I am putting in for the Idaho 18 unit for rifle elk this year. Couple things, how was your hunt successful? Did you end up hiking out to dry diggins (I've been e-scouting the area)? Was there a lot of pressure from other hunters and or outfitters in the area? I'm not looking for anyone's spots but what should I avoid to get away from other hunters?
I'm looking to put in for that tag this year. Are there any outfitters that set up in 18? I want to avoid that pressure if possible, and don't want to scout country this summer that is overrun with outfitters in the fall
Hells canyon. If you can draw the archery tag, you have a nice chance at nice bull. Rifle season its a zoo. From the top of cows creek to race creek and the road that wraps around out toward hell canyon is party central. There are a lot of tags idfg gives out. I driven through during rifle (october), and the first two weeks looks like a tailgating party at heinze field before a steelers game. I am not kidding. 2014 I drew a cow there. I shot a cow, Tough cow. Found where she bedded down to die, lung blood everywhere. Waited for a half hour to let her bleed out. no cow to be seen, just to cart tracks. She had wondered back up towards the road and someone had carted her away. Hells canyon is beautiful but for the two weeks opening rifle. unit 18 is a lot like the haul road in alaska. Best of luck, at least enjoy the scenery.
