Coach529
Lil-Rokslider
Relocated from North Dakota to Post Falls last spring. Unfortunately last fall was too busy with work so I have to wait until this year to chase Elk.
Completely new experience for me. I had done some whitetail hunting, both archery and rifle, but I was primarily a upland bird guy.
Figured I better embrace the Inland Northwest and all it has to offer.
After speaking with some friends and doing some e-scouting I picked a spot in the Silver Valley (Unit 4) which is about 50 miles from my house. I made 4 trips during August to put some boots on the ground and learn as much about the area as I could. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, but to find Elk and pinpoint some bedding and feeding areas.
Fast forward to Opener. I had three people joining me. My Cousin and my Uncle both from MN, and a non hunting buddy was going to tag along. We set up Camp on 9-8 and hit the trail not long after lunch. We hit the first area I had picked and covered some ground........found some sign, but nothing super fresh. Regardless nothing was talking. Covered about 8 miles with a lot of steep and thick cover.
My 72 year old uncle. No slowing him down.
My Cousin Brian mid climb grind.
Day 2 was much the same........a lot of walking and calling, but very little talking. We did have one bull answer us mid morning, but after a couple backs and forths he shut down and it was to big a gap to cross.
Mid morning Brian and I decided to go for a walk about back to camp......think it was about 3 miles as the crow flies. Ended up being about 9 miles on the ground, and some really unrelenting stuff. Found great sign, but boot tracks as well. Even miles from anywhere we were not alone.
The evening of day two was quiet as well. We did see a spike on the road after dark on the way back to camp. We arked the spot and planned on checking that area in the morning.
Completely new experience for me. I had done some whitetail hunting, both archery and rifle, but I was primarily a upland bird guy.
Figured I better embrace the Inland Northwest and all it has to offer.
After speaking with some friends and doing some e-scouting I picked a spot in the Silver Valley (Unit 4) which is about 50 miles from my house. I made 4 trips during August to put some boots on the ground and learn as much about the area as I could. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, but to find Elk and pinpoint some bedding and feeding areas.
Fast forward to Opener. I had three people joining me. My Cousin and my Uncle both from MN, and a non hunting buddy was going to tag along. We set up Camp on 9-8 and hit the trail not long after lunch. We hit the first area I had picked and covered some ground........found some sign, but nothing super fresh. Regardless nothing was talking. Covered about 8 miles with a lot of steep and thick cover.
My 72 year old uncle. No slowing him down.
My Cousin Brian mid climb grind.
Day 2 was much the same........a lot of walking and calling, but very little talking. We did have one bull answer us mid morning, but after a couple backs and forths he shut down and it was to big a gap to cross.
Mid morning Brian and I decided to go for a walk about back to camp......think it was about 3 miles as the crow flies. Ended up being about 9 miles on the ground, and some really unrelenting stuff. Found great sign, but boot tracks as well. Even miles from anywhere we were not alone.
The evening of day two was quiet as well. We did see a spike on the road after dark on the way back to camp. We arked the spot and planned on checking that area in the morning.
