As the cold weather starts to creep up on Idaho, hunters must prepare for a change in seasons. At the Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch, our hunting season runs from September to mid-November. Throughout the hunting season, the weather typically shifts. First, the cool weather creeps in along with beautiful fall foliage. Then, suddenly, snow. If you’re planning to hunt in the cold of winter, you should be prepared; that’s why we’ve compiled some tips for winter hunting in Idaho.
Winter Hunting Tips & Tricks
If you’re patient enough to wait for a late-season elk hunt, you’re in for a treat. There’s something especially rewarding about braving the elements for a hunt. However, it’s best to do so prepared. The first thing you’ll need is the proper gear. Typically, in November in Idaho, daily highs range from the low 50s to mid-30s. But if you’re up and after your prize early, you might face even colder temperatures.
Due to the cold temperatures, you’ll want to dress warmly when embarking on your winter hunting trip. That means proper boots, gloves, hat, and jacket. We also recommend dressing in layers for extra warmth.
Another important factor of winter elk hunting is snow. Snow is a welcome sight for hunters for several reasons. On top of how beautiful it makes our Idaho elk ranch, it can also assist with the hunt. If there’s snow on the ground, you can look for tracks, which can help you find your target faster than usual. The snow will also help you find scat, which is another way to help you find your prey.
You also have to take into account the behavior of the elk. After the craze of rut season is over, bulls will once again drift off on their own. When you encounter a bull, realize it is less likely to move as far as it would during rut season. The snow also impacts their behavior. When it snows heavily to moderately, elk are more likely to feed during the middle of the day. Knowing this behavior will surely help you on your next winter hunt.
Try Late-Season Hunting at our Idaho Elk Ranch
You’ll love to experience a late-season elk hunt at the Rocky Mountain Elk Ranch. Here, the success of your elk hunt is guaranteed. For more information, please give us a call at 208-351-7301.