Author Topic: Idaho 2016 (Read 13205 times)

Meat Truck · « **on:** December 20, 2015, 09:42:28 AM »

So my old man is getting older and we're thinking about going on a trip to Idaho next year. Neither of us care about setting any records, we just want to go somewhere that there aren't so many people running around, and increase our odds of success.

We'd like to do OTC, and hike in a few miles somewhere and be somewhere we can rifle hunt mule deer and elk. Just kind of looking for some pointers as I've never gone out of state before, and I'll probably only be able to get over there to scout one time for a few days. Right now, I'm thinking about unit 27, but am open to other Ideas. I'm also not opposed to Montana or Colorado, I just want to have a good time, so any help or advice would be appreciated.

Bigshooter · « **Reply #1 on:** December 21, 2015, 04:35:56 AM »

Eastern MT mule deer would be hard to beat for someone that has never hunted out of state before.

Meat Truck · « **Reply #2 on:** December 21, 2015, 12:53:54 PM »

thanks for the tip. i'm looking at that too. looks like a lot of land over there, i'll keep checking it out.

ShaneTyTrey · « **Reply #3 on:** December 21, 2015, 01:57:27 PM »

Montana has by far the most BLM land and access in quality areas from my experience!

Meat Truck · « **Reply #4 on:** December 30, 2015, 02:31:43 PM »

The more I look at Idaho unit 27, the more I think I'm going to go that way. Probably just mule deer this time and if I like what I see enough, maybe add an elk tag in 2017. It looks gnarly, but that's how we like it.

My only concern is that I'd like to go in November and wonder how bad the weather can get. I'm not a weenie, but I'd rather not die or have my truck buried in snow or something stupid like that. Looking on the Idaho fish and game website, the success rates seem pretty stinkin good. I think if I just pick a trail and go, there should be some deer. Piece of cake

Mr Mykiss · « **Reply #5 on:** December 30, 2015, 02:43:40 PM »

Unit 27, November, weather, truck...it could get dammed bad. Like you could go in and be stuck there for an extra week. Probably won't happen but it might. I could be familiar with the area(s) you're looking to hunt...I'll help if I can. Hunting will be good, it's the gettin in and gettin out factor that makes all the difference.

Meat Truck · « **Reply #6 on:** December 30, 2015, 03:31:24 PM »

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking. I guess I better come up with a good backup plan just in case it looks too dicey. Maybe a second choice area, or maybe tell work and my wife I might be late coming back

theleo · « **Reply #7 on:** December 30, 2015, 03:34:00 PM »

Quote from: Mr Mykiss on December 30, 2015, 02:43:40 PM

Unit 27, November, weather, truck...it could get dammed bad. Like you could go in and be stuck there for an extra week. Probably won't happen but it might. I could be familiar with the area(s) you're looking to hunt...I'll help if I can. Hunting will be good, it's the gettin in and gettin out factor that makes all the difference.

This is sound advice for the majority of units north of I-84. I've been in unit 49 when it went from a bright sunny day in the low 60's to 8 inches of snow on the ground and in the mid 20's the next morning. Wettest, coldest, most miserable night riding on a horse that I've ever spent and it was a mid October hunt.

MADMAX · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2016, 12:41:06 PM »

Going to try and scout unit 22 and 23 for mule deer this spring
If it looks promising i'm going to try and hunt it

grade-creek-rd · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2016, 02:57:32 PM »

Unit 27 via truck in November is not an option. Any/all roads that come close to the border of the unit are at extremely high elevations or have to go over high mountain passes. We fly out of Cascade and McCall will usually have a foot or two in November and it's 2,000 ft below any passes you would have to go over.

Look to unit 26, 39 or 44...at least those units have foothills that you can hunt and in November the bucks are pushed down.

good luck,

Grade

Meat Truck · « **Reply #10 on:** January 04, 2016, 06:10:24 PM »

The more I got to looking, it looked like driving in november was not going to work where I was thinking about going. The roads are closed that late. So plan B is gonna have to be going lower, or fly in. I appreciate the help, thanks guys.

andrew_in_idaho · « **Reply #11 on:** January 04, 2016, 07:21:27 PM »

Quote from: MADMAX on January 04, 2016, 12:41:06 PM

Going to try and scout unit 22 and 23 for mule deer this spring
If it looks promising i'm going to try and hunt it

Just remember unit 22 is 2 point only unless you draw a controlled hunt

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MADMAX · « **Reply #12 on:** January 05, 2016, 05:44:32 AM »

thanks
i'd shoot a big wide 2x
but prefer 3pt or better
dont we all

spin05 · « **Reply #13 on:** January 06, 2016, 03:52:10 AM »

Quote from: grade-creek-rd on January 04, 2016, 02:57:32 PM

Unit 27 via truck in November is not an option. Any/all roads that come close to the border of the unit are at extremely high elevations or have to go over high mountain passes. We fly out of Cascade and McCall will usually have a foot or two in November and it's 2,000 ft below any passes you would have to go over.

