RIFLE ELK-MULE DEER COMBO WHITEBIRD RANCH (UNIT 14)
This hunt takes place along the Salmon River/Hells Canyon region of north central Idaho at our Whitebird ranch. This hunting unit borders the Joseph camp area; they are just across the Salmon River from each other. This hunt start October 10th and goes through October 24th.
We average around 90% success on both animals. On average we’ll take a few 6×6 bulls but mostly 5×5 bulls and some smaller more immature bulls like raghorns and spikes. Every year is different and some years the number of mature bulls will be bigger, and some years it will be smaller. The elk are still in large herds of up to 50 at a time, they are still bugling. We do mainly spot and stalk for both elk and mule deer on this hunt. The country is very open with large canyons and ridges to work with while on the stalk.
The mule deer tend to be around the 20 inch range with some going into the 26-28 inch range, averaging around the 140-150 class, with some annually reaching into the 170-180+ range. About 60% of bucks will be nice solid mature 4x4s, with nice forks and good mass. The main difference between this hunt and the Joseph ranch combo hunt is the average size of the bull elk taken. We have similar success on both hunts, nearly 100%, it’s just the bull elk we harvest tend to be more mature on the Joseph ranch hunt. The elevation on the hunt is in the 1500-4500 range
Hunters can also add a bear tag to this hunt and harvest a bear. Most bear this time of year are in the 250-350 pound range, with about a 50% chance of harvesting a color phase bear.
This is a 2 on 1 fully guided hunt and is 7 days in length. The accommodations include a lodge, cabins, all with full modern facilities. The cabins have full bathrooms in them, and the lodge has a nice comfy home-like feel to it.
This is a 2 on 1 fully guided hunt and is 7 days in length. The accommodations include a lodge, cabins, all with full modern facilities. The cabins have full bathrooms in them, and the lodge has a nice comfy home-like feel to it.