Deer Hunting in Idaho - Unit 26

[Bullbuster]

Looking to go into Unit 26 this year in Idaho, and was curious if anyone has been there before, and could provide a little advice on the area.  Mainly looking at around the Cabin Creek or Soldiers bar airstrip.  I have heard it is steep county, and that isn't so concerning.  I am more curious on the quality of deer in this area.

[JM]

It's Idaho. The quality is usually there as long as you're willing to put in some blood, sweat, tears and a lot of time into your hunt. It also doesn't hurt to be really lucky

[actionshooter]

If you see a 140, you better take it. Hunted it several times.

[whuppinstick]

Looking to go into Unit 26 this year in Idaho, and was curious if anyone has been there before, and could provide a little advice on the area.  Mainly looking at around the Cabin Creek or Soldiers bar airstrip.  I have heard it is steep county, and that isn't so concerning.  I am more curious on the quality of deer in this area.

This can be a really tough unit. I've guided that whole section from Cabin Creek to the West and it can be good if you can find the deer.  Last year I went in solo during the last eight days of season.  I was probably 10+ miles to the nearest human and over that entire time I saw a grand total of five deer.  One was a tiny three-point buck, the other four were does and fawns a couple miles away.  I put a lot of time into glassing and walking but the deer just were not where I was.  They exist back there, but you can waste a lot of time finding them.  There are deer around Cabin Creek and Soldier Bar, but there's also a lot of hunters so the quality might not be worth the cost of tags and flights.

[Elkstuffer]

Wow! based on what David said I'd be inclined to look elsewhere Unless you have a couple weeks to put into it and maybe a trip or two for scouting ahead of time.

[alecvg]

I spent 3 months guiding in that unit last year, based out of Cabin Creek and to the west.  Some good deer, but you will have to work your ass off to get them.  Easy to find lots of little bucks!

[wazzu99]

Alecvg

Were you working for Mile High?

[alecvg]

Yes I was.  Will be for a few hunts this year as well.

[autodink13]

Are u guys talking about a general season hunt or the controlled November hunt?

[whuppinstick]

Are u guys talking about a general season hunt or the controlled November hunt?

Controlled November.  The other guy is generally talking about the entire season, but most of the action happens in November.

When I came out on the last day of the season there were about 10-15 other hunters at the airport in McCall who had also been brought out.  Of all the deer I saw there, maaybe 1-2 were on the edge of something I'd have considered shooting in the last two days of the season (140-150).

[wazzu99]

Alec, sent you a pm

[alecvg]

Big bucks are hard to come by.  In November, I saw only a couple I would have shot, one was a 30-32 wide, old three point (Hunter shot the wrong buck) and the other was a 170" four point I saw without hunters with me.  I have a friend who did shoot a buck in there that was right at thirty wide, and grossed right at 180"  But he hunted hard, and that was by far the biggest deer he saw after ten days of hunting, he was also prepared to hunt the entire late season backpack hunting.  If you are willing to put in a lot of miles and days hunting, it is possible to kill a nice buck.  There are certainly better areas to hunt though. 

[Beargravy]

I did that hunt in nov.2010 with a friend never saw any hunters one of the purest experiences of my life both of ended up with a decent 4pts. The physical element is the biggest concern steep is an understatement. good luck

[Bullbuster]

Appreciate the insight on the area.  I'm not as concerned with the physical elements of the hunt since we do a lot of same hunts and train for them year around.  One of my bigger concerns with the area after hours of google earth scouting is where to find water.  Do many of those drainages hold water?  Any info on this would be appreciated.

I am happy to hear that the pressure is low, since we are really in it for the experience.  Obviously a trophy animal would be a bonus, but it is good to hear their are decent bucks in the area. 

If you have any info you would be willing to share on area that you think we should concentrate on it would be appreciated.