Idaho Panhandle

[CATManReid]

Alright, so I bought a tag for the Idaho Panhandle. Totally excited. The only thing is, I have NO IDEA where to go or where to look. Never been to Idaho, never hunted elk.

Kinda got suckered into this but hey, hunting is hunting. Any help on where to start would be awesome. Not looking for honey holes or anything of the sort, just a spot where I'd at least see some elk. Seeing them would almost be as good as taking one...almost. Thanks fellas.

 

[easymoney]

Well, that's a mighty big job you have now before you. And you didn't state whether bow or gun.
Get online and start with the GMUs and stats info on their web pages, get good topo maps of the areas you choose, call the F&G Dept and talk to the biologists and look for areas that provide the required cover, food and water the elk need. There are lots of elk in the pan handle but also lots of private property.
Good luck

 

[Bwana Turtle]

Don't forget Google Earth.

 

[CATManReid]

I'm going for rifle season and know the task at hand is a big one. A guy from work talked me into buying a tag. He was supposed to be going, but backed out after I bought my tag to go somewhere else. So, I'm left partnerless for the moment and really without a clue.

After looking at NF maps and success rates, it looks like I might head to the Couer d'Alene Nat'l Forest. Seems like the success rates there are fair to good depending on the year. And looking at Google Earth (thanks Bwana for the idea!) it seems like there may be a fair amount of water around that area. I know the Google Earth images aren't all that recent but hey, it's really all I have to go on at this point.

Thanks for the ideas and help guys. It's much appreciated.

 

[916HUNT]

How much was the tag and lic? I've been looking in to an out of state elk hunt this year. Oregon seems to be pretty reasonable. The only thing about going by yourself is you know your not gonna shot one next to the road, so what the heck do you do once you shoot a 400 lb elk? Talk to fish and game in colorado and they said most people start with the good meat and the antlers, but most people only make it out with the antlers. I've been kicking this idea around for awhile, you almost have to have a buddy just to get the thing out. You will need a good frame pack, and i would start with getting some calls and practice now. You can take one with out calling him in but its alot more fun if he's screaming his way in. Coming all the way from california might want to get a deer or bear tag also just in case, then you would get to take something home at least.

 

[barel74]

google earth is a great tool. Gives you a good idea of what to expect in an area you've never been in before. Never hunted the panhandle. Going on a drop camp hunt in 36(more central Idaho). FYI, most of Idaho, you can tag a bear or a lion with your deer tag.

 

[CATManReid]

916 Hunt, it was $141.50 for the Non-Res hunting license and $372.50 for the tag itself. Not bad when you consider my father in law paid almost that much for an archery deer tag in Utah.

As far as heading out there alone, I won't be. I talked my hunting partner into getting a tag and heading out there with me. He got his license and tag purchased yesterday so he's in, which makes me happy. He's a brute and I'm hoping he'll do most of the heavy lifting...haha.

And for getting a bear or deer tag, I probably won't. I've got a good honey hole outside of Fresno for both. Shot my bear there last year, and passed on some good bucks waiting for a monster. I'll have meat in the freezer come winter, but hopefully the majority of it is elk!