Idaho OTC 2019

Joined
Dec 22, 2017
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349
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All over
In just over a month Ill be making my first trip West. I am building points for other states/units but this year to cut my teeth im starting with an OTC Idaho archery mule deer hunt. Ive spent 20+ hours scouring property boundary maps, google earth, forums, reports, you name it. I will be driving up from Salt Lake City and am open to hunt anywhere from Unit 76 to Unit 46 and anywhere in between. It seems most known areas get hammered with pressure so Ive been leaning towards areas with less success ratios and less information available, assuming that means less internet researchers will be there. My biggest question is targeting mule deer a wise decision considering the previous 2 winters? Would I be better off getting an elk tag? And I hear mention of snakes on multiple occasions, how worried do I need to be in mid September of snakes? Particularly Units 49, 52, 52A, 57 and 73 are the units ive started to examine very closely. Any information or tips, places to avoid, etc. would be greatly appreciated through PM. If anyone wants to meet up I would also consider that also as im a die-hard hunter and always looking to make new hunting buddies, I'm going to be hunting solo. Thank you
 

Idahohillboy

Lil-Rokslider
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May 7, 2016
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274
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Hailey Idaho
52 is draw only for deer and elk. 49 gets hammered by hunters. 52a and the other units may be good should not have issues with snakes in mid September.

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OP
TheArdentOutdoorsman
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Dec 22, 2017
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I appreciate the advice and glad to know "hopefully" no snakes are out in mid September. Have never ran across a rattler and sure dont want to. lol
 

kiddogy

WKR
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Jul 14, 2019
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idaho
snakes will be out , count on it . generally see em till round the end of oct. depending of coarse on elevation, they disappear a bit sooner in the high country.
have seen rattlers clear into November on the deserts.
I wouldn't sweat it to much though. they generally don't want any more to do with you then you do them.
 
Joined
May 10, 2017
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Check your units closely.

Archery deer hunting can be an exercise in frustration but stay after it.
 

RustyHazen

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 15, 2014
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248
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Boise, Idaho
Absolutely snakes in September. I have run across them way later than that. They will still be very active in the desert units during archery season. There isn't one behind every sagebrush, though. They are very considerate, and usually make their presence known. Good luck on your hunt!
 
Joined
May 29, 2012
Messages
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Lewiston ID
Buy an elk tag instead. 2 of the last 3 winters has the ID deer herds hurting, you could be in traditionally excellent country and see 10% of the what you'd normally see when herds are "healthy". If you're looking for an experience, go elk hunting. If you're looking for big deer, well, go deer hunting :)

Mike
 

Idahohillboy

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
May 7, 2016
Messages
274
Location
Hailey Idaho
Apparently I am wrong bug to speak I have never seen a rattle snake in my part of 49 in mid September. Fact is it dumped snow there two seasons back for a straight week. 52a prolly has snakes or low elevation south end of 49

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OP
TheArdentOutdoorsman
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Dec 22, 2017
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I appreciate everyones input. 73 is a draw for archery deer? It looked like it was a draw for firearms and unlimited general archery. I may have misread
 
Joined
May 20, 2019
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E. WA
snakes will be out , count on it . generally see em till round the end of oct. depending of coarse on elevation, they disappear a bit sooner in the high country.
have seen rattlers clear into November on the deserts.
I wouldn't sweat it to much though. they generally don't want any more to do with you then you do them.
Exactly. Wear some high boots if you are worried about it, but otherwise just watch where you are putting your hands or other parts. If the weather cools down they will be in the rocks sunning themselves. Also, if you do come across one on the trail, don't kill it. Use a trekking pole or find a stack and brush it aside. They don't attack, and frankly speaking do much more good than harm.

Good Luck!
 
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