Outfitting in Northern Idaho

[silvercreekguide]

I may be purchasing an outfitt near Couer d'lane Idaho. The units are 6&7. I am from SW Colorado and have not hunted much up there. I was wondering if I could get some input on how the elk, deer, bear, moose,lion, and wolf hunting is. I know the wolves have impacted the herds of elk and deer but how much? Any info would help. Thanks

 

[Elkmen]

If I was you I would get in touch with the Idaha Outfitters Association they can probably help you. Wolves have hit both of those areas hard the Idaho Fish and Game website has a feature called the "Hunt Planner" check it out it has lots of information. In a nutshell hunting opportunities have be greatly reduced in many units up north, shorter seasons, few if any special hunt opportunities. Its great country, and has the capacity to carry thousands of elk but the numbers won't come up until hundreds of wolves are gone. Try and find some locals to talk to. Best I can do I have hunted 6 several times and wont go back for a while.

 

[gillettehunter]

I have not hunted up in those areas, but I steelhead fish a little south of there. I talk to lots of people on the river and in the sporting goods stores. The word that I get is that elk herds in some of those area are down by as much as 80%. In some of that country moose permits have had few to no applicants because there are none to be found. Anytime there are moose permits left after the initial drawing you know hunting is tough.There is a Fish and game office in Couer d'Alene. Their phone # is (208) 769-1414. I'd start by calling that office and talking to a biologist. Get numbers of animals killed for the past 10 years if possible. See how bad the trends are. Good luck. Bruce

 

[silvercreekguide]

Thanks you your info. That is pretty much what I had figured on. Are there any locals that could give me any information? I have called fish and game and they keep telling me all of their numbers on game are increasing from the past years.

 

[sp6x6]

I put 4-5 yrs. in unit 4 above 7. And when I first hit it I thought I STRUCK gold, then couple years later wolfs started answering bugle and it went down hill fast. As it is in NWMT, where I live. I have not hunted there for 2 yrs. but do hunt near border, we also had big snow last winter that impacted that border area.

 

[HARPERC]

Idaho tags and license sales are off 3million dollars. This is during a time frame that prices were raised significantly. Whatever the reason the potential client market is getting smaller, tough to start a new business in that environment.

 

[silvercreekguide]

HARPERC: I have also been looking into that as well...

This is just about the only outfit that i have found for sale, and I have an investor. Don't suppose any one knows of any other outfitting business for sale???

 

[gillettehunter]

I always hate to say the the Fish and Game doesn't know what they are talking about, but if they claim animal numbers are up..... Try calling some of the sporting goods stores in the area. See what they have to say. In Wy they survey hunters and get a pretty good idea of harvest data. See if that is available. Before I would invest I'd drive up and start knocking on doors out in the country if nothing else... Bruce

 

[silvercreekguide]

Before I do anything permanent I will fly up and do just that. I will also be flying the 2 units as well. Thanks

 

[Elkmen]

I don't know any one specifically to call in the area but there is are sporting goods outlets in Coeur De lane (sp) do an internet search and just start calling, and ask for other references to call. There will be someone more than happy to talk with you !!!!

 

[allard_msu76]

Im a hunter in that area, I dont do most of my hunting in those units but do some. A lot of my buddies hunt the heck out of those units and the general consensus is the same. Over the past three years the game population has been greatly impacted by two factors; one the obvious, wolves have either killed or driven out large numbers of elk and deer in those units. The second would be due to huge numbers of hunters (in state and out of state) packing out those units. Especially unit 6. The terrain is tough which tends to keep the majority of said hunters on the road. Which shouldnt effect the pack in guys as much. The elk numbers and quality were huge three years ago and yhose units produced a mess of big bulls, but despite what f&g says numbers are down greatly not up. Moose have not been as affected over the years but I imagine its only time fir them as well. If the outfitt has a really good price tag and you focus your time into wolves it would be a great deal Hope that helps. And good luck.

 

[elkaholic]

I may be purchasing an outfitt near Couer d'lane Idaho. The units are 6&7. I am from SW Colorado and have not hunted much up there. I was wondering if I could get some input on how the elk, deer, bear, moose,lion, and wolf hunting is. I know the wolves have impacted the herds of elk and deer but how much? Any info would help. Thanks

I live very near those units and have hunted them as well as spend a lot of time working on my forestry consulting business in those areas. I can tell you that they have a very good elk population as well as good dear hunting, black bear, cougars and yes, plenty of wolves. These units are in the St. Joe River drainage, which at one time, boasted the largest elk herd in the U.S. They also boast a healthy moose population. The country is rugged, forested,and steep! It is a beautiful area with quite a few horse and hiking trails. If you want more info, pm me and we can talk more at length.......Rich

 

[silvercreekguide]

Elkaholic
Thanks for your reply, that is what I have been hearing from quite a few people up in that area. The wolves have affected the behavior of the animals and the size of the population but not by much. I am in the process of dealing with banks trying to find a loan now. Hopefully all will go well and I will be living in Idaho very soon!!!

 

[elkaholic]

Elkaholic
Thanks for your reply, that is what I have been hearing from quite a few people up in that area. The wolves have affected the behavior of the animals and the size of the population but not by much. I am in the process of dealing with banks trying to find a loan now. Hopefully all will go well and I will be living in Idaho very soon!!!

I don't know that I would say that "they haven't affected it by much", it depends a lot on localized areas. Some areas have been greatly affected, and others, not so much. In general, there are still a lot of elk in these two units.......Rich