First time ever out west - Idaho Sawtooth scouting

[breakglass]

So I have been rather obsessed at the thought of getting out west for a DIY mule deer rifle hunt. I'm at the point where I'm losing sleep. Most guys my age are watching adult entertainment in the late hours of the night, but myself.. I'm scouring the internet for anything I can find on the Sawtooth area. Specifically unit 36. After trying to research multiple zones and reading through tons of statistic information, I've decided enough is enough and I am going to pick a zone and stick with it. With that being said, I chose unit 36. Seems like relatively low hunter numbers and the success % isn't too bad. I'm not too hung up on shooting a monster, to be honest I don't have the highest expectations of shooting anything on my first hunting trip out west. I just hope to at least see some animals and learn from it for my next trip. I'm a flat lander from Michigan, and there's a good chance I could be biting off more than I can chew picking a high mountain area. Either way, I'm pretty much set on this unit and I really look forward to getting out there to explore it.

Enough back story. I booked a flight to Boise on the 24th of August and I'll be flying home on the 28th. I rented a truck to drive out of Boise, I will stay a night in Lowman, then the last 3 nights in Stanley. My plan is to do some hiking/ light backpacking during the day to potentially get an idea of where I want to hunt when I go back next year. I may be getting out a little early for a hunt next year, but I feel like feet on the ground is better than staring at maps all night. I have some hikes in mind that I wanted to do that weren't too over the top when it comes to distance. I really just need to get a feel for what I'm getting myself into when I go back to hunt. Who knows, I may get there and realize I picked the wrong zone! I'm sure I'll enjoy my time in Idaho either way.

Being that I have minimal to no experience with this state and elevations of this level, is there anything I should know before I go? Any must-have gear? I'm curious to see what you guys think. I'm a little overwhelmed and excited at the thought of finally making out to Idaho, so I may have forgot to include some details. Any questions for me just ask!

Thanks in advance!

BG

 

[BeaverHunter]

A good fitting already broke in pair of boots would be my advice on what to have.

 

[Grover]

Steep and rugged country. Start working out now. It’s twice as hard as what it looks like on Google Earth. But I love your commitment.

 

[Akwoodchuck]

Sawtooths are awesome, must-see country...probably not the best for deer hunting. It was me, I'd go in through Atlanta, not Stanley...

 

[GregB]

Garmin InReach

 

[BMB228]

Thinking the same thing InReach!

 

[87TT]

Wait until October and hunt it for real or at least see what it's like when you will be hunting. Was on the Big Wood River last October early and drove and hiked a few places up there. Got snow a few times the first week or So. So...…… My advice is be ready for anything and low game populations.

 

[breakglass]

I appreciate the responses and advice guys.
I have multiple pairs of boots, I have some uninsulated irish setters that should do the trick.
Do most of you guys use a garmin gps when you're out and about? Or is that because I'm green? I was considering picking one up, but I found that a lot of people are using OnX. I'm definitely not opposed to getting one, I like the SOS function.
I would like to hunt this year, but my brother will be my hunting partner and is unable to swing it this time. Speaking of low game populations, we're going to hunt state land in the Upper Peninsula like we always do. That's why I decided to come out this year to check it out. I cant wait a whole year to get out there, I'm getting way too antsy.
Hopefully I see some deer. I chose to stay in Stanley because it seemed like the most central location for unit 36. I planned on sticking to the Sawtooth area, but I feel like If it's too much I can look at other areas within the unit that may be slightly more forgiving.

 

[Dos Perros]

I think a Garmin InReach is a good idea.

I'd focus more on finding good glassing spots than finding animals. A good glassing spot is somewhere you can look over plenty of suitable habitat, like more open feeding features. Also within a manageable walk in the dark from truck or camp. And remembering that if you're backpacking that camp should be decently close to water.

 

[slobow]

Hey glass, I'm with woodchuck, not the best unit for deer. It is some of the most spectacular country but not for deer numbers. Used to bowhunt elk there and seldom did we glass up or find bucks. Good luck to you and your adventure.

 

[sneaky]

I appreciate the responses and advice guys.
I have multiple pairs of boots, I have some uninsulated irish setters that should do the trick.
Do most of you guys use a garmin gps when you're out and about? Or is that because I'm green? I was considering picking one up, but I found that a lot of people are using OnX. I'm definitely not opposed to getting one, I like the SOS function.
I would like to hunt this year, but my brother will be my hunting partner and is unable to swing it this time. Speaking of low game populations, we're going to hunt state land in the Upper Peninsula like we always do. That's why I decided to come out this year to check it out. I cant wait a whole year to get out there, I'm getting way too antsy.
Hopefully I see some deer. I chose to stay in Stanley because it seemed like the most central location for unit 36. I planned on sticking to the Sawtooth area, but I feel like If it's too much I can look at other areas within the unit that may be slightly more forgiving.

You'll have to get pretty much out of that unit if you want to find terrain that is more forgiving. Nothing really within an hour and a half to two hour drive in any direction from Stanley is going to be more forgiving. Did you rent a truck with a sunroof? That's the best way to look at the terrain when you're driving through... up through the sunroof. OnX works fine, but we are recommending an InReach because of the ability to communicate or get help if something goes sideways. Even a twisted ankle in that country can spell trouble. It's gorgeous country for sure, but tough hunting.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[breakglass]

I think a Garmin InReach is a good idea.

I'd focus more on finding good glassing spots than finding animals. A good glassing spot is somewhere you can look over plenty of suitable habitat, like more open feeding features. Also within a manageable walk in the dark from truck or camp. And remembering that if you're backpacking that camp should be decently close to water.

