 66, 66a and 69.

My mistake! I was referring in unit 62 near Driggs.

 

[morley.tyler]

I’ll be hunting the panhandle with my dad who is getting old, does anyone know of resources for me access that can point us in the right direction to locate some elk near bonners ferry?

The good news is that most folks up there are mellow and don't care too much about trespassers...

Get good mapping software (OnX or GoHunt) and DO NOT cross where you shouldn't, that's my best North Idaho tip.

Also- Look up Snow Creek, Myrtle Creek, and Dodge Creek.

 

[44hunter45]

The good news is that most folks up there are mellow and don't care too much about trespassers...

Get good mapping software (OnX or GoHunt) and DO NOT cross where you shouldn't, that's my best North Idaho tip.

Also- Look up Snow Creek, Myrtle Creek, and Dodge Creek.

If you see a pot plot or still up Rapid Lightning, you might want to back out quietly.