First Idaho mulie hunt

[NelsonK]

I'm hunting Idaho mule deer this fall for the first time ,unit 39. My nephew lives in mountain home. We will be hunting the area north & west of Anderson Ranch dam the last week of October. ( we will be applying for tags in unit 44 also) Is the hunting pressure really as bad as some describe? I'm from western Pa, and it is not unusual to see 50 or more hunters on opening day ,but during the week your lucky to see a dozen. Just looking for some idea of what to expect.

Thanks in advance,
Nelson

 

[Dioni A]

You just described one of the epicenters of Hunter over crowing in all of the North West.

 

[RustyHazen]

That area gets pounded. That doesn't mean you can't kill a buck, but last year nearly 14,000 people hunted in 39. It can be ridiculous.

 

[idahohikker]

It's really busy. If you can get miles from roads and trails, you can usually find plenty of open space, though. It's probably more necessary than in most places. Try to go during the week if possible.

 

[PowellSixO]

Post withdrew. I answered my own question.

 

[Idaho Lefty]

It's really busy. If you can get miles from roads and trails, you can usually find plenty of open space, though. It's probably more necessary than in most places. Try to go during the week if possible.

ALL the above posts are true. There is, a Truck parked at, every small Canyon with, a trail up the ridge near the Reservoir ! The Boise Metro area now has, 500,000 people, so anywhere "close" (within a 2 Hour Drive) is crowded. But, if you like to, Bivy Hunt and walk in, a few Miles, it can be done. Take lots of water or, a Filter and find, a Spring. I've had to leave, my Bow, Elk huntin' "Honey Hole", after almost a decade of enjoyment, it was, only 2 Hours away and 2 miles, all up Hill, "in". Gonna have to "Scout" again, this year! And,.. drive 3-4 Hours away,.. from Boise !

 

[ID_Matt]

Left said it right. Trucks at every single draw. But a couple miles walked weeds out 90% or more of the people in my experience there.

 

[Mtnboy]

These guys are not exaggerating about the hunter numbers, it's the highest hunter density in the State if I'm not mistaken. That herd also got absolutely pounded by the hard winter last year.