Idaho elk 50-1

bigbkhntr · Aug 16, 2007

I drew an elk tag for oct.1--oct.31 in this unit. I am wondering what size bulls can be found there and possible drainages to search for them in.I drove down there last weekend to familiarize myself with the unit.(10 hrs. one way) Antelope valley looked like it could hold some potential, but I did'nt have time to check out any area other than that. Any info on this valley or any other locations would be appreciated. pm me if you like. Have the wolves moved into this area? If so have they affected the herd much yet? I have a unit wide topo map that shows lots of public land.Are horses the best way to get to the elk. Also I'm wondering , would the elk be close to the private land at that time?...Thanks ...ROGER...

RUTTROE · Aug 29, 2007

I know this area pretty well. Our hunting camp will be hunting for cows and muleys. The area has been hit hard with wolves has been the downfall for this area. I'll pm you. RR

Idahoron · Aug 30, 2007

I can't believe you put in for a hunt you know nothing about. Anyway antelope valley has some of the meanest ranchers that ever lived. Good luck talking to them. Ron

Pre64 · Sep 1, 2007

There are some very good bulls there but having no knowledge of the country will make it very tough. The country is very rugged and horses are certainly an asset. Finding good spots takes a lot of time, gas, hay, and knee cartilidge; so, you might find people reluctant to give up spots. I'd start with Fish and Game.

Califelkslayer · Sep 3, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Sep-04-07 AT 01:29AM (MST)[p]Ron, I regularly apply for units I've never been in. But I talk to people, F&G, get there early, scout/glass and ride my horses in promising areas. Never been in #29 till 04 but had a good hunt. Could have taken a bull every day but one of the 5 days I hunted, multiple opportunities most days. Just applied because the draw odds were good for a unit that had 50% success and 1/2 of the bulls taken were 6 points.

Buckhunter, I'd get there early, glass and talk to the archery hunters. Their season is over the day before yours starts. Keep your ears open too.

bigbkhntr · Sep 4, 2007

Thanks for the advise califelkslayer...I planned on being there for another scouting trip the middle of sept,and then at least two days before the opener.Thanks to ruttroe and steelheader for the pm.(sent you one back)..Thanks to idahoron and pre64 for the good info as well..Pre64 I've used up a good share of my knee cartlidge already.That why I asked for advise. Again I appreciate all the inside wisdom I can get.ROGER.

Pre64 · Sep 6, 2007

Good luck, I know guys who have applied for that unit for 20+ years and have yet to draw.

Idahoron · Sep 7, 2007

I was one of those guys. I decided to try other areas and have drawn 4 times since. At one time I could have shot a 350 bull on any given day. I had a good friend that let me park my trailer there for three months out of the year, and hook to power and water. I knew the cowboys and a few ranchers, and one rode my horse all summer and I used her in the fall. I hunted there a lot for archery and deer. Took a few guys in and helped them get bulls and a lot of cows. I haven't hunted there a couple of years. Ron

Pre64 · Sep 7, 2007

I haven't hunted 50 for several years. The wolves have really been hard on the elk herds. Maybe I'll put in for a cow tag over there next year.

antler_man · Jan 31, 2008

my 2 brothers and i drew the same tag and all fillled our tags. both or them killed nice bulls. colton's was 332 and chance's was around the 320's. it was a great year. i also know other people who tagged out too.