Idaho General Deer 48/49

[BigSurArcher]

Hey Guys,

I'm planning to go do a solo Idaho general backpack hunt for the last week of the season. The units in the title of the thread are my #1 choice right now, simply because I like the looks of the country and the statistics are "good enough". Lots of room to (hopefully) get away from people, and plenty of big broken country for long glassing sessions.

I'm not looking for spots, but I could use some advice when it comes to setting realistic goals. Anyone out there who's familiar with this region willing to share their thoughts and findings on quality, numbers, etc? Again I'll be alone and looking to focus on areas 3-6 miles off the road, from October 24-31.

Very open to PMs and recommendations on other general units as well!

Thank You.

 

[firebeck]

The country is awesome! ! I've seen more elk than deer but only spent 4 days in 49. I don't have much else for you. I'd like to learn more about them myself.

 

[BigSurArcher]

Thanks Firebeck. The country does look incredible, no question about that! Good luck to you this Fall.

 

[dzlfarmboy]

Me and my friend will be in 49 the last week as well. We're in the same boat, never stepped foot in idaho before but I have spots picked out to check out. Been using google earth out the ying yang and cross referencing it with my onX maps idaho chip.

 

[woodtick]

I use to hunt 50 around Surprise Valley and Hyndman Peak, probably the roughest country Idaho has to offer. I haven't been in there in about 6 years but that is a great migration corridor 49/50 border for deer headed south towards the Craters of the Moon country. I doubt you'll have a hard time getting away from people, I only seen guys on horses in that country and very few hikers. PM me if you'd like a little more info.

 

[Graylight]

It is good country. Hunt hard and you will find a 180 - Anything bigger is a longshot. Decent non typical genetic there. Lots of 15-16 type bucks.

 

[IdahoSkies]

I spent a week backpacking right on the northerneastern edge of 49 this summer. (Fall Creek/Broad Canyon). Saw of the most awesome country I have ever been in (and I think I have been to every lake in the Sawtooths). We had deer in and near our camps often, but they clearly watered at night. The country is pretty high and wide, so I bet your best bet is to spend a lot of time behind glass in a good vantage point. Not much of a tip since that's a standard way to find deer, but they are there to be found.

It also takes some time to get back up in there, and its steep.

 

[BigSurArcher]

I appreciate everyone's input; thank you guys very much. This big moon and nice weather should keep a bunch of bucks from getting killed before the end of the month. I just hope they're still in the high country by the time I get there.

 

[Musket Man]

As dry and warm as this year has been I doubt there will be any snow to push them down by the time you get there. I dont know that area but I expect this year they will be where there is still feed and water.

 

[NVBird'n'Big]

How'd the hunt go BSA?

 

[Calbuck]

I hunted elk and deer in 49 and saw a grand total of 11 deer. One of em was a small 4 point. Only buck. No deer in 49!

 

[dzlfarmboy]

I hunted the last week around 49. Up hyndmans peak, saw two small bucks and two does and some coyotes. East of hailey and Bellevue saw some elk up high. Deer were few and far between. Some does and a couple forkys. No bears, or wolfs. Did see probably 10 moose up sharpes canyon. Wish we would have come at the beginning of the season.

 

[Firefighter44]

Bigsur how did the hunt go?

 

[BigSurArcher]

Not too great. Hunted 6 or 7 days and never saw a buck I wanted to shoot. Frustrating to be perfectly honest! Nice country, but if doing it again I'd go the first week of the season when more deer are up high.