Mule deer hunting in the Selway

L

Larsonhunt

Guest
This fall, I plan on taking a self-guided hunt up Bear Creek in the Selway unit, packing in about 25 miles with an outfitter. I was contemplating buying a clearwater deer tag and hunt for mule deer while I'm in there elk hunting. I was just wondering if it's going to be worth my while and if there are some nice mule deer bucks in there. Any input would be great. Thanks.
 
Clearwater deer tag is no more, unless a miracle happens. Look for either a general tag good for whitetails and mulies or a whitetail only tag. I'm assuming you're a non-resident, if so it may be worth your while for sure. Theres a chance you could run in to a deer, there may be some bomber whitetails back in that far where they aren't pressured and I believe you, if you're a non-res can use a deer tag for a bear tag also. The selway is a good black bear area.
 
If u can afford a couple hundred more bucks,you should do it.There are some great muleys but you wont see alot,they are spread out.IdkTm is right there have been some very large wt's come out of there too. good luck!
foxtrot4elk
 
Actually, I'm an Idaho resident from Nothern Idaho though. We can either buy a general deer season tag which includes pretty much the whole state except the Clearwater zone (South of Coeur d'Alene down to about Riggins,) or the Clearwater deer tag. Either tag, you can take either a Muley or whitetail. I was just wondering if I should risk buying a deer tag for down there, hoping to take a nice buck. Or, just bag the deer idea, concentrate on elk the whole time and hunt in North Idaho for deer.
 
Clearwater deer tag is dead for 2005. General tag for whiteys and muleys or a whitetail only tag. Its not completely done yet but should be soon.
 
IDKTim, whats the deal with the "whitetail only tag"? What would be the benefit of buying it, when you could get a general that would allow you kill either? Some sort of season benefit if you buy the whitetail only tag.

As for Selway deer....as a resident, and especially since there's no Clearwater tag anymore, go for deer too. I see a few great bucks, whities and mulies, come out of there each year. I dont think there are a ton of good bucks in there, but when you are in a wilderness area like that you could always run into something!
 
The way it is looking now is the general tag is good statewide for whiteys and muleys throughout most all the season. A whitetail only tag would be good only for whitetails with the same season structures, but also gives you late whitetail season in November. Example is the areas I mostly hunt the general season ends on November 3, but whitetail season goes clear until December 1.
 
Do you know if a lot of hunters enter from Bear Creek ? Since this is from the Montana side, I assume a lot of Idaho residents would enter from the other side , or am I wrong ?

Would it be possible to find a horse packer that would take me and my group to a spot 15 miles from Bear Creek trailhead ? How much should we expect to pay ? We are still undecided if we will get horses or backpack.

And I will try to get a deer license after reading your posts, thanks...

Martin
 
IDkTm, I think u explained the new tag quite well. Supposedly the situation is open for more input but it sounds like a done deal.Don't know what this is supposed to accomplish...?
Yes a non resident can also use his deer tag on a bear if he chooses.
Martin I returned your email & to my knowlege very few come in from that side. Most enter thru the Magruder corridor or the various trailheads from US 12 (lolo pass)
foxtrot4elk
 
The only one that could pack you in on horses (unguided or not)for compensation would be the outfitter that has the lease on Montana side, and he would only be able to take you to the Idaho border. I have guided on both sides, Idaho and Mt. We sold out Mt to Tom Henderson about 15 years ago. Call Dave Kozub (406) 538 6516, he should have Toms # for sure. (406) 363 3281, (406) 363 0403. I am not sure those #s are correct, pulled them from phone book. May try (406) 375 0070, or (406) 642 3262 or (406) 285 3541, they may have horses for lease also.I think Tom still has that FS lease for alot of west side Bitterroot to Idaho. Check with MOGA websight, you should be able to find who has that area now for sure.
Dont get in over your heads. Even experienced and fit woodsmen can get into trouble in that country. It is tough to get horses to alot of areas to pack critters out, and 15 to 20 miles is a long way to make several trips with meat on your back. The outfitter I worked with on Idaho side found (2) deceased military men one spring while packing in. They had been missing since the November before, he also had a woman wander form camp that was never found. So most importantly, plan your trip well, good luck and be safe!
 
There are several outfitters that are in there that I know of. Or have seen in there. I went in threw Montana over Nez Pierce Pass. Long drive from anywhere to get in there. My brothers friend did a drop camp in there a couple years ago with a outfitter and I think it was like $1500. Something like that. They had a great time and I think they got 2 out of 3 bulls. Down at the end of Paradise there was an outfitter. Might have been 2. One half way up Devil peak or point. And one farther up passed hells half acre. Didnt do anything up Magruder but have been clear to the end of Paradise. My friends Uncle is a guide up there at the end of Paradise. Dont know which outfitter he works for though. His name is Joe.

fca2e9e9.jpg
 
I hunted a drop camp in the selway last fall. I purchased both a deer and elk tag. We focused on elk the majority of the trip. Although, I caught a glimpse of a very nice buck, and saw plenty of little bucks. The outfitter that packed us in is located at the end of paradise. It is called world class outfitters www.packin.com It is a top notch outfit. I would highly recommend them.
 
Shotgunjim,
The reason for the question is the "clearwater" deer tag that would be required to hunt that area. Apparently, that tag is no more but in 2004 any deer hunter, resident or non-resident, that wanted to hunt in an area of northern Idaho which includes the Selway, needed the Clearwater zone tag to do so. This tag was only good in that region.

If there is no longer a clearwater tag designation, the question becomes irrelevant.

Sounds like another change for the Idaho deer tags for 2005.
 

Click-a-Pic ... Details & Bigger Photos
Back
Top Bottom