Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
#6589275
08/06/19 04:06 PM
08/06/19 04:06 PM
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 172 North Mississippi, USA
Trapper Alex
OP
trapper
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OP
trapper
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 172
North Mississippi, USA
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Hey all. I have to have a goal to work towards, and I’ve always wanted to hunt out west, so the goal is to hunt Idaho for elk, mule deer and bear. It will be an elk hunt first and foremost, but would be cool to bag one or both of the others. I’m looking at maybe two or three years from now, so looking for more general advice. I’ve never really been on any elevation ground, so I’m going to get in shape as best I can in that time, plus get some money saved to actually afford it. At this point I’m looking at hunting public land, by myself. Unless I get better advice between now and then I’m thinking around the St. Joe forest. I’ll need to be in a place I can camp.
Here’s the fun bonus points round- I’m crippled lol. I have trouble walking anyway, 100% DAV. So that should make things interesting. That said I’m still a Marine and I’m going if it kills me. Any ideas on the least worst place to hike through that I can still bag an elk maybe plus Mulie and/or black bear would be appreciated
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6589288
08/06/19 04:49 PM
08/06/19 04:49 PM
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Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,241 Priest River, Idaho USA
SundanceMtnMan
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,241
Priest River, Idaho USA
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I wouldn't recommend northern Idaho. It is very steep and the vegetation is extremely thick. Saying that if your heart is set on northern Idaho you can probably find some clearcuts to watch. Elk and deer is very doable as long as you aren't after trophies(IMO any elk is a trophy). One other thing to consider is if you get an animal down can you get it to the road, steep and thick. I would research southern Idaho, it is more open and perhaps the terrain is a little more forgiving. PM me if you have any questions. I am playing with grandkids for a couple days so I may be a little slow in replying.
"They Say Nothing is Impossible, But, I Do Nothing Every Day."
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6589341
08/06/19 06:07 PM
08/06/19 06:07 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347 New Mexico
Chamacat
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347
New Mexico
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Yep..What kind of glass you got sitting on your tripod?
I can catch them here...I can catch them ANYWHERE
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6589348
08/06/19 06:18 PM
08/06/19 06:18 PM
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 815 S E Idaho
Jmack
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 815
S E Idaho
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The country I live in is a little more forgiving but there are spots you can gain or loose elevation. If you would like pm me and I can try and help anyway that I can. Hunting opportunities are here and if you want to try for a three species hunt I think it's doable. Jon
The first requisite of a good citizen in this republic of ours is that he shall be able and willing to pull his own weight. Theodore Roosevelt
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6590959
08/08/19 09:54 PM
08/08/19 09:54 PM
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 17,740 Central Oregon
AntiGov
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 17,740
Central Oregon
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A solo elk hunt in most mountainous terrain can be very challenging and exhausting for a man in great shape.
Might be near impossible for a man with physical limitations
You need help and someone to share the experience with. Any friend or family member willing to go ?
I have donated to several veteran outreach programs .........freedom hunters I believe , and wounded warriors is another. Some of these guys specialized in assisting vets on hunting adventures. Might check it out.
Report a post club - Non member
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6590984
08/08/19 10:22 PM
08/08/19 10:22 PM
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Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,692 Meridian, Idaho
10bands
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2,692
Meridian, Idaho
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Just how mobile are you and for how far? I have places that I could take someone but can't guarantee anything of course. Is this a one time trip or could you do a preseason attempt at getting there?
I'm on the west side of the state while Jmack and others are on the east side so that's several hours of travel.
Last edited by 10bands; 08/08/19 10:26 PM.
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6590997
08/08/19 10:34 PM
08/08/19 10:34 PM
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347 New Mexico
Chamacat
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,347
New Mexico
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Yep..Not to discourage you..If your body is not conditioned for riding a horse or mule..You will painfully regret it the second day..Then it's possible to loose more days from trying to recover..Horseback looks good in the Video..However if your riding in for one day on a drop camp like maybe 6-8 miles in..It would probably be bearable..Maybe a 3-4 hour ride one way..It's those 15-20 miles a day that will make a chiropractor wealthy..LOL..and good luck
I can catch them here...I can catch them ANYWHERE
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: Trapper Alex]
#6591065
08/09/19 12:41 AM
08/09/19 12:41 AM
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,108 Bonner County, Idaho
Wild_Idaho
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 4,108
Bonner County, Idaho
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I will second what others have said about the North Idaho. We are not trying to steer you away from up here at all, as there's plenty of ground for sportsman to share, but the country is THICK and STEEP in most places that you're going to find elk, black bear and mulies up here. Depends on your limitations I guess, but you said you're 100% DAV. On a side note and as a fellow brother, Semper Fi and thank you for your service. Where did you serve? I was stationed in Pendleton with 11th Marines.
Real name Eric The sharpest hammer in the box of crayons.
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Re: Advice big game hunting Idaho with bonus challenge
[Re: nvwrangler]
#6591200
08/09/19 09:37 AM
08/09/19 09:37 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165 Central NC
traprjohn
trapper
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trapper
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 11,165
Central NC
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Does it have to be a bull hunt? Lots of cheaper cow hunt in lower ranch type country of Utah. x2, cept I think (I know it used to be) cow tags for some units are OTC in Idaho. to start training, here's what's worked for me and many flatlanders: 1) hike up and down bleachers at local high school football field 2) after 2 weeks, add day pack and 10 pounds 3) add 10 lbs every week thereafter 4) before you know it, your adding cinder blocks! THEN, you are ready to pack out an elk. 2 of the ones I packed out, back in the 80's had hind quarters close to 80 lbs........these were off 800 pound bulls, in He11s Canyon Idaho......steep, loose rock, and couldn't even get the horses to where the elk fell.
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