any info on Idaho units 20A, 26, or 27?

[DBZona]

Hey guys.  I have never shot a muley before and am putting in for Idaho this year.  I already have my first choice down and have a wonderful area to hunt if drawn for that unit, but if not drawn, I want a good shot at still going after my first muledeer. 

Does anyone have any info on these units (20a, 26, 27) if I put them as my second choice.  THe biggest question is access?  From google earth it looks pretty remote.  I would just like to be able to get into an area with animals and not have to do a drop camp.  Cannot afford that.  So any input would be great.  thanks.

DB

[B.G.hunter]

I assume you are talking about the unlimited draw for those units during mule deer rut.  I have been doing some research on this myself.  This year a really good friend has paid for us to go with an outfitter this year in unit 26.  We will fly into the Frank Church wilderness and meet up with outfitter from there.  We will be about 25 or 30 miles from the closet road. 
From the people I have talk to who have hunted the other parts of these units (closer to the roads) they say you do have to know the unit a little bit because the deer move quiet a lot when the rut starts.  They say there are nice bucks but not many real big bucks.  One guy who had hunt there told me he saw several 140-150 class deer nothing bigger, but if you have never taken a mule deer that would not be a bad first one.  These units are extremely remote so scouting can be difficult and with the price of gas make every trip count.  All of these units are at least 50 miles or more from the closet full serves town, so bring everything you might need because it is a long way back.

[Bigshooter]

I've hunted 27 a few times.  Was flown in, then did a diy hunt.  There isn't a lot of 27 that can be hunted from roads (check out big creek).  A nice buck will be 150 with a few bigger if you fly in.  Don't expect a monster.  I would look at unit 73 for a second choice if you can't afford to fly in.  But 73 isn't during the rut.

[actionshooter]

I have done the fly in thing a few times and the wolves are thick and the hunting has gone completely down the toilet. 

[jjhunter]

There are some great general mule deer hunts in that state - especially if you get some weather.   Lots of pretty country to roam around in looking for Mr. Big even if you don't draw a coveted tag.

[sako85]

Unit 27 is unlimited i have done this a few times. I think its a great hunt if your not after a giant,there are a lot of deer but you have to fly in and hunt hard, its steep country. If you put in the work you can pull a 140-150.I did manage a 180 once but that's the biggest i have seen.
The wolves that we have seen dont seem to bother the deer to much they  follow the elk.
I'm new on this site,i'll have to get my wife to help me downsize my pictures so i could share.

[huntindork]

Wolves, wolves, wolves.  I was in there last year and saw lots of wolves.  Three different packs were seen by our camp.  I saw six myself and another guy saw twelve, and another guy saw four. All in different drainages, sides of the river or areas the same day. They do bother the deer in there as the twelve had just killed a deer and the guy watched them try to get a couple more. I hear they do prefer elk but they are almost wiped out in there.

With that being said there are still some deer in there but it is steep county.  Everybody is right, if you find a 150 class you better shoot cause they dont make many bigger in there.

[duckslayer]

I will say this, I have done the fly in hunt off and on for the last twelve years and last year was my last for awhile. The wolves have CRUSHED the elk herd and done a number on the deer. Don't get me wrong, I have killed a few good bucks in the past there. Be ready to hike 6 to 10 miles a day to find the pockets of animals. Plan on at least ten days, the last two trips in we were delayed over 24hrs to 36hrs because of weather (sitting in the pilots lounge sucks). Awesome country!! Optics are your best friend HANDS DOWN!!! Just decided that there are better places to spend my time chasing muleys!! Good luck!! JT

[DBZona]

Thanks for the advice!  This year we have decided not to do it, but for future reference, how much is it gonna cost a couple of us to do a fly in? 

[trophyhunt]

I will say this, I have done the fly in hunt off and on for the last twelve years and last year was my last for awhile. The wolves have CRUSHED the elk herd and done a number on the deer. Don't get me wrong, I have killed a few good bucks in the past there. Be ready to hike 6 to 10 miles a day to find the pockets of animals. Plan on at least ten days, the last two trips in we were delayed over 24hrs to 36hrs because of weather (sitting in the pilots lounge sucks). Awesome country!! Optics are your best friend HANDS DOWN!!! Just decided that there are better places to spend my time chasing muleys!! Good luck!! JT

I swear the guys that are so sympathetic to the wolves in wa completly ignore statements like the one above. Do they just not believe what some of you guys are saying about these killing machines or what! I just don't get it. Sorry not trying to jack your post.

[whuppinstick]

Thanks for the advice!  This year we have decided not to do it, but for future reference, how much is it gonna cost a couple of us to do a fly in?

It's something like $435 r/t per hunter through the service in McCall.  Similar out of Challis.

[sako85]

It's about 1000$ per guy for tags,plane,fuel and food asuming you have all the gear.
Idaho backcountry is worth the trip if you ask me,only reason i'm not going back this year
is $$$.      Good luck..

[duckslayer]

DBZona,

I would say the cost is around $1200 total per person. I was not trying to discourage you, only giving my two cents and experiences. McCall Aviation was $435 last yr for 150lbs per person. Please remember thats not alot of gear for the unforgiving country you are going into. If I remember right it was .43cents a pound over. As other have mentioned it a fun trip, just the plane/logistics add to the trip. Also, rent a sat. phone! You will have NO cell coverage!

[DBZona]

DBZona,

I would say the cost is around $1200 total per person. I was not trying to discourage you, only giving my two cents and experiences. McCall Aviation was $435 last yr for 150lbs per person. Please remember thats not alot of gear for the unforgiving country you are going into. If I remember right it was .43cents a pound over. As other have mentioned it a fun trip, just the plane/logistics add to the trip. Also, rent a sat. phone! You will have NO cell coverage!

Not a problem, I was looking into it, and would love to do it for the experience some time.  I just cannot afford to do it now.  Maybe in a couple years, plus I have a few backup plans if I do not draw my primary unit.  Thanks everyone for the info. 

DB

[busterbrown]

Spent the last 12 years living and hunting in Idaho.

Wolves have changed the game. Areas 20A, 26 and 27 can be steep and rough. Not easy to get around without a horse.

Many better places these days in Idaho. If you have Horses, other options available.

Good luck.