Idaho High Country Elk

[Idahunt97]

Hello all,
I drew a tag in Idaho this year in a unit I've never hunted and just got back from my first scouting trip. Lucky to be able to take a rifle with me for the peak of the rut at the very beginning of October. The unit is very high elevation, tons of steep timber cutting into open sage hills. From what I have read from others who have hunted that area, lots of elk spend their fall in the private ag fields lower elevation. Thats not my jam and will be spending my time up in the high public land. I've had plenty of success in other units in Idaho in the past so not asking for spots to hunt, but wondering if there's any glaring differences in elk behavior and tendencies in this type of country? Looking forward to learning a new area and some spectacular views. TIA

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[Jon Boy]

If it’s anything like Montana, there will be very few elk, if any, up high in a unit like that where the majority rut on private. You’re better off hunting the border country. Can’t speak for Idaho specifically though.

 

[il_cop]

Agreed. Very difficult for public lands to compete with private in units that contain a lot of it. That said, you can kill elk there. Makes finding them easier. Hunt the borders.

 

[Idahunt97]

I think a higher number of elk spend their time up high thank the stuff you are mentioning in MT. The private isn’t a very large chunk of the unit (maybe 5-10%) and is miles from the timber bedding. I’m sure plenty of elk will be down there as there is some bedding in the private. But I’m hoping enough elk stay up higher for me!


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