Idaho Unit 78 Info

thewoodchopper · Jun 26, 2016

Hey everyone! I was lucky enough to draw unit 78 rifle tag and was looking for any additional information about the area? I will be staying at a family cabin in Fish Haven but I don't have any problem going to the northern end of the unit. My friend drew this tag a few years ago so I did spend some time hunting it with him so I am somewhat familiar with the area. We didn't see a lot of deer til the last week but if I remember right it was unseasonably warm. I'm not looking for any honey holes, I plan on spending a fair amount of time scouting this summer. Just looking at info for the best way to hunt it. Thanks in advanced!

huntin50 · Jun 28, 2016

The last week or the first day if you have one scouted out will be the best. You would think with only 200 permits that it wouldn't be crowded. It is pretty bad at times with all the elk hunters. Last year was better than previous couple years. Snow and cold makes it better.

idahoforkhorn · Jun 28, 2016

I agree with huntin50 first day or last week if there is any weather, it is pretty thick and another problem is that there is a lot of pressure from the top, people with the general will come and hunt unit 78 from the top. plus you have to deal with the elk hunters. it gets a lot of pressure, if it is warm it will be a hard hunt. but just like any other hunt if you spend the time you should be able to come up with something.

thewoodchopper · Jun 28, 2016

Thanks for the info! Luckily I only live about an hour away so I am hoping to sneak up there as often as I can. I am saving my time off work for most of that last week of the hunt hoping we can get some cold snowy weather.

safetyguy · Jun 28, 2016

I know this is the wrong forum, but I drew a cow moose tag in this unit. From what you guys have seen, when is the best time to go? Early in the hunt, or later when weather comes, or does it matter? Also, what part of the unit is better, the north part or south? Thanks in advance for any input...

idahoforkhorn · Jun 29, 2016

IMO you are better hunting moose early and late also, during the rut the first part of the hunt and then when they are headed for winter grounds. do you know the area very well? pm me and I can help you out the best I can. if it was me though I would be hunting as much as possible and I would ask every hunter you see if they have seen any moose, most guys are deer or elk hunting and are more than willing to give out info on moose the worst they can tell you is no. I have had a few friends that have killed there moose from info another hunter gave them.

huntin50 · Jun 30, 2016

you should be able to find a cow moose pretty easy. Bloominton Lake road I often see moose.

mickeymouseoutfitters · Jun 30, 2016

Deer: first day or last week for sure. They could be almost anywhere at anytime. Find different vantage points, both high and low, and keep watching everywhere. They have always came out when I least expect them.

Moose: I see them here and there, but not like the last week in October. I agree with the Bloomington road. It's like a highway for them.

thewoodchopper · Jul 1, 2016

Hey thanks for the info. Two years ago when I went with my friend when he had the tag we focused on Fish Haven, Bloomington, and Paris canyons. Have you done much hunting on the north end of the unit? We will be staying in Fish Haven so just trying to decide if I should spend time scouting the north end as well. Thanks!

huntin50 · Jul 1, 2016

LAST EDITED ON Jul-01-16 AT 03:16PM (MST)[p]There are a few good buck scattered over the unit. I would look at the whole unit. If you have snow and cold its a much better hunt. Bucks can move 4-5 miles from first of the hunt to end of hunt with weather. The bucks you scout in Summer will not likely be in the same area at the end of October unless it stays warm.

Hunted it 3 times with friends and punch a tag once. Can be good. Can be frustrating. Hope for snow and not too many elk hunters to mess you up.