Idaho Units 39, 43 and 44 Fires

[huntnphool]

Lots of fires over there this year, I hope it doesn't effect you guys with long awaited tags for those units.

[huntnphool]

Some pics of 44

[huntindork]

Im hoping it doesn't hurt us too much as I finally got a 44 deer tag and my 12 Yr old Boy got a 44 Elk tag. Not looking great but hopefully the fires may help?

[huntnphool]

Not looking great but hopefully the fires may help?

Yeah, they should help those with 45 tags.

[jjhunter]

There were fires in 39 and 43 last year that restricted visibility for the 44 opener.  We thought it would push some deer down early into 45, but it didn't.  In fact, the migration was overall later than in a normal year.  I know two guys that had tags last year and both killed good deer.  One bigger and one smaller than my 45 buck 

I have hunted that area every year for the past 5 years (43/44 border, 48 and 45 and 52).  Those fires are burning up some good country, especially in 44.  I have  buddies with 52 and 45 tags  this year and they report that the upper end of the units have been un-glassable the last 3 weeks.   If you can't glass long range in that country, you are at a severe disadvantage....

44 is gonna be tough.  If I had a tag, I'd go the last week of Oct and hope that  there is a late snow/migration from the north, or, the residents bucks that hunker low, will come out and chase does.

 

[jjhunter]

If IDFG offers a rain-check this year on the 44 tags, I'd take it.  That tag comes around once in a blue moon and you need to capitalize on the opportunity!

[boneaddict]

They might blow through the burn faster and fill 45 though.  hmmmmmmm

[jjhunter]

They might blow through the burn faster and fill 45 though.  hmmmmmmm

Just some advice from a WA boy who spends too much time in Idaho....

[huntnphool]

There were fires in 39 and 43 last year that restricted visibility for the 44 opener.  We thought it would push some deer down early into 45, but it didn't.  In fact, the migration was overall later than in a normal year.  I know two guys that had tags last year and both killed good deer.  One bigger and one smaller than my 45 buck 

I have hunted that area every year for the past 5 years (43/44 border, 48 and 45 and 52).  Those fires are burning up some good country, especially in 44.  I have  buddies with 52 and 45 tags  this year and they report that the upper end of the units have been un-glassable the last 3 weeks.   If you can't glass long range in that country, you are at a severe disadvantage....

44 is gonna be tough.  If I had a tag, I'd go the last week of Oct and hope that  there is a late snow/migration from the north, or, the residents bucks that hunker low, will come out and chase does.

 

Good info right there.

[boneaddict]

They might blow through the burn faster and fill 45 though.  hmmmmmmm

Just some advice from a WA boy who spends too much time in Idaho....

   I was thinking I should be booking at least a week there this fall with my camera.

[huntnphool]

They might blow through the burn faster and fill 45 though.  hmmmmmmm

Just some advice from a WA boy who spends too much time in Idaho....

   I was thinking I should be booking at least a week there this fall with my camera.

I'll be over there getting some pics, I'll let you know if I find any good ones.

[boneaddict]

   Not sure which emoticon to use.  

[jjhunter]

They might blow through the burn faster and fill 45 though.  hmmmmmmm

Just some advice from a WA boy who spends too much time in Idaho....

   I was thinking I should be booking at least a week there this fall with my camera.

Follow my advice, only take a camera!   

[huntindork]

I think I am going to  try to make a quick trip down the weekend of Sept 7th just to see whats shaking.  If it looks alright and seeing bucks I will head down for the opener if not I will wait until later in the season. I doubt they will give a rain check but maybe.

[jjhunter]

Have you spoken with Idaho Fish and Game?  According the folks that I have been talking to, it is a likely possibilty:

hunters affected by fire closures have options


Hunters affected by national forest lands closed because of wildfires in the Magic Valley Region have the option to exchange their Smoky Mountain Zone elk A-tag.

As the fire slows, more of the Smoky Mountain Zone - game management units 43, 44 and 48 - is being opened. Only a small percentage of units 43 and 48 were affected; much of the fire is in Unit 44, which is not open for the archery portion of the A-tag elk hunt.

The archery A-tag season for elk in the Smoky Mountain Zone begins August 30. Hunters may exchange Smoky Mountain Zone elk tags for another zone at any Idaho Fish and Game office before August 30.

Other hunts affected by the closure area include a controlled deer hunt in Unit 44 that opens on September 15, and controlled bull elk hunts that open September 25. Several additional hunts open in October. Fish and Game will continue to monitor access restrictions and fire boundaries in those areas as those hunts draw nearer.

Fish and Game has a number of options for hunters whose hunting access is severely restricted by wildfires or closures, including exchanging controlled hunt tags for general season tags, rain checks for the following year, and in some cases refunds.

As fire and closure boundaries change, Fish and Game will determine which of these options are appropriate to different hunts and will publicize those options at least 10 days before the hunts' opening date.

For more information about upcoming hunts, contact the Fish and Game Magic Valley office at 208-324-4359.

Hunters, anglers and other backcountry travelers are advised to check with U.S. Forest Service ranger district offices or county sheriffs' offices before heading out. For fire updates go to: http://www.inciweb.org/state/13/.

For additional fire information check the Hunt Planner Map Center at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/huntplanner/mapcenter/, and at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/ifwis/maps/realtime/fire/.