Frank Church Idaho

Nips · Nov 3, 2007

Just a few questions about a DIY muley hunt in the "Frank".
I am doing a solo hiking/flyfishing trip to the Big Creek/MF Salmon area in September 2008. I was thinking of flying in to Cabin Creek, hiking down to Big Creek and then to the MF Salmon, fishing along the way.

A friend suggested I should hunt while I am out there since Idaho's season comes in Sept. 15th. I know the Elk are rutting at this time but I am more interested in getting on some mule deer. I can't afford a guided hunt now plus I enjoy doing it myself.

How's the deer hunting around that area and what can I expect to find as far as terrain, weather etc ?

Any help would be appreciated. I live in Maryland and envy you guys who live out west. I am want to move to the Rockies but mama isn't to hip on the idea.

thanx.....Nips

gb22 · Nov 3, 2007

One thing you forgot...wolves. The hunting,particularly elk, has been severely damaged by them.

That being said, you will be along way from anything. The weather should be good, but I've been snowed on in September. If you're going to do this solo, make certain you are prepared for moisture and can do the physical. Weather should be a little below freezing (up high) late, but up to 60 in the middle of the day. Expect the unexpected, weatherwise.

The mountains are steep. That's pretty much the story. They are steep, tall and that is wild rugged country. I've lived here my whole life. I love it. My small son loves the edges of it (he would love the center, but it's a little far to get him in all the way).

If you go, take a bear tag. We've got too many and there are lots of them there.

It's not the best deer genetics, but it's a 4-point only area, so the deer you see will have had a chance to grow up. If you hunt three or four days, you certainly should be able to find a 4 to 6 year old buck (with a little luck) and an elk, too.

That's a lot of weight to carry out on your back. Personally, I've acquired llamas for that very purpose. Wish you good luck!

Nips · Nov 3, 2007

Thanks, I know it would be alot of work to do it solo. I wouldn't even think about elk hunting while I am there because it would be too much for me to pack out. I am not sure I can pack out a deer plus all my gear. Another thing I wonder about is the meat going bad before I am scheduled to fly out. It's alot to think about.

I also thought about doing the fishing trip then rent a vehicle, park it at Big Creek trailhead then hunt from that area instead of being 35 miles in the boonies. I could hike/pack in,say 10 miles from the trailhead, and camp and hunt from there. That way I do not have a long pack out when I shoot a deer. I just wonder if there will be alot of other hunters in the area ? Plus is the deer hunting good along that area of Big Creek.

Two years ago I hunted on the Grand Mesa in Colorado. On opening day it was a train of ATVs heading out in the morning. Hunters everywhere, it sucked. I shot a small buck but did not see any really mature deer.

Nips

deserteagle500 · Nov 3, 2007

i backpacked into the soldier lakes this year in july. i saw one set of elk tracks and no deer tracks. the only thing that we saw was a wolf. big mean scary bugger. its been ran over by fire though, this year and almost every year in the past. i dind't see enough wildlife to keep me interested.

the only eagle with enough power and speed to kill and gut you with one shot

shortmag · Nov 3, 2007

You are heading to an awesome area. The cutty fishing should be truly world class. To hunt as well adds another bunch of gear and takes you from the creek bottom to the ridges. They are steep. Impassable canyon starts at the confluence of Big Cr with the Middle Fork. That said, you could luck out and kill a mature buck and catch nice cuttys. Be in shape. Have fun!

eweikum338 · Nov 3, 2007

The Frank Church is very unforgiving country. Make sure you are in top physical condition and take some sort of communication device like a cell phone or small ham radio if you have one. Make sure to leave a detailed map of where you will be going and tell someone locally how long you will be in there.
Like was said earlier, fires love the FC. Lighting storms are very common. As far as other hunters, you probably won't see many if any. For those with the physical ability this is a great adventure. You will see plenty of wild criters.

The best of luck to you on a trek of a lifetime.

leereddish · Nov 3, 2007

I agree with gr22, may want to have a bear tag in your pocket. A handgun with those shot-shells works well for rattlesnakes.
Beautiful country. I hope the fishing is wonderful.

If you want to kill a big deer, your time might be better spent in an area with fewer wolves.

Nips · Nov 4, 2007

LAST EDITED ON Nov-04-07 AT 04:18PM (MST)[p]Thanks to everyone for your help. I need as much information as possible. Does anyone think I would be better off to hunt another area after I am done fishing ? When I fly out of the Frank I could rent a vehicle and drive somewhere else to do my hunting. Anyone have an any ideas or opinions, like where else I could go for muleys in Idaho during the early (Sep.15th) season ? Should I be able to get deer a tag ?

Nips

gb22 · Nov 4, 2007

Deer tags are OTC; anyone can get one. If you want to hunt in mid-September, the deep wilderness is the only option.

You have to decide if you are fishing or hunting. If you want a September trip, this is the only hunting option....unless you are REAL lucky and draw one of those (only 25) early season tags in Unit 39.