idaho 2020, looking for input

[greenhead_killer]

so my dad and i are headed over in a few weeks for deer. we will be hunting unit one on the east end of the unit. i called idaho fng but was given the busy tone and told to call back but maybe some of you regulars from over there can answer a few of my questions. we will be getting there around the 18th of nov and staying for a week or so.

camping: what are the restrictions? are we allowed to camp on state land? nf land? what about timber co land? do we have to have a permit for access there to hunt and/or camp?

wolf situation: we both have wolf tags and would gladly put the smack down on a few, but what is the reality of actually running into them? again, we will be in the east/south east part of unit one.

bears:my dad is concerned we will run into grizzlies but i assured him the likelihood is very slim, even if it werent the beginning of winter. any thoughts here?

timberland properties: do we need permits to access to camp/hunt on these properties? there are numerous companies in the area we want to target and i just want to verify we will be ok throughout the hunt. we have onx so we can mind our ps and qs, no issues.

deer population: anyone know what to somewhat expect? without giving away too much info on where we are hunting, just curious to see if anyone else has experience in the area and first hand knowledge.

we are going somewhat blind, as far as active boots on the ground, but i think with our experience we will be fine. just had a few questions that some of you might be able to answer. if youre not 100% sure, thats fine, ill make another attempt at calling over and getting more clarity if need be. i know its getting pretty close to time for me to be asking these things, but they were last minute thoughts i had. thanks for any replies. if youd prefer to pm and discuss, thats fine with me. not looking for spots as we already have a pretty good idea of where we are going to start.

thanks ghk

[Karl Blanchard]

Odds of griz and wolves is very very low.

This isn't washington so state or NF is good to go for camping.

Deer populations are stable. You'll find something to shoot at im sure. Its also not Montana so keep optimism at an acceptable level.

As for timber company properties, I can't answer that.

[bearpaw]

You can camp most anywhere on public lands where there is room.

There are plenty of wolves but they are exceedingly wise and rare to see.

The griz are more likely seen in remote areas, stay closer to humans to avoid them plus there are higher deer numbers close to humans.

Deer numbers are down compared to a few years ago just like they are in NE WA but there is still fairly good hunting to be had.

Inland Paper is the only company I know of to require permits.

[fishngamereaper]

Potlatch requires a permit to camp and ride quads but it's open to walk in hunting.  Plenty of FS land to camp on though.

Everything else has been covered.

I cut wolf, cougar and grizz tracks every trip into the country, but they are rarley seen.

Don't pass on legal deer unless your trophy hunting. They are pretty skittish up there.

[greenhead_killer]

thanks for the replies so far guys. we are targeting whitetail, no need for those stinky md to muck up my freezer 

[Stein]

I'm surprised wolves are so rare there, I run into them about 3 out of 4 years in MT.  They must get shot at much more often there.

[KFhunter]

I seen 3 wolves Idaho Potlatch land.

2 were together and were running full tilt early in the morning, seen for like half a second - no shot possibility at all, they hit the timber.

The other was at night heading back to camp, I have bright led spotlights above the cab and seen the wolf 400 yards out in a clearcut running like crazy.

Watching that wolf cover that clearcut, at night, where it's difficult and slow for me to walk in the daylight, was impressive.


Wasn't sure I could shoot at night, so didn't think about it (not that I had a shot anyways it was too far out and moving too fast)

I need to read up on night hunting rules for ID predators.


They are *very* wary, nothing like WA wolves that'll sit and look at you...ID wolves have been well trained!

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[tony04]

Be prepared to be passed by quads or side by sides when walking behind gated roads. Even gates that are posted for non-motorized use have trails around them. Gets a little frustrating at times.

[greenhead_killer]

Thanks for the heads up. I’m not worried about guys riding past. They won’t be in the same spots I’ll be, or at least getting to. If so, lots of area. I hear what you’re saying and will plan accordingly.

[Machias]

Be prepared to be passed by quads or side by sides when walking behind gated roads. Even gates that are posted for non-motorized use have trails around them. Gets a little frustrating at times.

That's because it's perfectly legal on most gated roads.  Don't think I've seen a gated road posted closed to ATVs.

[kramman]

So I am hunting idaho here the week before Thanksgiving,  some private timber lands post their roads as walk in only even if there is not a gate. So I will be abiding by those rules even if others don't.
 I'll be hunting unit 5, and have talked to the fng person for that unit. Best of luck to you.

[andrew_in_idaho]

Be prepared to be passed by quads or side by sides when walking behind gated roads. Even gates that are posted for non-motorized use have trails around them. Gets a little frustrating at times.

