I have spent many hours reading the questions and answers to all the interesting topics covered here now finally its my turn to ask-we (party of 6)are planning an elk hunt to idaho for rifle season 2006 we've selected to hunt the elk city zone are any of you familar with the nez pece national forest and the gospel hump-what can we expect as far as the topography, weather, and elk and mule deer herds my maps and reading aren't near enough info,also what about a sidearm i've been told moose can be a problem but no mention of bears.thanks and hopefully i can add to this forum in the future

You will probably see more whitetails than mule deer. I hunted just north of there a couple of years ago and the guys I went with did very well on the elk. They took 3 bulls the first week. The moose are fun to watch. If you have a rifle I wouldn't worry about a side arm. My dad took a huge white-tail buck not far from where you are going. The timber can get a little thick with the snow berry bushes. Your shots shouldn't be very long range unless you are hunting in the clearcuts. Are you going on a DIY hunt or will you be guided? There is a good butcher in Graingeville who will cut and vacuum pack your meat for a resonable price. (if you don't already have a plan for your success.) That is some pretty country that you are headed to. I will try to remember more if I can. One more thing, turkey season runs right up until the big game starts. You might be able to get some in if you are showing up early, just a thought.

thanks for the info it is appreciated and yes it is a diy spent a lot of time considering both but the kicker was financing my 15 year old son's hunt,thanks again