Bears, Turkeys, and Access in Unit 17

I'm heading up to Idaho (From Utah) for my first spring bear hunt. Using Google Earth and some other resources I've landed on Unit 17. However, the more that I look into it the more that I'm wondering if I'll be able to access the unit. I'll be backpacking in, no horses, sometime in mid to late May.

My question(s) is: Is vehicle access to the unit any good? I know the unit is mostly wilderness (which I want) but am I going to be able to get to a good trail head where I can hike in within a reasonable distance (3-5 miles)? I was looking at taking the McGruder Corridor through the southern portion, but I've read that it can be a little tricky (snowed in) in the spring, so I was considering coming in from the West, but the maps are a little confusing. Are the roads coming in from the west any good?

My other question: I've been told several times that there are lots of bears, but what about turkeys? I love to shoot/eat turkeys, but are there many around?

Thanks in advance!

PS. I'm not looking for exact spots or honey holes, just general info. Thanks again.

LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-16 AT 06:40PM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-16 AT 06:38?PM (MST)

I'm heading up that way to bear hunt (from Utah), anyone provide some feedback on the road? I'm also looking at 21 / 21a.

I hunted Unit 17 last year. There's bears up there. 17 is a 2 bear unit, so you can get 2 tags. I think you can still get a restricted tag which will cost a lot less, which are for the backcountry units like 17.

I also heard turkeys up there. Didn't see any turkey, but if you get really into the sticks, there should be plenty of bear. The drop camp about a mile further in where we were at were pulling in bears every day. I was the only one in my group to even see a bear, much less shoot one. Still waiting for that pelt to make it back from the tannery.

My guide was a bit incredulous that I heard turkey, but I definitely heard a couple gobbling.

Best way I've seen to get there is from Montana via the Nez Perce/McGruder Corridor road. The pass will have to be plowed as there's still snow up there in May. I did my hunt in early May and the pass was plowed early, thankfully. I made it to camp in a regular car, so if the roads are clear than you should be able to make it.