DIY Idaho 2010 Mule deer

freebird63 · Nov 15, 2009

I am new here, just found this website. I have been a hunter all my life, killed a couple small blacktail bucks when I grew up on the Oregon coast. I now live in Idaho and have killed a couple does, up until now I have just been a meat hunter. But this year I felt like I finally wanted to harvest a trophy, now I am not obcessing over a 30" buck. But would not pass up one that big. Since I have lived in Idaho I have hunted unit 39. Can anyone out there give me some ideas so I can start planning for next year. I don't have horses or ATV's, I hunt on foot. I figure I should start planning now for next year and if anyone has any advice to offer that would be great, I don't expect people to give out their secret spots, just some general advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Chuck

tagsoup · Nov 15, 2009

Stick with 39 and hope for snow.

archeryguru · Nov 16, 2009

Welcome to MM. I dont know anything about unit 39 but. Just start putting in your time. Go over maps, call the dwr, get out and scout like crazy

archeryguru

gb22 · Nov 16, 2009

You don't need ATVs. I have recently gotten some and they are...but have nothing to do with hunting big deer....unless you get some easy-access LE tag.

The horses would be nice. I use llamas. Neither help you hunt but they get you back in and make it easier to carry enough equipment to stay a few days....and bring back the animal.

Unit 39 and get HIGH. Stay a while. Get David Long's book. Do what he says (wish I'd thought of writing such a thing first). He knows what he's doing.

The big deer are out there....they are few and far apart but some are in 39. They leave 43 early. If you're really serious, try about 20 miles east of Sun Valley at about 9,000 feet....same thing as 39; just another place to look.

OR.......get one of those late-season tags for which I always apply and for which I'm always declined.

Within the shadows, go quietly.

freebird63 · Nov 16, 2009

A person on another forum I belong to turned me on to David Long's book, thats what encouraged me to start using my optics more then I had in the past. I actually did see more animals this year, but nothing with horns. I have a couple areas up higher that I have in mind, but will now have to wait til the snow melts away. I figure if I start my planning now, have already got a bunch of maps. Thanks for the advice. This year was a big test as I had back surgery twice this summer and was not sure I was even going to get out. But next year as far as my back goes won't be any better, but I have come to a point in my life where I feel I have to do this. I don't have to kill a 30" spread buck, but wouldn't pass one up either. I really appreciate all the advice, it will help me achieve my goal.

Chuck