Idaho Elk for Newbie?

jakeaba · Nov 18, 2023

Hey all, I hate to be that guy, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what to look for on the upcoming Idaho elk tag sale.

I’m trying to teach myself to hunt and have blown a bunch of money on tags and had 0 luck. I don’t mind striking out because of a skill issue, but not being able to even glass anything has been demoralizing.

I don’t anyone to think I’m asking for specifics, just trying to look for zones that have a decent shot at seeing some animals and learning what they like.

I use gohunt for research and can usually get an idea of what units are good based on draw odds, but with the random place in line Idaho uses, I am trying to make some lists so if anything is left I can jump on a tag that would be good for a beginner.

I have only harvested a couple white tails with my bow while stationed down in Louisiana last year and now stationed in oregon. I will be hunting with a rifle until I can learn how to find western species.

These forums have been a incredible resource for me as I try and teach myself this lifestyle. I am in my mid 30s and way behind where I imagine my peers of similar age are!

Thank you all for assistance

JPickett · Nov 18, 2023

Honestly, if you’re already a bow hunter just stick with archery. Tons of units to pick from, better season and you’ll have a way better chance at getting into elk

jakeaba · Nov 19, 2023

JPickett said:
Honestly, if you’re already a bow hunter just stick with archery. Tons of units to pick from, better season and you’ll have a way better chance at getting into elk

Thanks for the reply! You’d stick with the bow even if I can’t even put eyes on any species, let alone make a stalk? I use a one stick method of climbing trees and hunting fresh sign as I walk around. I have 0 idea how to put a stalk on but could I use this whitetail method for deer / elk in timber? Thanks!

JPickett · Nov 19, 2023

Get some mouth reeds and start learning how to use them. Yes, I believe you will see more animals archery hunting. Will you kill more? That’s up to how fast a learner you are

khunter · Nov 21, 2023

elk bugle and make lots of racket in sept bow season. If lucky to get a decent tag you can count on hearing them from a distance and move in long before you ever see them. Yeah, if competent with a bow, go for it.

If jonesing to start at least seeing more elk while you learn, archery could be a good season choice.

FixedBlade · Nov 21, 2023

JPickett said:
Get some mouth reeds and start learning how to use them. Yes, I believe you will see more animals archery hunting. Will you kill more? That’s up to how fast a learner you are

This was my 7th year archery hunting elk, the last one I killed was 3 years ago. I can without a doubt say JPickett is right on the money here. You will SEE more elk, no doubt about it. But the killing part can be a challenge

idahohillboy · Nov 25, 2023

jakeaba said:
Hey all, I hate to be that guy, but I’m having a hard time figuring out what to look for on the upcoming Idaho elk tag sale.

I’m trying to teach myself to hunt and have blown a bunch of money on tags and had 0 luck. I don’t mind striking out because of a skill issue, but not being able to even glass anything has been demoralizing.

I don’t anyone to think I’m asking for specifics, just trying to look for zones that have a decent shot at seeing some animals and learning what they like.

I use gohunt for research and can usually get an idea of what units are good based on draw odds, but with the random place in line Idaho uses, I am trying to make some lists so if anything is left I can jump on a tag that would be good for a beginner.

I have only harvested a couple white tails with my bow while stationed down in Louisiana last year and now stationed in oregon. I will be hunting with a rifle until I can learn how to find western species.

These forums have been a incredible resource for me as I try and teach myself this lifestyle. I am in my mid 30s and way behind where I imagine my peers of similar age are!

Thank you all for assistance

PM and i will help you out with some advice on idaho OTC units. I would not hunt elk like whitetails just get aggressive and do not let them smell you! Jpickett is rt you need calls and stick w a bow.

heywouldya · Nov 25, 2023

There are plenty of good units in Oregon for archery elk as well.

Outdoordan · Nov 25, 2023

I will third JPicketts response. Archery season teaches you way more about elk than rifle does. Rifle season can be more a "luck" hunt, while Archery will help you understand the habits of elk that you can possibly translate into a rifle hunt in the future. Plus, you will be hunting elk in the best month of the year, September.

If you want to PM me with a phone number, I will talk to you about strategies and possible units. I'd much rather help a newby than a guy that is already seasoned.

JPickett · Nov 25, 2023

heywouldya said:
There are plenty of good units in Oregon for archery elk as well.

May want to consider this too. You can get an archery tag in some pretty good units at a resident price. Elk are elk. Learn how to hunt them there and you can go hunt them anywhere