Quick Tips
- Be prepared for remote wilderness hunting
- Some outfitters offer drop camps by horseback
- Trout are common in most creeks and some lakes
- Land outside the wilderness is often crowded with hunters
- Carry a satellite emergency locating device
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | Raghorn-290" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
Mostly remote wilderness, this unit offers elk and mule deer hunting in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and two areas outside the wilderness.
This unit was once regarded as a premier elk hunting destination, but a growing number of wolves in the past 15 years has reduced the herd to the point that hunter success and trophy size have been adversely affected. Land outside the wilderness is often crowded with hunters, but late season tag holders typically have a chance at mature muleys.
Terrain
This unit is largely remote country in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and is about 40 miles east of McCall. The Salmon River Mountains are mostly steep peaks and ridges between deep canyons and large draws. Mount Eldridge at 9,207 feet in elevation is on the western side of that sector. Most of the wilderness lies between 7,000 and 8,500 feet above sea level and is composed of steep hills, mountains, canyons and countless draws with numerous lakes and creeks. Some of the northern half is moderate terrain, such as flattened ridges north and east of Dead Mule Peak, the West Fork Basin on the northern edge and the valleys and ridges east of Cold Mountain Ridge.
Roughly 595 square miles
99.7% public land
Elevations from 4,000-9,200 feet
Vegetation
Conifers such as spruces, firs and pines cover much of the ground, especially ridges and north and east facing slopes above 6,000 feet in elevation. Large parts of the wilderness were burned in massive forest fires which have left vast acreages barren of live trees. The fires have opened the forest, creating places for grass and browse plants to thrive. Many southern and western slopes are steep and dry, covered mostly with grass and brush. Much of the high terrain is rugged and rocky with patches of grass, small trees and brush in places and scattered large conifers. Willows and poplars line some of the creeks.
Access
Most of this unit is in the wilderness and inaccessible to motor vehicles, although there are a few airstrips where planes are allowed to land. Primary access is by horseback. Some hunters choose to hire outfitters. Others with their own stock hunt this unit on their own. Backpack hunters can hunt the edges of the wilderness. Roaded parts of the unit are relatively small, such as the mining district on the western edge near Big Creek and a small area near Thunder Mountain and Lightning Peak.
ATVs are helpful on primitive roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended outside wilderness
Hunters must hike or ride horses to reach most wilderness hunting sites
A trailhead is just west of Thunder Mountain
Big Creek Campground has four units
A trailhead to the wilderness is just north of Big Creek Campground
Camping and Lodging
Hunters outside the wilderness usually camp along public roads, while wilderness campers rely on backpack or wall tents. No towns with motels are close enough to the unit that staying in town at night is possible.
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