OTC Mule Deer Hunt...Where?

[Sierra stalker]

Very very very few "giants"
Come up and glass our winter range and you'll see what I mean.

I know deer numbers are very low and giants are few and far between but that area has the genetics to produce them. I'm sure there's one or two around. I last hunted it in 08, it took a huge hit from the 07/08 winter so I haven't returned. And from what I hear its worse now. That's why Im looking to try the central part of the state on my next trip.

 

[robby denning]

Goindeep,
seems the central Id deer just didn't get hit like SE deer did. All the best on your search.

 

[jrice]

I have to agree with Robby about unit 67 Idaho. I live in the unit and watch the deer on the winter range. Prior to the 2007-08 winter I would see several very nice bucks every winter. That winter really hit the herd hard, and after that big bucks were much fewer in number. Then before things could recover along came the winter of 2010-11. I've not seen a really big buck here since, and very few nice bucks (by nice I'm talking 160 - 175). There are a decent number of young bucks here this winter, but we're still years away from getting back to where we were before 07 in terms of older age classes.

Unit 66/69 is supposedly still in the same rough shape, and according to IDF&G a lot of bucks get poached in those units. As far as OTC opportunities, at least in Idaho you'd probably be better off in the central and western part of the state for now. I can't give you any advice there because with the exception of the Frank Church, I've never hunted there.

 

[Rizzy]

Southcentral Idaho would be a good bet for the next few decades. There has been a lot of fire activity in the last few years, which is great for antler growth. The deer don't know it, but those 3-5 year old burn areas are prime for nutrients and good antler growth. Combine this with yet another mild winter so far, good winter range and things look good again.