Idaho Plan- input requested for first Muley hunt

[ageewhy]

Welp, after getting cross-eyed looking at maps, harvest data and google earth I now have a 'new' plan this year for Idaho. I posted a few times in the past and received some input... but here is the nuts and bolts: Me, my dad, and 3 buddies are trying to plan our first Mule deer hunt in Idaho. We are hunting opening week, in OTC units. Originally we were looking at unit 39- but I was scared away after doing research on the terrain and the pressure.

So now our new plan is this: We found a nice cabin in the town of Mackay, ID off highway 93 in unit 50. From what I can tell we can go north into some big mountain country (36b), or we can go south into 52a and 68 in more moderate high desert country. We can even go west into 48/49 and there is a lot of 'Access Yes' property. To the East we have units 51,58,59 which the bio told me has some good glassing country. Not to mention unit 50 is very big and appears to have decent harvest last season (527 bucks; 40% +4 points or better). All of this within 60-80 miles or an ~hour drive of our cabin in Mackay. My main concern is getting into country thats too steep or rough for my dad (he's 65 years old) so I want to have options...

We will be arriving on Saturday the 7th. That means we will have the 8th and 9th to scout and hopefully a place to start hunting by the 10th.

I realize the areas I am talking about are literally HUGE and entire mountain ranges and canyons, but I guess its just the way my brain works. We are trying to set ourselves up in a location where we can strike off, depending on what our hearts and legs can handle with a reasonable chance at finding a buck. Near Mackay and Arco we have gas, food, amenities etc.


We are all experienced Whitetail hunters (I know, totally different than Muleys!)
We will not have access to pack animals or any ATV's
We've never stepped foot in the state of Idaho

What am I forgetting? Does this plan sound feasible? Any advice?

 

[Tim McCoy]

Always good to have options. I've been thru some of that country fishing not hunting. But the terrain you describe matches my memory of the general area. As long as the MD wintered well, you should have opportunities.

 

[robak]

What ever you do bring your fishing poles too. Good fishing in the lost river and other creeks in the area. Yes your in the middle of alot of options. My opinion of your situation I would see if you could pay a trespass fee from a local rancher and hunt some of the mountain country behind it (dont know if there's any that do or dont). I would stay away from the "big desert" 52A as it has a lot of lava flows and can be really deceptive walking, and to get away from others you might break down in your truck and have to walk out.

 

[meathunter]

Somewhat familiar with the areas, most of the Big Lost River which goes through town is private land. Once you get a couple of miles from the river, BLM and National Forest is there to hunt. Bad winter there, although it seems the deer and elk made it through in decent shape. Once you get farther from the valleys, the most of the area is steep and rugged. The more south towards Arco, the land isn't as steep. You can certainly find areas that aren't as rugged with good areas to glass. The lower BLM land has good access, the Nat. Forest is somewhat limited due to the steepness.

Have fun and good luck!

 

[ageewhy]

Welp, plans changed yet again. Dont ya love how that happens? After doing research on the terrain and talking with a few biologists we decided to change areas completely.

We are now renting a cabin in unit 75, south of Soda Springs in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. We are hunting opening week, and will have two full days to scout before the opener on Tuesday. We may venture over into unit 76 as well- I know they did quite well in that unit last year.

I know this general area experienced a really tough winter...hoping their is still some game around for us newbies. If anyone is willing to share a point in the right direction it would be much obliged!

 

[ivorytip]

Both units you should find some decent bucks in. Think low, not high if around cultivated fields. Pretty much anywhere in those units you should have some luck. Glassing is your friend.

 

[ageewhy]

Both units you should find some decent bucks in. Think low, not high if around cultivated fields. Pretty much anywhere in those units you should have some luck. Glassing is your friend.

THANK YOU! We cannot wait to get out there.