unit 23 archery elk around McCall & Riggins

[mathewsman]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-21-09 AT 01:29AM (MST)[p]I'm considering archery hunting unit 23 for elk in 2009. I talked to the area biologist and he said to hunt between McCall and Riggins, More specifically around the Rapid river area or Patrick butte. Can anyone validate his suggestion? Is this a good area? I love to hike and am willing to go long and far. I would be tickled at the opportunity to have a chance at seeing and hunting a 3 year old (or older) bull with my bow. When is the best "rut" time to hunt? How bad are the wolves? I've googled the area, and it looks good on screen, but I've never set foot in any of these areas-I live 8 hours away and I can't just hop in the car and go exploring on a whim. I need to try and be as effective as I can with my scouting. Am I wasting my time and money (which is tight)? I don't want to set unreachable goals. Sure I'd love to see 350 plus bulls around every pine tree, but I'm realistic. I've never harvested an elk with my bow, so I won't be too picky (4 point or better). I don't have to go home with an animal to feel that the hunt was successful, but if I'm going to invest the time, money, & effort I at least want to know there are some animals there to hunt. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[givemtheshaft]

Well if you dont mind running into alot of wolves go for it.....GD thing's are everywhere. The elk are very spread out and brushed up and very quiet........ Yes more hunting pressure everywhere but the wolves have made it 10x worse.

 

[Idahoshedhead]

I hunt near rapid river for elk and after this last year i am so sick of everyone saying there is no elk left and their not talking because of all the wolves.. Truth is the rut hit very late last year so there was not much talking for the first three and a half weeks but the last 4 days was on fire. Dont get me wrong I know the wolves are a problem and need to be taken care of but dont blame your lack of success on just them.

 

[gemstatejake]

There are elk up there.........If you want to see how many take a drive down the canyon right now. Wolves...yeah sure, but I would'nt let that stop me. you just gotta hit it right......There are certainly elk in huntable numbers in all that country you just described.

 

[lip_curl]

ive been hunting rapid river for the last 8 years. it has gotten worse every year. Ive been hearing the wolves for 3 years, saw them for the first time this year. the number of people this year was ridiculous. every draw had a wall tent in it this year...even in september! even where i go...6 or 8 miles from the road. I wandered in for opening day of rifle season in hopes for a crack at the one decent muley i saw in sept. Then it was an absolute circus.
that being said, i did see a few elk taken, but they were taken way down in the jungle by the main road.

 

[kicker]

Steep and Deep be prepared!

 

[givemtheshaft]

Well guy's our group has spent many years hunting that area...and the pressure from man has grown a ton .....and yes there are still huntable elk there but if you've spent any time(years) you would know that the numbers are way,way down and if you take a drive down the canyon right now and were familiar with the elk numbers you can plainly see it. There are wolves in almost every drainage now whether it be a pack or some singles...hear and see the sign...oh by the way we fill our tag's because we will hit the steep and deep and cover the miles but that's the only reason!!! Elk hunting isnt a blink of what it used to be and yes there are many contributing factor's and wolves are on top of that list!!!!!!!