Hunting Washington Forum

Big Game Hunting => Out Of State Hunting => Topic started by: johnr060 on November 07, 2017, 02:38:40 PM


Advertise Here
Title: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: johnr060 on November 07, 2017, 02:38:40 PM
Heading to the pan handle for whitetails the first time this year. ( Didn't fill my deer tag in central idaho). Specifically I am planning on hunting unit 6. I have never hunted with an Atv before but it seems that almost all the logging rds and "quality" areas  according to the bio that I spoke with, allow ORV access. What I'm looking for is advice on if it's even worth going for a hike in/ mountain bike Hunter? Or should I try borrowing some sort of ORV from a friend. I really want to hunt. But I don't want to be passed by a bunch of ATVs while hunting. Maybe I'm on the wrong track as far as the unit I chose? Thanks for any input!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: JBar on November 07, 2017, 03:36:58 PM
Atv guys rarely leave the road from what I've seen. Done well on decommissioned roads walking or hitting the timber :twocents:
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: Machias on November 07, 2017, 04:17:07 PM
6 is pretty steep and brushy in most areas, hard to get an ATV off the road in that Unit.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: 3dvapor on November 07, 2017, 04:34:54 PM
I'd always take an ATV no matter where I hunt.  I use them when the main roads are too rough or too slick.  They can be a great tool for getting to your start point.  That last mile or two the truck wouldn't make.  Worse case you it sits in camp.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 07, 2017, 05:16:52 PM
Your ATV must be Idaho licensed or have a Washington State license plate. They MUST be INSURED too. They treat them like a regular vehicle. I've been to Idaho wolf hunting and vacationing with ours many, many times.
ATV's are used all the time in Idaho for everything and they don't care. Very ATV/ORV friendly state, unlike commie Washington..

Just a heads up........  :tup:
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: Wa hunter on November 07, 2017, 06:59:15 PM
Your ATV must be Idaho licensed or have a Washington State license plate. They MUST be INSURED too. They treat them like a regular vehicle. I've been to Idaho wolf hunting and vacationing with ours many, many times.
ATV's are used all the time in Idaho for everything and they don't care. Very ATV/ORV friendly state, unlike commie Washington..

Just a heads up........  :tup:
Are Washington plates required in forest areas? Not just orv tags?
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: dscubame on November 07, 2017, 08:16:29 PM
An ATV in unit 6 can be used very effectively.  Many gates are closed and allowing atv's to go around.  Many of these gated roads go for miles giving a great deal of access points to jump in well behind the gate.  Considering all the states I hunt, Idaho and specifically to include unit 6 is unique in this respect.  And I may remark that you may be surprised how little hunting pressure you may experience.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 07, 2017, 08:54:20 PM
Your ATV must be Idaho licensed or have a Washington State license plate. They MUST be INSURED too. They treat them like a regular vehicle. I've been to Idaho wolf hunting and vacationing with ours many, many times.
ATV's are used all the time in Idaho for everything and they don't care. Very ATV/ORV friendly state, unlike commie Washington..

Just a heads up........  :tup:
Are Washington plates required in forest areas? Not just orv tags?


Yes. You're ORV is now a vehicle in Idaho. I think the Idaho tag is $20 for a year. In Washington you need to get them inspected for up to $50 and pay $22.50 if I remember right ontop of the $50. Call the DMV office in Wallace Idaho to get the straight scope just to be sure. My wife actually got stopped by the Forest Service cop near Elk City and got checked.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: johnr060 on November 07, 2017, 09:25:43 PM
I was under the impression that if I borrowed a friend's Atv. it just had to have the off-road tabs.(from what I read on Potlatch timbers rules.) I wouldn't be using it on main roads. Maybe I will just bring the mountain bike...

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: dscubame on November 07, 2017, 09:40:15 PM
Atv enforcement off the paved roads is nil.  Over 15 years not donating to that money grab with not a single issue.  Times at least by five counting all the crew.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 08, 2017, 07:40:24 AM
I was under the impression that if I borrowed a friend's Atv. it just had to have the off-road tabs.(from what I read on Potlatch timbers rules.) I wouldn't be using it on main roads. Maybe I will just bring the mountain bike...

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk



I never went on Potlatch land. It's private property, so maybe you can use an ATV with an up to date ORV sticker... :dunno:
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: idaho guy on November 08, 2017, 10:45:57 AM
bring the atv and buy the sticker for 20 bucks or whatever I have  been checked once that I remember  but always license mine I believe you only need it on national forest but I am not sure. There is a bunch of old logging roads and trails in 6 only accessible by atv that will get you into some great jumping off points and there will be tons of country to access by foot that you definitely wont see any 4 wheelers on unless they pass you rolling down the hill! 
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: Machias on November 08, 2017, 11:34:53 AM
An ATV in unit 6 can be used very effectively.  Many gates are closed and allowing atv's to go around.  Many of these gated roads go for miles giving a great deal of access points to jump in well behind the gate.  Considering all the states I hunt, Idaho and specifically to include unit 6 is unique in this respect.  And I may remark that you may be surprised how little hunting pressure you may experience.

I must be hunting a different part of 6...I don't see any gated roads....we may have to chat by PM.  :)
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 08, 2017, 11:45:56 AM
Buy a wolf tag too.....
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: Wa hunter on November 08, 2017, 09:29:02 PM
Buy a wolf tag too.....
Done
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: johnr060 on November 08, 2017, 10:03:33 PM
Yes I already have one. Got close to sealing the deal on a wolf down in central idaho last month. On another note, If anyone would like to meet up and hunt together I will be solo. let me know. Should be there the 19th through 23rd.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 09, 2017, 06:16:13 AM
What town are you going to be near ?
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: johnr060 on November 09, 2017, 08:10:52 AM
What town are you going to be near ?
South of St. Marie's probably 20 miles or so. But, most likely will be on the move until I locate deer.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: fishngamereaper on November 09, 2017, 08:18:23 AM
What town are you going to be near ?
South of St. Marie's probably 20 miles or so. But, most likely will be on the move until I locate deer.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Locating deer down there wont be hard, picking one to shoot might be.
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: Machias on November 09, 2017, 08:28:27 AM
I have 20 acres a few miles south of Saint Maries.  I'll be out there for the next 3 days trying to fill a tag.  Good luck over there!
Title: Re: Opinions on Atv use in northern Idaho for Whitetails
Post by: CAMPMEAT on November 09, 2017, 01:00:30 PM
What town are you going to be near ?
South of St. Marie's probably 20 miles or so. But, most likely will be on the move until I locate deer.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk


I wolf hunted alot out of Avery. Bring a nice chair to sit in and glass the clearcuts.
SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2025, SimplePortal