I am probably headed to Unit 6 for the early archery elk season in late September. I was looking into unit 10A, 10, and 12, but have heard there are some wolf issues with the herds there. If anyone could give me some info about hunting Unit 6, I'd appreciate it. What's the pressure like, herd size, animal quality, etc.? If you'd prefer, shoot me a PM. Thanks.

Shannon

Slee I wish I could help you with your question. I have not hunting in Idaho for several years. I grew up in Idaho. I used to hunt units 4, 7 & 3.
I do have a question for you, andI do not want you to takeit the wrong way. I just wonder why you do not hunt your own home state of Washington? Does washington have tough draw odds for archery hunters? Does Washington make you choose your weapon? If washington does make you choose your weapon, will you apply in washington as a rifle hunter? I have been told Washington offers some great elk hunting in the Blue Mountains? Would it be worth my effort to apply as a non-resident in washington? I would want to hunt in the blue mountains. Can Non-residents even apply or draw a rifle tag in the blue mountains?

Thanks & Good Luck,

Wolf Killer

I do hunt Washington. Idaho will be after our season closes in mid-September. Yes, you have to choose your weapon. I exclusively bowhunt. Not only do you have to choose your weapon, you have to pick whether you want to hunt elk on the east or west side of the Cascades. The east side is "spike only" or "spike or cow only" depending on weapon and unit, while the west side is "cow, or 3-pt or better" or "3-pt or better" depending on weapon and unit. Depending on which unit you put in for, draw odds are pretty tough, but you can purchase OTC tags and still get to hunt other units. As far as the Blues go, yes there are some really nice bulls. Poaching has knocked them for a serious loop in the last few years, so draw odds are HUGE if you are even allowed to draw for a particular area. Asfar as I know, residents and non-residents have the same chance of being drawn, but WA works on a point system. You bank a point each year you don't get drawn, so the next year your odds increase exponentially. Most of the time I'd swear WDFW wants to do whatever they can to save animals from hunters. Hope this helps, and I didn't take it the wrong way.

Anyone???

slee

Unit 6 is a good unit for elk. I hunt just south unit 8/8a. Look at some of the area along the Palouse Divide (along the southern boundary). It has been logged heavily but the elk love that area.

Are you going to have time to do some early season scouting? I am not an archer so I can not help a bunch in that area, but the elk are there and they will not be bothered that much early.

I either have or can get good color photos of that area if you are interested.

But I gotta tell there are reallysome good areas in 6. I have not been able to hunt 6 for quite some time now as it requires a panhandle tag and I live in Moscow and usually go 8a. Got inot muzzle loading here several years back and do not even use my centerfires anymore.

Good luck...

Thanks, Sabotloader. I appreciate the heads up. I don't know if I will get to scout it early or not. One of the guys who will be hunting with us lives in Clarkston, Wa and has a friend with familythat live in St. Marie. I'm sure he'll head over a few times to scout for the group. I'll keep the map offer in mind. I really like to do map studying so I know pretty well how an area lays and looks before I get there.

slee

St. Maries offers a great base of operation, and I am glad that you will have somebody familiar with the area - almost impossible to get lost in - but familiarity sure helps success.