Idaho Mule deer unit 48

[Rufenit]

Hey guys, I am talking to a friend about packing with mules into the back country of unit 48. I've been doing a lot of research and looking at google earth. I have hunted unit 19 and 76 quite a bit but haven't had the success I'm hoping for. I have been fortunate enough to have taken many deer in my 35+ years of hunting and it's now time to seek an area with true trophy potential.

From what I've seen there are plenty of trail Heads and motor cycle trails that are closed to bikes during hunting season. I'm looking around the bear peak area or something that's further north in the unit that possibly borders unit 43. I am hoping to get in an area that is very rugged where a person could glass for hours.

I'm hoping someone might be willing to point me I a direction that might get me into some country like that. I simply don't know or have a starting point. Thanks

[Bud McGavran]

Rufenit,
I just ran across this post. Did you end up Mule Deer hunting in the back country of 48 in Idaho? If so, How did you do? I've been looking into 48 for Deer in the back country for this fall. Wondering if you could steer me in the right direction?
Thanks!
Bud

[RC3]

I'm sure there are some good bucks somewhere in 48 but all I can tell you is I hunt it for elk, and the past 2 years I've seen a total of 3 deer. 

[NoBark]

Hunted it for elk last year.  Saw 1 Deer.  Scouted in July and saw a lot more. 

[theleo]

I'd be sticking to the low country for deer. This year, and that area, got hit hard with snow that has been seen in a few decades. I'd be expecting a fairly big winter kill for deer and the ones that survive to mainly be residing in the lower elevations/foothills until the populations rebound after a few years. For targeting a unit specifically I wouldn't spend the money for a deer tag to hunt 48.

[Rufenit]

Thanks for the info. I actually tried hiking back in towards Bear peak two seasons ago and fount that most of the trails have been washed out due to snow run off and erosion after the fires. I got in about a mile and had to turn around. I think all that area is going to have drastically low deer numbers from this years winter kill.(hope I'm wrong)