Idaho fly in buck hunting

Bait O' Eggs · 03-08-2002, 08:01 AM

I just committed to a week long buck hunting trip where we will be flying out of McCall Idaho and into the middle fork of the Salmon river. :smile: :grin:

My regular hunting buddy did this trip 2 years ago and said it was some of the best hunting he has ever seen. He would pass up at least a dozen bucks a day looking for a big one. When he flew in the guys who were flying out on the planes return trip both had 30 + inch bucks. He never saw a buck that big but did get a nice one the last day since since it became apparent he wasnt gonna find a 30 inch buck. He wanted to go back this year and I decided to join him. :grin:

I guess the program is the plane unloads your stuff on the side of the runway and you set up a base camp. You have to be 2 miles from the runway to shoot a buck. But they didnt see anybody the whole time they were there last time, and who would know if you were 1 or 2 or 3 miles from the runway :whazzup: I guess the farther you hike the better the hunting gets. :smile:

I am really looking forward to it, except the part where the plane doesnt come back for a week, and we wont have any way of calling for help if we need it. (Note to self: Gotta keep all the bones in one piece

)

I am trying to find some good maps of this area, I was online doing some searching and didnt see what I was looking for, does anybody have any suggestions on where I can order some good topo maps of idaho?

willametteriveroutlaw · 03-08-2002, 10:36 AM

I would see if you could track down a copy of the national geographic cd topos for idaho. I think that some of the ones at GI joes also cover this area. BOE Drop me an email if your interested and I will do some serious looking into it for you.

TheRogue · 03-08-2002, 12:52 PM

Satellite phones are under $1000 now...still a pretty good penny, but if you're looking for a "feel safe" toy......

King Kong · 03-08-2002, 01:42 PM

Wow,
sounds like a great hunting trip!!! I would appreciate it if you could e-mail me with info regarding the hunt for future reference. Is this set up through an outfitter? You should be able to contact the national forest service ranger station in the McCall area and I believe that they will send you maps for a small fee. Just let them know what your after. They are usually very accomodating. Good Luck!!!

TeamYeeha · 03-08-2002, 01:45 PM

Make sure you take a trout rod or fly rod and get a fishing lic while in McCall. I was there a couple of years ago and we flew in to a Forest service runway on the edge of the Salmon and stayed for a few days. Saw lots of deer and elk, but the streams that flow into the Salmon are loaded with all kinds of trout.
They do have some huge bucks there, But there may be lots of guides that have packed in and have horses. Just get up at 1:00 and beat those guys in to the top and let them work the deer to you while you are hunting back. GET good maps!Good Hunting!!!!!!! :grin:

bigshark · 03-08-2002, 07:06 PM

I looked into the mirror a while ago and that shade of green I get when I wish it was me is beginning to show. You are on the spot to give a full accounting of this trip to us who are less fortunate. I don't have a sat-phone but let me tell you that the tower far away will help you if you can get high enough. 10 or so years back there were no cell towers to speak of in eastern oregon. At the 6000 ft level were the old ranger tower use to stand at the head of hells canyon I made a cell phone call and it was very clear. At the time La Grande and Pendleton were the only two tower according to the Forest Service. My point is if the real need does come up, get as high as possible and try your regular cell phone. You as going to have a great trip....I just know it. Show those Ideehoo dudes how real men hunt. :grin:

[ 03-08-2002, 08:12 PM: Message edited by: bigshark ]