Any hunters familiar the Middle Fork Zone? (to rent, camp)

[8 SNAKE]

I'm in the early stages of planning an elk hunt for next season and the Middle Fork Zone seems quite appealing. More specifically, I am looking at units 20A and 27 for the September rifle season. I've looked at all of the stats online and have read quite a bit about hunting in these places, but there's no substitute for local knowledge.

Has anyone noticed a major change in behavior and/or population of elk in that area with the increase in wolf populations? I've read many different accounts, and the results seem to be divided. Some say that elk populations have been decimated and others say there's no noticable impact. I suspect that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, but I'd love to hear from others.

Since my hunting group will be traveling from Missouri, scouting ahead of time will be impossible. Knowing how critical it is to actually know the general location of elk within these units (20A and 27), I would appreciate any insights that people could offer.

Finally, I wanted to inquire about the best way to get back into the woods and away from the "crowds". This will be a DIY hunt, but I wouldn't be opposed to renting pack horses/mules to help get us deeper in to set up our base camp and possibly help us pack out any meat that we harvest.

Thanks
Mike

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Hi Mike,

I need to do some research on where those zones are. If it's the middle fork of the Clearwater, the elk populations in that area are supposed to have taken some big hits from wolves in the past few years. In more northern parts of the state (Unit 1,4) elk don't seem to be bugling as much and they have cut the season way back due to low herd populations. Our cow season is only 3 days, much of the state no longer has one. I'll post again when I can dig into your area. I should be out now, but am going B tag this year, focus on the rifle rather than the bow.

[8 SNAKE]

Thanks for posting, Toyman. I should have posted a link to the specific area that I'm talking about, to make things easier.

Idaho Fish and Game - Hunting in Middle Fork Zone

[Need2Leave]

If I remember right much of that are is wilderness. You will have plenty of company in the places that are close to the road. Unless you want to hunt near the road, or pack an elk a long ways, hiring that pack string to get away from the crowds is the right idea... could be a cool hunt.

Can't help you on population #'s though. I don't get up that way often enough...good luck.