That's because it's perfectly legal on most gated roads.  Don't think I've seen a gated road posted closed to ATVs.

Not on National Forest land, a gated road means it is closed to all motorized travel


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[Mtnwalker]

I was just in central Idaho last week and there were many gated roads marked as no vehicles, atv’s, or motorcycles. Some of them had a “Restricted Access” sign, some had the placards showing what was and was not allowed, and some were just green gates. We were in national forest but it did look like snowmobiles were allowed on some of them whereas atvs were not

[meatwhack]

Be prepared to be passed by quads or side by sides when walking behind gated roads. Even gates that are posted for non-motorized use have trails around them. Gets a little frustrating at times.

That's because it's perfectly legal on most gated roads.  Don't think I've seen a gated road posted closed to ATVs.

Gated roads don’t have to be posted to be closed to ATV use. It varies by timber company whether or not they’re allowed.

[greenhead_killer]

We’re all leg powered machines so I’m not worried about any of the atv stuff. I won’t let that dictate my hunt or deter me from going about my planned out hunts. I’ve killed animals those guys have driven right by, so it’s no different to me than any other obstacle I might encounter. Thanks for all the good replies so far though. Keep it coming.

[Naches Sportsman]

If you have a smart phone, download avenza and download the free motor vehicle use maps on the local forests page if you plan on hunting national forest land. They are very helpful and I always download those maps for work purposes or for fun. OnX is only so useful.


CBs are also useful in the panhandle units and elsewhere in Idaho. Lots of log truck traffic and this time of year some roads are dicey and not fun if you meet a loaded log truck or lowboy on one of them.

[KFhunter]

+1 on CB!

Had a log truck doing 40+ mph while I was on my little bike, put me in the weeds then I ate dirt.

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[Mudman]

I would consider a Trail 90, scooter, bike of sorts.  Get ya all back deep on some single track trails etc.

[greenhead_killer]

Still able to put a deer tag on a cat or bear?

[meatwhack]

Yes if there’s an open season.

[greenhead_killer]

I’ll def verify before I get there. Thanks!

[L8NITE]

Not familiar with the unit your going to be hunting but if there is any private timber verify on your onx and make sure you get an access pass...most now require a pass and some are free...inland empire will cost you. good luck and enjoy the trip!

[greenhead_killer]

will do. i think ive got us down to be almost 95% in nf lands, but there are some private timberlands around. we havent hunted idaho in 10 years and this is a somewhat blind trip but im stoked for it!

[andrew_in_idaho]

Still able to put a deer tag on a cat or bear?

Wolf as well


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[Bango skank]

I just got here to unit 1 today about 1130am.  Hiked a couple miles past a locked gate.  Saw a muley buck on a doe from too far off to tell if he was good. Crossed a nasty jungle canyon and 3 creeks to get to him.  Got right up close.  Just a big forky.  Damn.  Woulda been done if he was good.  Pretty damn impressive for a forky though.  I was half tempted.

[greenhead_killer]

I’d love to whack a super 2! I would have shot hahaha. My dad and I are getting stoked. I think it’s gonna be hot when we get there. Well have three days for md then the rest is just wt...or just all wt for me!

[greenhead_killer]

less than a week until we take off. looks like the area is going to get some snow pretty hard these next few days. might have to adjust areas based on snow level and scout/hunt the first few days to get familiar with it all. ive been talking to a few others who have hunted this area, everyone keeps saying dont get your hopes up. ive hunted wa for 25 years, nothing can be worse than that!

[Taco280AI]

Just be willing to hike higher and farther than the other hunters and you'll find deer.

[greenhead_killer]

thanks everyone for the input on this hunt. i have not hunted as hard as i did and had not seen a buck in a long time. we went 1/3 with it being a little basket 4. only buck seen in 8 days of hunting. we had a wolf about 200 yards from camp on sat night, maybe thats why it shut down. have not been in an area that looked so good, yet lacked animals.

my dad and i drove around monday after that skiff of snow. put quite a few miles on and only cut one set of fresh tracks. i am still in shock over the lack of animals. there were areas with quite a bit of sign, but nothing attached to it.

friday i moved units and tried a few different spots. i just dont think it was my year for idaho. everywhere i thought would be holding deer, i ran into wolf tracks and sign. i am either losing my touch with deer hunting or have found a new calling in wolf locating! i think ill head over in feb when the snow is a bit deeper and try to get after some wolves.

anyhow, hope the rest of you did well. stay away from the panhandle!  haha