Idaho -- Owyhee Units

Model70

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I'm sitting here reading my Idaho big game regs and wondering which Owyhee unit I should put in for -- 40, 41, or 42. I've never hunted in that part of the state, so I was wondering if anyone had any experiences or thoughts on hunting muleys in these units. Judging by the past drawings, Unit 40 is the most popular but, of course, the unit with the worst odds of drawing a tag.
 
I drew unit 40 in 2001....saw some great bucks but could never put together a good stalk. Friend of mine drew a 42 tag the next year....his dad shot at one nice buck and everything else that we saw was really small....nice ones there but with the amount of pressure in the general season the big bucks get pushed into the thick stuff. All the big bucks that we seen when my friend drew were in unit 40....one that was really nice. There are still some big bucks in the units....do lots of scouting if you draw a tag....and unit 40 is what I would put in for ;) I have been down there quite a bit since I drew so I might be able to help you out a little with the scouting and maybe the hunt. Good Luck on the Draw!
YB
 
I drew in 2002, and then I bought one of 3 left over tags last year so I got to hunt unit 40 2 years in a row..And what do I have to show for it.. one 23 inch 3x4 and and a whole lot of frustration. To be totally honest I like 41 better. My dad took a nice 170 class buck in 41 a couple years ago, and missed a real monster opening day. There are a couple guys on here that took some nice bucks last year in unit 40. Maybe they will show up. I would offer my service along with Youngbucks-if you draw. No where like the Owyhees in November....

-Hghcountry
 
I would say it depends on a couple of things... Where do you live and how much you want to drive. Are you planning on setting up camp? How much time do you have for scouting? What type of country do you like hunting? How bad do you want to draw a tag?

The odds of drawing 41 or 42 are twice as good as 40 and any of the three units can produce big bucks. I hunted 40 last year and saw plenty of nice bucks. I have spent most of my time in Unit 40 and will continue to put in for that unit.
 
Thanks to all for the input so far. Youngbuck and Highcountry -- I may take you up on your offer if I draw.

IDNate -- I live in Boise and plan to camp. Drawing is not a huge deal for me. If I don't, I'll be happy with hunting the general two-point season. I guess the main thing I'm looking for is to get away from my office and see as many deer and as few people as possible.
 
If you are wanting to see a lot of deer and not many people during the general hunt....the owyhee units are probably not your best bet....Tons of pressure...and not really all that many deer to be seen unless you find the right spot....A lot of people shoot and kill or wound bucks larger than the forkies they are suppose to shoot!
YB
 
I drew 40 last year and i wasnt impressed. i saw one buck that was about 24" but the rest were 2 points. i did see a hog this winter though. good luck choosing and good hunting.
 
LAST EDITED ON May-04-04 AT 09:40PM (MST)[p]>If you are wanting to see
>a lot of deer and
>not many people during the
>general hunt....the owyhee units are
>probably not your best bet....Tons
>of pressure...and not really all
>that many deer to be
>seen unless you find the
>right spot....A lot of people
>shoot and kill or wound
>bucks larger than the forkies
>they are suppose to shoot!
>
>YB

Thanks YB. That's good to know. If the general season is a big iron pony show, then I'll consider putting for a controlled hunt in for one of the less popular Owyhee units.
 
If you are going to camp and have the time to take off, then I would put in for 41 or 42. Even if you draw the Unit 40 tag, there are still only 200 other people hunting in the unit so crowds aren't a problem.

Don't expect big bucks to show up in any of the units without some work. I spent a couple of months in Unit 40 scouting and by the time season came around it paid off. Almost every place I had seen bucks in late summer and early fall still held bucks in the late fall. If you find out that you have drawn the tag, start putting your time in scouting.
 
Thanks all for the great feedback. I'll let you know how I do on the controlled hunt draw. Good luck to everyone else with their applications as well!
 

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