southern Idaho

BradA · Nov 27, 2016

I have been doing some research as a non-resident first time hunter of Idaho and I'm looking into trying to hunt one of the southern units such as 40, 41, 42,46, 47, 53, 54,55,56,57,70,71,72,73,73A, 74, 75,76,77, or 78. I will be hunting for mule deer, i have done some research and found that I can purchase a OTC tag but those tags you are limited to only shooting 2x2 or smaller, I am not interested in going that far to shoot a 2x2, so what are some units that I could put in for the draw and have a good chance of drawing a tag so that I'm drawn for the restricted hunt and not restricted to only shooting a 2x2 or smaller? Thank you, I appreciate any advice given. This hunt will be for myself and my friend to apply and draw together.

IdahoInfidel · Nov 27, 2016

You haven't done that much research. Many of those a draw hunts and are not 2x2 points only.

BradA · Nov 27, 2016

I have been doing more research through out the day and have found that the east southern portion isn't a 2x2 restricted areas, I think i have got it down to these four units

52A
56
76
54

does anyone have any suggestions or advice for me in those units ?

critterstalker · Nov 27, 2016

54 is a draw only unit never hunted the other units

idelkslayer · Nov 28, 2016

You're a little confused, so I'd suggest starting over.

In Idaho the "Controlled hunts" = draw/lottery/LE whatever you want to call it. You must purchase a hunting license to apply for these hunts and the application period is from May 1 to June 5. A controlled hunt tag is only usable in the area described for each tag in the unit descriptions.

These hunts can be found here:
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-CH-deer_2015-2016.pdf

In Idaho "General Seasons" are the OTC hunts. You need to buy a hunting license but you do not need to apply for these tags. You just buy them when you go hunting. There is a quota and these are sold first come first served and the quota usually doesn't get bought out until late in the year. A general season tag can be used statewide within the season framework for each unit.

These hunts can be found here:
https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-deer_2015-2016.pdf

Now look at this with a fresh set of eyes and you'll see that the only general season units that have a 2-pt restriction are units 22, 40, 41, and 42.

You can apply for the controlled hunts and if you do not draw then you can buy a general season tag.

HalfAce · Nov 28, 2016

52A Is a unit you can hunt from Oct 10-31 with general season tag. Any seasons after that are huntable by Draw Only. No 2 pt restriction here. This is a tough unit.

56 Is a unit you can only hunt from Oct 10-24 with a general season tag. Don't know if there are any controlled hunts (draw) in this unit.

76 Is a unit you can only hunt from Oct 10-24 with a general season tag. I don't think they even have a controlled hunt in this unit for any later season dates.

54 Is a unit that you CANNOT hunt unless you draw a Controlled hunt tag. The Late Season rifle tag is one of the hardest to draw in the state, the early rifle tag odds are better, but still only about 15% chance of drawing, and if you want to hunt archery, you have to draw the unlimited archery tag, which is a guaranteed draw. But once you draw, you can only hunt 54 (no other units) with archery gear. I hunted this unit once, and it was difficult just getting into rifle range of a good buck, so archery hunting it would be pretty tough.

Familiarize yourself with what Idelkslayer said in the above post. You need to know the difference between "Controlled hunt" and "General Season" hunt. After that, you will have a clearer understanding of what units are open for either hunt.

missalot · Nov 29, 2016

The only units in Idaho that are "easy" to draw are those with unlimited tags. No preference points means you have the same chance as everyone else...."SLIM TO NONE"!

brdhuntr · Nov 29, 2016

>The only units in Idaho that
>are "easy" to draw are
>those with unlimited tags. No
>preference points means you have
>the same chance as everyone
>else...."SLIM TO NONE"!

Missalot, you'd be in the minority on this one,i'm betting most N.R'S and residents are for keeping Idaho's draw system the way it is. Just look at all the crying done on this site by people that have points from other states,and will never catch up!

BradA · Nov 29, 2016

Thank you everyone for helping me understand that better, I guess the smart thing to do is to sit down decide on a unit to apply for in the drawing then if I don't draw go ahead and hunt a unlimited tag. Does anyone have any info on unit 49 that is a otc tag that I was considering if I didn't draw in the draw .

elkboy32 · Nov 29, 2016

49 gets hammered by residents and non residents alike. Lots of roads in the area. You can get away from the crowds but very few deer live to be larger then forkies. I saw quite a few small bucks breeding does in the area over the past month. I really think the south eastern part of the state has better genetics and with a week shorter deer season, older class bucks.

IdahoInfidel · Nov 30, 2016

>49 gets hammered by residents and
>non residents alike. Lots of
>roads in the area.
>You can get away from
>the crowds but very few
>deer live to be larger
>then forkies. I saw
>quite a few small bucks
>breeding does in the area
>over the past month. I
>really think the south eastern
>part of the state has
>better genetics and with a
>week shorter deer season, older
>class bucks.

Agreed, 49 has few bucks southeast units are better or maybe you should just try a different state.

BradA · Nov 30, 2016

Thank you for the input, I really would like to hunt Idaho since I have hunted Wyoming, Utah and California for some years like to have a change of pace . Just trying to decide which unit to apply for and then what unit would be best if I don't draw to hunt over the counter in to just have a good time and see some bucks.

Weiserbucks · Nov 30, 2016

I've hunted a bunch of general units, most provide an opportunity at a small buck and a slim chance at a good one . I haven't drawn a controlled hunt yet , can't help you there .

Karl · Jan 5, 2017

Thanks, good info.

Foxbow · Jan 6, 2017

LAST EDITED ON Jan-06-17 AT 10:24AM (MST)[p]If this weather keeps up might be a bad year to hunt any big game in Idaho..
Heard of winter killed elk already found here in southern Idaho !
Nineteen below zero here this morning.