We talk about the Church more than any other area on here due to nonresident interest in wilderness. There’s lots of wilderness in Idaho that isn’t federally designated, btw.
The Frank has a low deer population right now due to recent bad winters and unrestricted nonresident rut hunting (until a couple years ago); obviously predators are a factor as well in eating into what the population could be. The rocky Frank is not a nutrition rich area anyway so the higher end of the population swings based on winters is more like an average population for Idaho. Between rough winters on less than ideal winter range, rocky habitat, and heavy predation the Frank is not an easy place to live as a mule deer. This is based on published reports, talking to the covering bios, and my observations. You’ll see a concentration if you get to hunt the migration areas in November.
Many guys hunt deer there in September or early October. This makes sense because access any later gets dicey by vehicle. I’d say the average guy I’ve talked to (and I’ve talked to at least 15 who’ve told me about their hunt) sees 3-5 deer in five days. This is due to population and huge country that they scatter into until migrating.
It’s trophy country. Most residents today recommend enjoying with a fly rod or a predator hunt as there are lots of bears and wolves and lions.
