I grew up hunting unit 43 - parents had a cabin there and I have personally taken a lot of deer out of there. It's not the unit it once was, but can still be a decent hunt if you have reasonable OTC expectations. I personally believe 39 tends to have better top end bucks, but you'll also have to work harder for them. These two units are almost certainly the most heavily hunted in all of Idaho for mule deer. In part that's due to their proximity to Boise, but also becuase it's big country with good mule deer habitat and OTC tags. The fires have drastically changed the landscape in both of these units so finding deer could be tougher, but I suspect it has concentrated deer in some cases and could potentially make hunting better if you figure that out. Expect lots of competition and be prepared to out-work the other guys and you'll have a fun trip in some cool country.
I would definitely apply for one of Idaho's better hunts in the draw and hunt one of the OTC units if you don't draw.
Good luck!
I would definitely apply for one of Idaho's better hunts in the draw and hunt one of the OTC units if you don't draw.
Good luck!
