‘23 Idaho Elk Hunt
Pioneer Zone Archery Tag
For Trayte & Trent Lazenby
HUNT OVERVIEW
Lifelong Hunters Wanting to Be In Bugling Elk
September in the Pioneer Zone (areas 36A, 49 & 50) of Idaho is known for being a great place to dig up bugling elk in classic Idaho backcountry. The hunt areas here are limited for rifle and muzzleloader opportunities and around 60% of bulls killed in these units sport at least one side with 6-points or more. Granted the archery season is no secret and that means you will not be alone near roads and trailheads, the elk are there and the country is conducive to a variety of hunting styles.
For you all, that means there will be elk to find, and success will be a matter of sticking to your hunt plans, relying on your persistence, and being willing to keep covering the country to find a bull who wants to play. Approach this hunt as a marathon and do not burn your body out too early, by making smart route choices and using e-bikes and motorcycles to access the backcountry.
Stay Mobile. Adapt to Conditions.
IMPORTANT GEAR CHECK
Calling: Fresh Diaphrams, Large Bugle Tube, Bite & Blow Cow Calls
Off-Road Vehicles: E-Bikes ~ or ~ Motorcycles
Kill Kit: Game Bags, Quality Knife, & Plenty of Cordage For Hanging Meat
Your Week-Long Game Plan
Hunt High: Swede Peak
This hunt area is known for having elk, and we have confirmed bulls living near this area from previous hunters. There is an outfitter camp that takes off each morning from the trailhead, and there is known to be pressure along the road systems here.
Each finger and drainage off of the main ridge from this area is ideal habitat and offers good opportunities to find a fired-up bull. Be wary about diving into the bottom of these drainages, as the pack out is going to make you earn each ounce of meat. Consider this a prime area.
Hunt High: Skyline Camp
If you would like to make an effort to get to the highest backcountry in the area, then take your e-bikes up the Skyline trail and set camp along the main ridge where you can spike out for a couple of days.
The outfitters from the trailhead camp may or may not be packing horses into this basin, so prepare to be flexible with them. You may opt to come out the bottom of Deadman Creek if your e-bike range allows.
Hunt High: Pioneer Cabin
When a forest service cabin description says, “wildlife watching for elk is good here” that is a good sign. Managing the steep terrain and the possibility of higher hunting traffic along the main trail is going to be the main challenge here.
Consider this a spot where you may turn up bugles that makes you want to keep exploring, or the pressure at the trailhead may suggest you want to come back on a mid-week day to avoid other hunters.
Hunt Low: Sheep Mtn.
Stepping away from the main spine of the Pioneer Zone mountains, Sheep Mountain offers a secluded option with fewer recreational trailheads, but still good roadless timber country to find elk in. It will not be as likely to have as much hunting pressure. Granted, there will also probably be fewer elk there, the elk that do. live on the mountain might be more receptive to calling and therefore more killable.
Hunt High: Big Lake Cr.
Big Lake Creek is a good option if you do not want to go as deep in the backcountry to make a morning (or longer) loop out of a hunt. It lays out hunting downhill, which is a nice change from big uphill hammers. However, if you did kill a bull in here, you could drive motorcycles to the bottom for and easier haul out.
Hunt High | Big Boulder Creek Drainage
This drainage is a multi-day hunting area if you would like to make it one. Use your e-bikes to get into the higher elevations in the dark, then start working ridges or basins with the sub-sets of waypoints included in this folder.
Click here to view a mountain biker’s video of the area >>
Hunt Safety: Craters Of The Moon
This zone is the most off-the-wall of the hunt areas. It’s likely the biggest risk and biggest reward play here because it is not traditional timber with aspen pockets, big rocks, and sagebrush. That said, there are elk in the area. Finding them is going to be more glassing-heavy than preferred, however, there are road systems that allow you to take an easier day on your legs while still looking for elk. There is no hunting in the national monument, making these elk largely unbothered, as well. Consider this a roll of the dice, but could turn up a big bull in a non-traditional elk spot. Photo of elk in Craters of the Moon.
COMMENTS ON PIONEER REGION
“Beautiful country. Elk are very high the first week or two, hunt them early like you would mule deer. Little to no bugling was heard the first week. Not a ton of hunters up high the first week but by the second week they start piling in and elk retreat into the dark timber. Be in shape cause there are very few places you can drive and get any elevation gain.” - Hunt Talk Member
———
“Lots of country to hunt and elk herds are strong. Hunt up high. You will see elk. It’s getting to them, that's the challenge.” - Monster Muleys Member
———
“Middle of September has been busy the 2 years we went during that time. The year we went for the opener I killed a bull on the 2nd day of the season and saw very few hunters compared to the other years. Last year was crazy busy in the area I hunt, possibly due to the fires. Trailheads we had planned to pack in from had multiple trucks and a couple of horse trailers so we never bothered. Hunted within 2 miles of the car as the crow flies and saw elk every day, but just never got a shot opportunity.
I know we gain 1200-1500' of elevation every morning before we even get into good elk sign and it's normally a 4000' gain/loss day with 5-7 miles total hiked. There are not many big long ridges that you will find to run in the areas I hunt which means a lot of gain/loss to cover a lot of ground.” - Rokslide Member
———
Hunt Plan Breakdown
This video shows you the thought process behind these hunt plans and an approach to hunting them.