Elk Unit 63?

[groc426]

Unit 63 for elk opens up this week. I've decided on hunting this unit because I have an antelope tag in Nov in this unit and I will be gone for a large portion of October when most other units open up. I've been throughout the desert south of Hwy 33 a handful of times and haven't bumped any elk, nor seen any fresh sign.

Anyone have any experience with this unit? I'm completely lost and wondering if I'm in the wrong areas? This is my first time elk hunting and I don't know anyone who has hunted in these deserts.

 

[dreaminbouthuntin]

Hay fields.. and more hay fields.. those elk wont move around till later in the year. unless hunters push them.

 

[groc426]

I've been trying to concentrate my efforts around the hay and barley fields. I usually start around 5 a.m. and drive around all day, but I haven't seen anything yet. Do they move back onto INL land every day? I'm also trying to find out their water source routes. Really there appears to only be Mud Lake/Camas and the Snake river. I don't believe they're crossing the interstate much, so that would leave only Mud Lake. Could they be getting their water elsewhere? Thanks for the help!

 

[7mmgilbert]

hayfields!! and yes lots of them move onto the INL everyday, do not over look the fields west of Mud Lake they are occasionally seen near the Hwy 28 and 22 crossroads, need the INL hunting pass to get off the fields and 1/2 mile onto INL in that area but might be worth the effort. I have bumped bulls several times when muzzy hunting antelope in August in that area, and they drink out of pivot tire tracks in the hayfields, this time of year they have lots of choices for water

 

[groc426]

7mm thank you for the tips! Really appreciated! I did get the INL permit, so I'll check out the west fields. I did actually see a dead cow elk on the side of Hwy 22 this past weekend. Are they coming off the Lemhi Range?

I have just a few more questions, if I haven't already used up all my cards. Is it better to drive around and try to bump them or is it worth it to bush-wack through the sage brush on foot? Is it better to concentrate my effort on the north or south side of Hwy 28? Any idea if mornings or evenings are better?

Sorry for all the questions. I've studied and scouted the area, but feel like I come back knowing less. This is my first year hunting elk and hopefully my first year shooting a big game animal. Thank you for your help! I will probably head out tomorrow after work for one more look around before Thursday.

 

[7mmgilbert]

sent a pm

 

[ShedorDead33]

That dead cow you seen along 22 was a 5 point bull I cut the horns off of. There is quite a few that come into those Ag fields at night time but make sure everything is legal cause fish cops watch that area a lot as well.

 

[ShedorDead33]

>That dead cow you seen along
>22 was a 5 point
>bull I cut the horns
>off of. There is quite
>a few that come into
>those Ag fields at night
>time but make sure everything
>is legal cause fish cops
>watch that area a lot
>as well.
There's nice bulls out there if you can get them off the refuge