Idaho Panhandle DIY

Midwesterner00 · Dec 19, 2018

So I am looking at my first DIY western hunt next fall. I have a friend in the Idaho Panhandle so that is where I will be staying. I am most interested in mule deer as I have been hunting whitetail my whole life. I am not looking for people's favorite spots I am just wondering if someone could help me with some good access points or regions to start as well as some general tips as this is my first hunt in the west. I am still torn between rifle or bow at this time as I am a die hard bow hunter but I want to have the best chance at a mature animal. Any advise is welcomed, thanks.

muleyslayerwa · Dec 19, 2018

Northern idaho is some tough mule deer hunting. There are some big bucks taken every year, but usually the guys are pretty serious locals. If I was looking to hunt mule deer for the first time, I would hunt the south central parts of idaho. Higher deer density, but a lot of hunters. As for rifle or bow it all comes down to your skill set. Archery deer will be easy to find with less hunters around. Goodluck

justr_86 · Dec 20, 2018

Muleys on the ground with a bow is one of the toughest hunts you'll do, especially for a mature buck. Id say get your feet wet with a rifle and try a bow in a couple years.

manny53 · Dec 20, 2018

the pan handle is not the best place to get a muley, lotsa whitetail , the south eastern units in the 70's are where the big deer are...

BigShane54 · Dec 28, 2018

Agree, tough hunt up here for mulies. Tons of whitetail.
If you are set on hunting mulies and staying in the panhandle, your best bet would probably be North in Unit 1

FamilyMan · Dec 28, 2018

In the panhandle you are looking at steep dark timber, not the classic mule deer country you might be thinking of. I am not trying to drive you off because I want the place to myself or anything like that, just trying to give you an honest assessment. For a first western hunt, I would recommend you look elsewhere.

Mark

My hunting spot is so secret, not even the elk have found it yet.

brookhunter19 · Dec 29, 2018

I agree with the comments above.... the pan handle is steep & thick country!

EVILNR · Jan 1, 2019

>In the panhandle you are looking
>at steep dark timber, not
>the classic mule deer country
>you might be thinking of.
> I am not trying
>to drive you off because
>I want the place to
>myself or anything like that,
>just trying to give you
>an honest assessment. For
>a first western hunt, I
>would recommend you look elsewhere.
>
>
>
>Mark
>

>
>My hunting spot is so secret,
>not even the elk have
>found it yet.

I don't live in Idaho but I have been
through the area. It is very steep/thick.
I agree with the above advice, though
I have never hunted it.

liecabucks · Jan 6, 2019

Steep, thick N deeeeep!!!!!! =?s the possibility of the home to giants! But like mentioned above, not necessarilily the best place to cut your teeth.

Sit tall in the saddle, hold your head up high, keep your eyes fixed to where the trail meets the sky...

Bobbmightymouse · Sep 21, 2022

I have hunted the panhandle before. There are a lot more whitetail than mule deer. lot of bear also. Better off central or southern Idaho for big mule deer.