2020 Idaho Deer Hunt

[Muleyslyr]

I headed to ID for the first time on a solo trip in search of a big Mule Deer. A unit I had never been to and only researched online. Learning about this unit, and state for that matter, I knew it was going to be difficult to hunt without a motorcycle or horses. With that in mind my plan was to backpack in for 2-3 day trips into hard to reach areas. If I wasn’t finding anything good, I’d hike out and try a different area. Day one hiking into my first area, I got about 3.5mi in when I came face to face with a Wolf at 15yds. With nothing by trekking poles in my hands as my rifle was strapped to my pack, I stood frozen. Luckily he saw me at the same time I saw him and he turned and went back up the trail. I was able to snap a quick video of him from my phone, but when he stopped and turned back toward me at 30yds is when I was able to frantically take my pack off and pull the rifle out. By then he had slithered into the timber and I never got a shot. Got a grainy pic off the cell video.



I continued on up the hill and found a spot I could set up camp that wasn’t far from a basin I was anxious to get glass on for a few days.



After a sleepless, cold night knowing my wolf buddy wasn’t far behind me somewhere, I was up early and hiked to a decent vantage point where I’d spend most the day glassing different vantage points and taking in some good high country eats.





Was able to cover a lot of good big buck country but after 2.5 days I wasn’t turning up any bucks. Did find 3 other sets of wolf track in the area tho. Doesn’t help. And one heard of about a dozen elk with a good bull still hanging with his cows. Again another graining photo from the phoneskope is all I have to show for it.



I decided to hike out on the third day back to my truck and base camp. Was good to have a good meal and good nights sleep. Regroup and try and different area. I spent two more days in the area around my camp but was finding I just couldn’t get to where I wanted to go without the use of a bike or horse. I exhausted every spot in that area and after 5 days, decided I needed to pack up and move out. I drove to a completely different part of the unit to an area that looked good on google and onX I had marked. Something more accessible by foot and an area I could cover a lot of country. It was a crap shoot but I was going to give myself a day and a half and then had to head home. After resetting up camp and getting situated I decided to hike into an area for last few hours of daylight that day and find a spot that would look good to hunt the next day. As I crested a finger ridge and was coming up to an area I could get the glass out, I looked into the draw next to me and spotted a large black ball of fur. It only took a few seconds with the Vortex UHD’s to realize it was a black bear laying there balled up like a dog in front of the fire snoring. I stood there for a brief moment and contemplated should I or shouldn’t I... After almost a week of pounding this unit and not finding any good bucks worth putting my tag on, and essentially one day left to hunt, I decided I’d love to come home with a good bear. So got set up with the rifle on the bipod and at 168yds waited for him to get up. Nothing. Finally after a half hour he at least repositioned himself in a way where his head was moved and his entire body was exposed. Settled the crosshairs on the vitals and with one squeeze of the trigger my hunt was over. In the great state of Idaho for those that aren’t aware, one can actually use their deer tag on a black bear or cougar.







I was fortunate to have already taken a good archery mule deer here in WA during early season and still have a Montana deer tag in my pocket so I was more than happy to sandwich this bear in between those two. Great to hunt a new area and learn new country and push myself in ways I haven’t before. I’ll be back next year and already looking forward to what I will learn and what I will find.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ShaneTyTrey]

Awesome, congrats, way to put the work in!

[blackveltbowhunter]

That's a real pretty hide on that bear. Nice trade!! 

[Karl Blanchard]

Jet black with a light brown muzzle is my dream bear. Congrats and thanks for sharing

[Buckjunkie]

Yep, beautiful bear!! Congratulations

[Machias]

Nice job on a great hunt!!

[h3x0ctb1n]

I haven't capitalized on any of my ID tags, and might not this year, but this is kind of how I envision my initial attempts as well. Congrats on the bear, the memories, and the knowledge you've built!

[RoostrCogburn]

Nice bear and fun story, thanks for sharing

[csaaphill]

 
grats

[Muleyslyr]

Jet black with a light brown muzzle is my dream bear. Congrats and thanks for sharing

Thanks. Wasn't sure what I was gonna do with him but you're right, that jet black coat and super light face will make for a cool rug.

[go4steelhd]

Nice work!!!

[brew]

awesome job...congrats

[HikerHunter]

Beautiful hide, that's a trophy!

[boneaddict]

Sweet!

[Pathfinder101]

I'd be happy with that trade as well.  I've shot lots of deer... never a bear with a hide that pretty though...

[Muleyslyr]

I'd be happy with that trade as well.  I've shot lots of deer... never a bear with a hide that pretty though...

Thanks. I got my WA and MT mule deer so I’m pretty happy to sandwich this guy in between those two.😊

[pd]

That is very impressive.  It takes a lot to hunt by yourself, for days on end.  It gets lonely (and boring), I know.  The fact that you stuck with it says a lot about who you are.

And, nice bear, too.