Look to unit 26, 39 or 44...at least those units have foothills that you can hunt and in November the bucks are pushed down.

good luck,

Grade

Unit 39 is not open in November for Rifle deer. And it is steep. It is however open for elk during November

UBA · « **Reply #14 on:** January 06, 2016, 09:41:22 AM »

39 is only open for rifle elk like the first week if I remember correctly. Then it's all bow

andrew_in_idaho · « **Reply #15 on:** January 09, 2016, 08:03:30 PM »

UBA is correct

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spin05 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 11, 2016, 04:15:24 AM »

yup. pretty much an archery show

Karl Blanchard · « **Reply #17 on:** January 11, 2016, 04:06:01 PM »

39 and 43 are also the most hunted units in the state so take that into consideration.

Karl Blanchard · « **Reply #18 on:** January 11, 2016, 04:06:48 PM »

Quote from: Mr Mykiss on December 30, 2015, 02:43:40 PM

Unit 27, November, weather, truck...it could get dammed bad. Like you could go in and be stuck there for an extra week. Probably won't happen but it might. I could be familiar with the area(s) you're looking to hunt...I'll help if I can. Hunting will be good, it's the gettin in and gettin out factor that makes all the difference.

This guy is just a big sissy road hunter so I wouldn't listen to him

Mr Mykiss · « **Reply #19 on:** January 11, 2016, 04:12:58 PM »

You're half right on both accounts...

Karl Blanchard · « **Reply #20 on:** January 11, 2016, 04:20:04 PM »

theleo · « **Reply #21 on:** January 12, 2016, 10:58:29 AM »

Not really relevant to the units being discussed, but still Idaho.

Meat Truck · « **Reply #22 on:** January 13, 2016, 12:41:54 PM »

so the latest thought is unit 73. it's an unlimited draw and only one week in October for rifle. looks like they have the motorized vehicle restrictions, so I should be able to find a place to get back a few miles and get away. either that, or unit 27 sometime in October. I'm trying to balance the chance of getting a nice deer with getting away from the masses.

looks like the success rates are a little better in 73 and it has easier access, but 27 sure looks like an experience. i'll be hiking in, and i'm not totally insane, so probably 4 or 5 miles would be good. but if i'm going to drive 10+ hours, i'd like to maximize my chances at a nice deer too. any thoughts?

Bigshooter · « **Reply #23 on:** January 13, 2016, 05:11:31 PM »

I would stay away from 73. And Idfg does a piss poor job policing motorized restricted areas. If you want to get away from the crowds and do a back pack hunt I suggest flying into unit 27 or hiking back into unit 43 or 39.

And if you want to hunt just deer hunt eastern MT like I said before.

andrew_in_idaho · « **Reply #24 on:** January 13, 2016, 07:51:54 PM »

I don't have any experience with either 27 or 73 but from everything I've heard 73 is overcrowded with hunters and deer are few and far between and there is not a lot of area to get away from the roads. 27 is the opposite from what I hear

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buckandbullminingco · « **Reply #25 on:** January 14, 2016, 06:20:02 AM »

Quote from: Bigshooter on January 13, 2016, 05:11:31 PM

I would stay away from 73. And Idfg does a piss poor job policing motorized restricted areas. If you want to get away from the crowds and do a back pack hunt I suggest flying into unit 27 or hiking back into unit 43 or 39.

And if you want to hunt just deer hunt eastern MT like I said before.

What he said ^ both units have steep draws and canyons. hike away from the roads and quad trails and you will do good!

trophyhunt · « **Reply #26 on:** January 14, 2016, 06:47:07 AM »

I did 73 when it was a tough tag to get, beautiful country but damn poachers were everywhere and vehicles where they were not supposed to be. Hiked in one time for a couple miles and at the top of the hill, a damn dirt bike leaning up against a tree, should have put a bullet in the engine but we left it alone. Hiked in before light one early morning and saw a truck driving around in the dark, lights on, lights off. I went and talked to the local law enforcement, he just said there isn't enough wardens for that area. Too bad, I loved the terrain.

fishngamereaper · « **Reply #27 on:** January 14, 2016, 07:03:12 AM »

Don't be deterred from the Frank Church based on assumed weather. Yes it can snow the first week of Nov but some years it doesn't. Its kind of like hunting the eastside draw units for Muleys. Few years ago they didn't see snow till the last week of Nov. There are places that roads get you into the Church and some areas that roads get you close enough. Take a spring road trip and road scout. See what looks good to you.

Meat Truck · « **Reply #28 on:** January 14, 2016, 02:16:36 PM »

Lots of stuff to think about. Thanks for all the help, I appreciate it.

Twang · « **Reply #29 on:** January 21, 2016, 05:19:12 PM »

really love 27. Base camp complete, back pack complete but super light, snow equals water equals mobility unless you want to see a few others. At least until you find unmarked spring. Dont plan on that happening, celebrate if you do Live on top 3 or 4 days, longer if you can. A partner is good. Dont pack extra stuff You will need to glass a bit. It can be amazing and it can be a hunt. Do that and you will want the elk tag and need the partner. If you do this and send pictures I will share all my mistakes over the years

2MANY · « **Reply #30 on:** January 22, 2016, 10:42:47 AM »

Norton Ridge

Stickerbush · « **Reply #31 on:** January 22, 2016, 04:31:13 PM »

Interested in Idaho as well, just started looking at the regs

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Author Topic: Idaho 2016 (Read 13205 times)

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