SE Idaho Deer
- Thread starter grizzly
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BrianID
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There are some nice bucks to be had but in most areas few bucks make it through more than one or two hunting seasons. If this winter doesn't take a turn for the worst then IMO the mule deer hunting SE Idaho will be better this fall than it has been since 2001. According to the F&G harvest data the success in the units generally varies between 10%-40%. The last couple years most units have had success from 10%-30% At this point the winter mortality looks like it will be close to average but we will have a better idea about that in a couple months.
If I were you I would select the area that you want to hunt by what type of hunt you are looking for. What type of habitat do you like to hunt? High mountain peaks, pines, Juniper/mahoganeys, sage flates, maple or quaky patches.
Most places in SE Idaho it is hard to get more than a mile from motorized access but if you are willing to pack a deer out of a hole then you will be able to avoid some of the crowds.
If I were you I would select the area that you want to hunt by what type of hunt you are looking for. What type of habitat do you like to hunt? High mountain peaks, pines, Juniper/mahoganeys, sage flates, maple or quaky patches.
Most places in SE Idaho it is hard to get more than a mile from motorized access but if you are willing to pack a deer out of a hole then you will be able to avoid some of the crowds.
R
ripbait
Guest
I have been hunting S.E. Idaho since 1980,I have seen the good times and the hard times.Unfortionally the last 5 years I been seeing the ATVs time.WE have killed some B.C. bucks in the 90s and seen some really good bucks in the 80s and 90s.Our hunting area was A four mile hike in A area desined for no off road used.In 2001 and 2002,we backed packed up there like the last 20 years, only to have ATVS driving up there these years.AT the trail head there is A sign saying no ATVs,but when we pack out the sign is always gone.I got tired of fighting with game and fish and forest circus,and the ATVers so I just quit hunting there.Its a sad deal but the truth.Anywys If your willing to hike,and hunt hard you will see deer.good luck
No question that the ATV thing has changed, possibly even ruined many hunting spots.
The fun & games are making an effort with area closures but the reality of the situation is there are too many ATV's, too many trails (or potential trails) and too few enforcement officers.
That being said it is my humble opinion that deer hunting in 05 was better than the prior 4 years in terms of deer/buck sightings and some good mature bucks being taken. My observation was lots of 2,3 and small 4 points and lots of does with fawns. Unless this winter really changes for the worst I believe 06 will be a decent year.
I will say that one of the biggest bucks seen during the season by my hunting partners was pushed out of a patch less than 100 yards below a well used ATV trail, and was LOW on the mountain. We could just barely see that ATV trails running down every ridge with our binos while we were pushing patches down low and jumping tons of deer.
The fun & games are making an effort with area closures but the reality of the situation is there are too many ATV's, too many trails (or potential trails) and too few enforcement officers.
That being said it is my humble opinion that deer hunting in 05 was better than the prior 4 years in terms of deer/buck sightings and some good mature bucks being taken. My observation was lots of 2,3 and small 4 points and lots of does with fawns. Unless this winter really changes for the worst I believe 06 will be a decent year.
I will say that one of the biggest bucks seen during the season by my hunting partners was pushed out of a patch less than 100 yards below a well used ATV trail, and was LOW on the mountain. We could just barely see that ATV trails running down every ridge with our binos while we were pushing patches down low and jumping tons of deer.
