|
|
Early Season Hunt Excitement
If you are looking for an early season hunt vacation experience, the bow hunting season for elk, white tailed and mule deer is almost here, and with it comes the excitement of bugling with the bulls.
|
|
|
|
|
Up-Close & Personal: Bow Hunting Elk & Deer in Idaho
 Archery hunting elk in the fall season involves bugling in the bulls during the rut. "It's one of
the most exciting things you can do in hunting, trying to outwit the bull by pretending you are another one contending for his cows," says Frank Schmitz, owner of
Lockey U Outfitters. "They can come in looking pretty intimidating to the hunter."
The ability to get close to the bulls is a real advantage for archers, who are experiencing higher success rates than ever. According to Brad Compton, Idaho's State Big Game Manager, archery harvest success rates have increased
steadily over the years to the current 14%. In 1982 that rate was only 5%. Compton attributes the increase to several factors, including higher elk populations and better hunters. "Idaho is one of the more attractive states for
non-resident elk hunters because the hunting unit areas are managed for mature bulls," says Compton. Its remoteness is another highly desirable feature: "Idaho offers some real remote hunting for folks that really like to get away from
other folks," says Compton. "It also has some pretty spectacular scenery."
Schmitz's agrees that hunters greatly enjoy Idaho's natural beauty and the opportunity to get away from the pressures of modern life. He helps his guests "turn back the clock" at his backcountry tent camps or in 1930-era cabins on an old
ranch homestead that is only accessible by horseback or on foot.
In addition to the setting and the favorable odds for taking down a mature bull elk, Schmitz says bugling for elk can offer other surprises. "You never know what will come in beside the elk. It could be a cougar or a wolf, or anything else
looking for a free lunch."
While archery is more primitive than rifle hunting, it has benefited from technological improvements over the years. "There are a few traditional long bow hunters, but they are few and far between anymore," says Darl Allred of
Sawtooth Adventures. "Archery has gotten more sophisticated. Today's bows are short, compact, easy to carry," and, as Allred points out, "very accurate." Sawtooth Adventures provides horses, equipment, and tent camps for hunters
in units in the central part of the state. Allred has solid, gentle mountain horses that transport guests and supplies into his drop camps. He sees about 30 bow hunters each year, and is now taking reservations for the 2007 season.
Tim Craig of
Boulder Creek Outfitters offers elk and deer hunts on a private ranch as well as by fly-in or pack-in. His guest ranch includes 5,000 acres near Peck, Idaho and can accommodate 8 to 10 hunters at a time. "We are one of the only
outfitters in the state to be licensed on private land," says Craig, who has been guiding for 29 years and has entertained politicians and celebrities alike, and offers a special experience to people with disabilities. "People who come on
a hunt may have been reading about it for 10 years, and you are like a god to them. You are going to make sure they are safe and take care of them. People want a quality experience. Archery offers more of a challenge. You have to be very
patient. It takes a certain individual to sit in a tree stand for 5 days and be happy."
For more information on guided hunting opportunities for archery, rifle and muzzleloader hunts, please visit
www.ioga.org.
photo courtesy of Boulder Creek Outfitters
For additional information on Idaho,
call 1-800-VISIT-ID.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
General Information on Elk and Deer Hunting in Idaho
The bow season for elk and deer runs August 30 to September 30, 2006. Check with IOGA member outfitters (
www.ioga.org) for this year's availability of non-resident tags.
Most deer and elk hunting areas are open to general hunting during the season. Idaho has a Zone system for elk management with two types of tags (in most zones). Each tag is valid for only one of 29 elk hunting zones. Tags can be secured
through Idaho's licensed outfitters.
For more information on Resident & Non-Resident Tags, visit
www.fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Requirements for Archery Hunters in Idaho
In order to bow hunt in Idaho, you must have taken Bow Hunter Education or have proof that you have bow hunted in another state. An on-line course for adults is available through
Idaho's Department of Fish and Game.
|
|
|
OUR MISSION
IOGA is committed
to the conservation and enhancement
of quality outdoor experiences
on Idaho's lands and waters.
|
|
|
|
Idaho's
Outfitters
and
Guides
visit
www.ioga.org or email us for your free guide to outfitted vacations in Idaho
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
