Idaho elk hunt

[minky]

I recently spent about a week and half in the panhandle mountain area of Idaho. We were a mixed group of elk and deer hunters. What an awesome hunt in a great area.

 

This was my first hunt for elk with an experienced elk hunter (childhood buddy). I learned so much. One bull was harvested on opening day. On day 5 we got into a bunch of elk with one being a herd bull, no shot. Next day was cow season so we backed out. 

 

Early the next morning we were back in the area. Fresh elk beds and urine puddles showed we were right behind the elk. Fresh tracks showed they were walking ahead of us but not running. I pulled off to let my buddy and his wife continue on. About a half an hour later a pair of moose hunters in a side by side pasted me on the logging road head towards my buddy. The elk heard the side by side and bugged out.

 

The next morning we were going to try again but there was a truck at the trail head. The last morning of cow season a very large group of people were camped blocking the trail head, the joys of public land! We continued hunting and exploring new areas. 

 

We ended up with 1 elk and 6 deer before half of the group headed home. The other half are still out there trying to fill tags.  

 

I am already planning next years hunt. I learned so much and seen / explored new area. I only had an elk tag but hope to have both elk and deer tags in my pocket next year. I will also be better prepared next season. I am looking forward to next years two weeks of mountain therapy. 

[Wanderer]

Sounds like a great time Minky, even with other people messing things up.

[Scoot]

Nice- sounds like a blast! 

[minky]

  I didn't get an animal or even a shot but I learned so much! The importance of quality optics and hunting outerwear. 

 

The better shape a person is in, the more enjoyable and successful the hunt. I got to meet new people and hunting partners.  Quality people only add to the experience!

 

Learning a new game animal and way to hunt is so satisfying yet frustrating at the same time.

 

In short, a trip of a lifetime for me but with the promise of a repeat next year.

[Duffman]

Elevation is something us flatlanders aren't used to.

Sounds like you had a great experience, and that's all that truly matters.