Idaho Unit 21A Elk Hunt

Accumark Man · 07-19-2007, 08:22 AM

I will be going on DIY rifle elk hunt in October 15-24. I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start. I have never been to the area, just done alot of research. The info i have heard has me starting out of Gibbonsville around sheep creek & 4th of july creek. Anyone have some more insight?

James in Idaho · 07-19-2007, 11:48 AM

I've hunted down river from there in the past. Very steep country. Elk numbers in that area fairly dependent on weather, good snow cover will move more into the area. As dry as it is this year I'd hunt drainages with running water in October. Your starting points are good, as is Wagonhammer. Be on top when the sun comes up and glass, glass, glass. That's a wolf area, expect the elk to be in small groups. If you find wolves working the same drainage, move.

Accumark Man · 07-20-2007, 08:57 AM

James,
You mention alot of glassing. I have been told it is very thick cover. Does it open more the higher you go? Will there be oppurtunity for long shots or will it be in your face elk hunting?
Thanks for your help.

ajfishfinder · 07-20-2007, 01:52 PM

You might give Norm a call at 208 681-2088. He runs the bookings for Salmon River Lodge. I think he can help you with a boat ride or horses in that area. I gave his number to a guy with a sheep tag for that area that has made plans for a boat ride in. They also run people in for scouting and drop camps on the river. If nothing else he can give you some good general info. Be sure to tell him I gave you his number.

James in Idaho · 07-23-2007, 07:07 AM

You won't need a boat, 21A is north and east of the river. Yes it can be thick timber, most of your timber is north slope. Exposed areas can be down right barren. Then again in that area there has been a lot of logging in the past, there are clear cuts and thinned areas also. The farther you can get from the roads the better.

dla · 07-23-2007, 10:46 AM

Just a suggestion...I use Google Earth to go over areas I can't spend a lot of time scouting.

B-RUN STEELIE · 07-23-2007, 02:47 PM

Get in shape if your not already. Its serious steep there.

Accumark Man · 07-23-2007, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by B-RUN STEELIE

Get in shape if your not already. Its serious steep there.

What elevation can I expect? I am in shape or I think I am. I run 20-30 miles a week, but I live at 400' elevation and can't prepare myself for the altitude.

James in Idaho · 07-24-2007, 06:34 AM

The town of Salmon is at 4000', Lost Trail Pass is just under 7000'. The peaks in that area go up over 10,000. There is a good store (RV park, coin op showers, some rooms, gas most days, maybe the resturant will be open) at Northfork, and a USFS ranger station across the road. Are you going in guided or is this a do it yourself type hunt? Horns or hair? Get in touch with the USFS rangers and the Fish and Game office in Salmon, bet they can give you some good ideas where to start. I've never hunted 21-A, but I've hunted the next unit downriver. It is steep, only two directions, up or down. Really steep down by the main Salmon, but there are several access points between Salmon and Gibbonsville. There may be some access from the Montana side, that I don't know. Pretty country.

edit: If possible give yourself a couple of days to get used to the altitude, heck the steelhead fishing that time of year can be pretty good.

B-RUN STEELIE · 07-24-2007, 07:12 AM

I used to hunt that unit. The elk are found between 6,000 and 8,000 ft elevation for the most part. A couple things that I remember about it. A 400 yard shot over to the other hill side can mean a 3 hour hike to get over there straight up and down. If your hunting out of a camp where you can park your truck, you will hike all day and not get very far in the scope of things. You would do well to pack a tent into where you want to be and spend a couple of nights. Then, if you don't have horses, the pack out is a major issue.

That said, its really cool country and you see stuff not often seen.

Accumark Man · 07-24-2007, 07:13 AM

Thanks for the info James. I have talked to fish & game in Salmon. They were helpful. My hunting partner got info on them where to scout when he was there last month. That is how we came up with Sheep Creek & 4th of July Creek.

We will be on a Do It Yourself hunt for bulls only. Just two of us. We plan to hunt hard for 7 days. The steepness of the country we are used to, becasue we regularly hunt Hells Canyon for spring bear. I was hoping the country was open like that.

How far is Northfork, ID from Gibbonsville?

James in Idaho · 07-24-2007, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Accumark Man

How far is Northfork, ID from Gibbonsville?

Oh, just a couple of miles at most. I don't really remember if there is much at Gibbonsville, North Fork is the major shopping center north of Salmon.

You know, basics and a limited selection of whiskey.

I'll see if I can find my maps and give you a few more ideas.