Hi Folks,
I am pretty new to the forum- and VERY new to hunting Mule Deer. I thought I would post my 'plan' for this year, and any folks who wanted to offer their .02 cents would be much appreciated.
Me, my dad, and 2 buddies are looking into flying out to Idaho to hunt Mule deer for the opening week oct 10-14th. We've looked all over the state, but recently settled on the Soda Springs area. We found a cabin rental in unit 75, on the edge of the Caribou-Targhee National forest just south of town. Our plan was to hunt this OTC unit, and perhaps venture into 76 as well.
I know this area was hit HARD by winter. The Bio's have told me up to 100% Fawn mortality, and estimated 10-30% adult mortality in some areas. That is a real bummer. But, we've also been told deer numbers (population) in that SE corner of Idaho were VERY high going into last season. Were not looking for booners, but we don't want to shoot little fork horns either.
My dad is 65 years old...and although Mule deer hunting requires some big steep country- we'd rather not venture into some of the really rugged stuff like in 39, 43, 48, 49. I am hoping, my research and 'virtual' scouting is accurate- that this area offers a bit more moderate terrain (generally speaking) than central ID.
Welp- thats all I got. Would love to hear any feedback- especially from anyone who is/has hunted that area before. Tips, Advice? Hope everyone else planning season is going well.
Cheers,
Adam
I am pretty new to the forum- and VERY new to hunting Mule Deer. I thought I would post my 'plan' for this year, and any folks who wanted to offer their .02 cents would be much appreciated.
Me, my dad, and 2 buddies are looking into flying out to Idaho to hunt Mule deer for the opening week oct 10-14th. We've looked all over the state, but recently settled on the Soda Springs area. We found a cabin rental in unit 75, on the edge of the Caribou-Targhee National forest just south of town. Our plan was to hunt this OTC unit, and perhaps venture into 76 as well.
I know this area was hit HARD by winter. The Bio's have told me up to 100% Fawn mortality, and estimated 10-30% adult mortality in some areas. That is a real bummer. But, we've also been told deer numbers (population) in that SE corner of Idaho were VERY high going into last season. Were not looking for booners, but we don't want to shoot little fork horns either.
My dad is 65 years old...and although Mule deer hunting requires some big steep country- we'd rather not venture into some of the really rugged stuff like in 39, 43, 48, 49. I am hoping, my research and 'virtual' scouting is accurate- that this area offers a bit more moderate terrain (generally speaking) than central ID.
Welp- thats all I got. Would love to hear any feedback- especially from anyone who is/has hunted that area before. Tips, Advice? Hope everyone else planning season is going well.
Cheers,
Adam