Idaho Public Hunt - First Timer

[LukeMN28]

Prospective Idaho Mule Deer Hunter (I'm sick of chasing whitetails with slugs in SW MN). Looking to make a drive west for rifle season. Open to controlled units as well as OTC.

Been doing a ton of research from IDFG harvest statistics, public land %s, and draw odds. Marking roads/trails in each unit's public land and reading topo's til my eyes cross.

I've picked out a few units that have caught my eye - would be curious if anyone else has any pointers for a first timer?

28, 36A/B, 51, 53, 71, 74, 76

Appreciate the help!

 

[Duck-Slayer]

Where abouts are you from in SW Minnesota?

 

[LukeMN28]

Where abouts are you from in SW Minnesota?

From the Faribault area but hunt out towards Marshall

 

[Duck-Slayer]

lol lived outside Marshall for a year or so, Lynd.
Matt

 

[DuckKing1988]

I hunted Idaho last fall. The 70s units were hit by a bad winter in 2018-2019 and had drought conditions beforehand. I'm not saying there is not deer but it may be tough to locate a buck that is better than a 2x2. I looked heavily into 36/51. the harvest data there shows that mule deer to whitetail ratio is about 50/50. I've heard the wolves have had their way with the big game in the area but I'm not certain. I hunted 56 in 2019, we covered some serious ground both by roads and boot leather we glassed a lot off of high points and turned up very few deer. Up until the 3rd day, we had seen more bull moose than buck deer. Id hunt 51/36 before Id hunt 56 again and that taking in the wolf effect. hope this helps feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

 

[LukeMN28]

lol lived outside Marshall for a year or so, Lynd.
Matt

Great area for pheasants!

 

[Deleted member 38069]

Welcome aboard from Rochester!

 

[LukeMN28]

I hunted Idaho last fall. The 70s units were hit by a bad winter in 2018-2019 and had drought conditions beforehand. I'm not saying there is not deer but it may be tough to locate a buck that is better than a 2x2. I looked heavily into 36/51. the harvest data there shows that mule deer to whitetail ratio is about 50/50. I've heard the wolves have had their way with the big game in the area but I'm not certain. I hunted 56 in 2019, we covered some serious ground both by roads and boot leather we glassed a lot off of high points and turned up very few deer. Up until the 3rd day, we had seen more bull moose than buck deer. Id hunt 51/36 before Id hunt 56 again and that taking in the wolf effect. hope this helps feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

Very helpful - thanks for the info!

 

[Duck-Slayer]

Good luck in 36.... huge country and very few roads, 3 or 4 wilderness areas in there. 51 I’ve hunted a while back, didn’t have a lot of deer but some, I was hunting elk.
Matt

 

[Huntin' Fool]

Harvest data is 90% + mule deer

 

[2506gunslinger]

The central portion of the state has good deer hunting opportunities. In rifle season, unit 36A/B, 43, 48, and 49 are all good units. They have a lot of public land and hold good deer if your willing to put in a little time and effort. I usually hunt 48 and 49 every year and have no problem finding a good buck after I get off the road a few miles.

 

[GoatHntr]

Been there done that. The deer are there but plan to hike. The area I located deer were consistently found 3 miles from the nearest rd at about 6,000’. Idaho is rugged, steep, but rewarding. Good luck.

 

[TheNorthStar]

Welcome to the board. I'm in Cottage Grove on the south east side of the cities. My first western hunt was Idaho as well 3 years ago. Train your ass off this summer, Idaho is beautiful and steep.

 

[marshman]

Once you sttle on a unit - area scout as much as possible, big country at first for sure.