Unit 39 idaho

[Deerelk37]

Hey everyone. Going to unit 39 this year. Didn’t know how lottery would go with our group of 3 being thousands apart in line so we chose the safest unit we could all get a tag for. I understand this unit had 11k hunters in it, but also looks huge. Should we just try to get as far way from Boise as possible? Meat hunters-not picky. Usually do day hunts. Do certain areas/elevations hold mostly elk or are deer and elk mixed in pockets in all places. I have hunted units 21 and 50 last couple years. Could offer info for info if interested. Thanks

[Limhangerslayer]

You bought the tag, go learn it and hunt and enjoy yourself.  There are Honey holes in the unit, but we’ve spent time learning and will not give it out.  That’s the easiest and nicest way I can explain it.

[bkaech]

I don't know the entire unit, but from the parts of the unit that I am familiar I would say that the deer are everywhere, but bucks tend to stay out of sight(like most places). Elk could be everywhere, but like certain pockets and move from pocket to pocket. Why they like these, who knows? For elevation I say it is similar to anywhere else, seasonal changes move both animals up or down. There is plenty of public land and lots of places to camp on that land. There is also lots of horse trails, and dirt-bike trails in certain areas that can get you in further from roads. It a big unit, the game are throughout, just go find them.

[Deerelk37]

I apologize if I seemed to be asking for honey holes. I was just trying to ask general information without a divulgence of anybodies areas or spots. Thank you for the replies. For example in unit 21 I found that deer tended to be around 6k feet, but closer to the pass (8k) was mostly elk with fewer deer mixed in. It was completely different from the high alpine basin hunting I experienced in unit 50 the following year-everything was vertical with no roads throughout the top of the unit. Was all glassing vs covering country.   That’s all I meant

[Caveman123]

Last year was my first year hunting it, there’s a saying out there that it’s harder to find a camping spot than deer. Lots of guys on dirt scooters don’t have one but wish I did. Rained the whole time. Saw a few deer pulled out met a lot of guys and saw 2 albino turkeys. Don’t drive in on a Sunday afternoon lots of rigs coming out and it got a little sketchy. It’s a huge area and difficult to pick a spot, with all the road traffic road hunting would not be at all my strategy, pick a spot and walk. Pm me if you want hear how the hunt went. Best of luck!

[ThurstonCokid]

I’ve hunted it a few days. Northwest portion of the unit. Saw a few decent bucks that were extremely spooked and wasn’t able to get shots. Saw a few nice bulls around(i had a deer tag)


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[jstone]

Purchase a wolf tag

[Deerelk37]

Purchase a wolf tag

Already done!

Thanks for the replies y’all. Ready for season to be here!

[de0827]

Are you hunting deer or elk (or both)?  I seem to remember the seasons don't overlap in that unit but elk starts the day after deer ends.

[Deerelk37]

Deer

[de0827]

I have only hunted elk there, but have some relatives that have hunted deer.  Plenty of deer around, and yes plenty of people too (a lot of road hunters).  Best to get away from the roads as much as you can.  Good luck and have fun!

[boneaddict]

A lot of game, but very popular unit to hunt.    I suppose kinda similiar to what the Methow used to be.

[Deerelk37]

Truck hunting will be ok you think? I consider my strength covering ground, but it’s also a detriment as I can’t sit and glass for hours without getting antsy.

I hunted the methow a few years before my dad got Alzheimer’s. Thompson ridge area and chewuck. Saw a million 2 pts and does but growing a third point was difficult. I look at stats although I know not very accurate but success has def plummeted. I want to go back because I like the area but haven’t due to all the things I’ve read and heard. I hope it changes trajectory before all is lost.

[Taco280AI]

If you truck hunt you'll have plenty of company.

If you can't sit for hours, don't. Hike, glass, hike glass.

[Ironhead]

Get as far off the roads as possible, find yourself some good canyons with water nearby and glass. After the suns up glass the shadows. There are a lot of Deer in 39 and lots of hunters.