I am leaning on the SE+ or the Explorer+. Still need to do some more research.

That's more or less what I wanted to do. I was just hoping to see a mule deer on its feet while I'm out on the trail. To be honest I've never seen one, only on TV. There is a decent amount of gear I need to acquire before making my actual hunting trip. When I go back, I think it would be ideal to set up camp in a spot where I can glass, that way I don't have to walk an hour + in the dark to get where I can see a distance. Easier said than done, but I'm willing to work for it. Like you said, water needs to be close by as its too heavy to carry as much as I will need.

 

[breakglass]

Hey glass, I'm with woodchuck, not the best unit for deer. It is some of the most spectacular country but not for deer numbers. Used to bowhunt elk there and seldom did we glass up or find bucks. Good luck to you and your adventure.

I can never make it easy for myself can I? When I picked this unit, I felt like it was the decent mix of low hunting pressure and acceptable success rate. It would kind of break my heart to drive 31 hours to hunt back country to see orange all over the mountain. There were less than 1000 hunters in this unit last year for rifle season. I wanted some space to myself. Either way, I'm not backing out of this scouting trip in a few weeks.. although I may find I picked the wrong unit. Hopefully not! Thanks!

 

[breakglass]

You'll have to get pretty much out of that unit if you want to find terrain that is more forgiving. Nothing really within an hour and a half to two hour drive in any direction from Stanley is going to be more forgiving. Did you rent a truck with a sunroof? That's the best way to look at the terrain when you're driving through... up through the sunroof. OnX works fine, but we are recommending an InReach because of the ability to communicate or get help if something goes sideways. Even a twisted ankle in that country can spell trouble. It's gorgeous country for sure, but tough hunting.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I appreciate the honesty. I will have to double check on the sunroof, it's one of those smaller trucks like a nissan frontier or toyota tacoma. An InReach is on my list, just need to figure out which one I want. Hopefully there are no injuries on this trip, but you never know! I'm pretty certain my cell phone will be useless out there.

 

[GregB]

I appreciate the honesty. I will have to double check on the sunroof, it's one of those smaller trucks like a nissan frontier or toyota tacoma. An InReach is on my list, just need to figure out which one I want. Hopefully there are no injuries on this trip, but you never know! I'm pretty certain my cell phone will be useless out there.

You'll have service in Stanley proper, that's about it. There are a lot of issues you can run into besides injuries. A flat tire or 2, stuck in a snow drift, sliding off the road etc. During hunting season I highly recommend chains, tow strap, shovel and an axe or saw. i always have an axe or saw in my truck, it sucks heading back and finding a new deadfall across the road.

 

[Owyheehuntr]

I'll echo what alot of guys have already said. I've spent a good bit of time backpacking to alpine lakes all around Stanley. See deer every once in a while, probably seen 1 decent buck in the last few years and that's covering alot of miles. But the Sawtooths are an amazing place and if your committed then I say go for it!

 

[Akwoodchuck]

I will chime back in here and say if you want a real good time, bring a fishing rod with some trout flies/spinners, and hike back into one of the higher lakes...you wont regret it! Super fun stuff.

 

[idahohikker]

Few deer, many yuppies/granolas. Scout after deer get hard horned.

 

[Idaho_Potato]

Listen to the Idaho guys. There are very few deer up there compared to other parts of the state. You will drive by mule deer on the side of the road well before you get to unit 36. Draw an east-west line through Atlanta, Id. The best mule deer hunting and the largest numbers of mule deer live south of that line. Also, I picked Atlanta as a random landmark. I'm not suggesting you hunt around Atlanta.

Also, I wouldn't get too worked up about hunting around other guys. If it's general season and there are mule deer around you will probably have other people around you. Just the way it is here with general tags. Everybody pretty much knows where the animals are. At least you won't have to look at a sea of orange - nobody wears it because it's not required. It will just be a sea of First Lite and Sitka

 

[idahohikker]

Listen to the Idaho guys. There are very few deer up there compared to other parts of the state. You will drive by mule deer on the side of the road well before you get to unit 36. Draw an east-west line through Atlanta, Id. The best mule deer hunting and the largest numbers of mule deer live south of that line. Also, I picked Atlanta as a random landmark. I'm not suggesting you hunt around Atlanta.

Also, I wouldn't get too worked up about hunting around other guys. If it's general season and there are mule deer around you will probably have other people around you. Just the way it is here with general tags. Everybody pretty much knows where the animals are. At least you won't have to look at a sea of orange - nobody wears it because it's not required. It will just be a sea of First Lite and Sitka

The east west line of Atlanta is somewhat arbitrary. The areas with low deer densities are rocky areas in central Idaho with balolith soils, documented by biologists to be poor deer feed that stunts growth and limits deer numbers. This poor deer habitat exists in the Sawtooth range, Frank Church, White Clouds, and Selway. Basically the backpackers dreams with high elevation areas with lots of pretty rocks to admire. The Weiser and McCall zones northwest of the line have some spots with higher numbers than what is in the Sawtooths as do parts of the Salmon Zone, Pioneer Zone, Lemhi Zone. Lots of places in Idaho have deer numbers that beat the Sawtooths because its a low barrier to exceed. It just comes down to habitat ultimately and habitat quality differs throughout the state. But you’re right that typically southern Idaho has better habitat than much of that rocky central part of the state—it also has a lot of the rifle controlled deer hunts. Just my .02.