Idaho deer question

[Tbob]

Hey all,
    So my nephew told me that he’d like to give some deer hunting a try. I’m super stoked to take this upstanding young man out. He’s got limited time, but we discussed it and we’re going to put in for Idaho with the new draw system for non-residents. I’ve never hunted Idaho but always wanted too and I’m just trying to show my nephew a fun time out (camping, being in the woods, learning some skills). I’ve picked out 2 units to put in for so far (unit 39 and unit 28). We’re trying to focus mostly on Mule deer we decided. Can any of you guys point me in the right direction for our other 3 unit choices for the draw? Not looking for specific spots, just a descent general season gmu or two to show this kid a good time.. I definitely appreciate any advice or insights yall can offer. Thanks so much and good luck to everyone in the ID drawing!! Feel free to PM me if you’re not comfortable discussing GMU’s on here.. 👍

[Antlershed]

How old is your nephew?

[Tbob]

He’s 20 years old. He’s a hard working young man.. right out of high school he got his journeyman electricians license and works his tail off. I think we can get out for a week next year and just starting some planning just in case we draw a unit.

[dilleytech]

I wouldn’t describe unit 39 as a fun time. Pick a unit with less hunters

[IdeehoT]

39 is packed now, I ditched a good area last year because of too many people and lack of good bucks. Lots of little bucks, but I'm pretty much done with 39.

[pd]

39 is packed now, I ditched a good area last year because of too many people and lack of good bucks. Lots of little bucks, but I'm pretty much done with 39.

With all of the recent immigration to the Treasure Valley, I am not surprised to hear this.

[Tbob]

Thanks for the info there. I’ll do some more research then and maybe try and ditch unit 39 off my application.

[High Climber]

The reverse psychology is strong around here these days   

[huntnnw]

also highly unlikely that you will draw anything 2-5 choices

[trophyhunt]

The reverse psychology is strong around here these days   

"Unit 39 is NOT the unit you seek"     lol

[2MANY]

In the past you have hired an outfitter and then returned the next year DYI.
Perhaps that's a good way to go.

[andrew_in_idaho]

also highly unlikely that you will draw anything 2-5 choices

I’d beg to differ, I think a lot of units will almost exclusively be 2nd-5th choices


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[MMCCAULEY]

also highly unlikely that you will draw anything 2-5 choices

I’d beg to differ, I think a lot of units will almost exclusively be 2nd-5th choices


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I think it'll just depend on what unit you're going for.  I'm sure some whitetail tags will fall in that range. 

[Mtnwalker]

Tbob the IDFG website has quite a bit of useful information as far as harvest and hunter numbers go. I would start there, find some units that look promising to you then get on Onx or Google earth. Check out the topography, road systems or lack thereof and see if it looks like a good match for the style of hunting you'll be doing. Do you want steep and deep or do you want something more accessible. I've never hunted 39 but I've heard plenty of stories, 9070 modern hunters last year is pretty telling. 28 can be a decent hunt but it is big, steep country. Just depends what you're after. Not many people are going to recommend a unit that they actually like with tags being harder to get these days, I'd rely on your own research and send it 

[addicted1]

also highly unlikely that you will draw anything 2-5 choices

I’d beg to differ, I think a lot of units will almost exclusively be 2nd-5th choices


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It depends on how many people are putting in for the draw and their approach to the draw. I’d tend to think most will get their 2-5 options, if they are shooting for low tag allocations across the board. I tend to think most guys will be trying to go their usual units? I know I am planning on it.

[luvmystang67]

I would seriously just dive thorugh the harvest results, figure out where success rates are best with the number of participating hunters you like.