Idaho OTC Mule Deer Hunt 2017

[nickpaolini81]

Hey all,

From PA and I've got 6 DIY western archery mule hunts under my belt; I have a novice grip on the deer game. Here's the curve ball, my father (70) has it on his bucket list to shoot a mule deer with a rifle. Not looking for a pig or your honey holes, rather some quality father/son time while seeing deer. I've done my research on the OTC opportunities, draw success, success rates, etc.

Is anyone willing to share/recommend a unit (or 2) that 2 non-res who will be flying in could have a marginal chance at killing a buck without killing a 70 yr old retired CPA?

Looking to be pointed the right direction is all.......

Thanks for any help.

 

[Joe Schmo]

There are roughly two dozen threads on 2017 idaho OTC mule deer that have been started on the 5 most popular western hunting forums. Have you looked at those yet? Thoughts? Tentative plan? I'd recommend steering clear of the "Frank Church" threads.

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Agree with above. There are lots of threads on this exact topic. SE Idaho is a good spot for OTC tags. Plenty of roads but if your dad can do a little walking your odds will go up. Lots of other hunters but there is always a chance at a buck close to the roads.

 

[nickpaolini81]

There are roughly two dozen threads on 2017 idaho OTC mule deer that have been started on the 5 most popular western hunting forums. Have you looked at those yet? Thoughts? Tentative plan? I'd recommend steering clear of the "Frank Church" threads.

Thanks. Outside of Eastman's, what do you deem the "5 most popular?" I'll check them out.

 

[Joe Schmo]

onyourownadventures
ifish
huntingwashington
rokslide
24hourcampfire

 

[andrew12gauge]

May not be the best year to choose to hunt idaho if you haven't before, likely to be a big winterkill this year


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[tim]

north Idaho is below average for snow fall, central Idaho is avg and southern Idaho is way above average. Very big state, it all depends on where you are.

 

[kidoggy]

north Idaho is below average for snow fall, central Idaho is avg and southern Idaho is way above average. Very big state, it all depends on where you are.

here in sw idaho we are only at 107% of normal. but we didn't really start getting a lot of snow till the later part of dec. it's the early november snow years and long cold winters that generally give us big winterkill. I think the deer and elk will probably come through ok this year. what I'VE seen so far ,they appear to be in good shape still. every year we get some winterkill but don't see this as being the exceptional snowmagedon year the news would have us believe. we were in fact below average snowfall for the year until about two weeks ago. guess that could change if we get a late cold spring but to date we are pretty much just average.
I wouldn't count idaho a bust for next year.

 

[ivorytip]

close to 200% on this side of the state. winter kills are already taking its toll. I predict very high death rate, 80% for collared fawns id say isn't a far cry. lots of fence hang ups cuz snow is way to deep for some of the little guys to jump after momma. not to mention the lions have an extreme advantage in this deep stuff. 3 lion kills last week on a buddies property near winter range. the guy chasing lions with dogs said he's only seen 2 females and a young cat in that area. and the yotes are taking advantage of the deep snow too. with that said.... deer hunting will be fantastic once again, but focus sw and far north

 

[ivorytip]

on a high note.... a lot of the winter ranges have been getting less snow than the valley floor.