Idaho- Unit 39 Mule Deer

[ageewhy]

Howdy folks,

I am looking for recommendations on lodging in unit 39 for the Mule Deer opener this season. Our plans fell through, so we are going to give OTC Idaho a try. Ive read all the scary stories about unit 39 in terms of people, ATV's etc. But I am told every year they still kill a pile of bucks, and a couple of good ones to boot. Were gonna give it our best, unless I come up with something better...anyway:

Im having trouble finding much lodging outside of Boise- Any cabin rentals? Or other basecamp towns/cities? I've tried posting on Craigslist too, but no luck yet.

Thanks in advance.
-Adam

 

[kidoggy]

39 is a pretty big unit. do you have at least an idea where you wish to hunt?outside of mtn home or boise there is not much for lodging in the unit. atlanta has a couple lil cabins but they are probly already booked.
pine -featherville both have motels but they are in unit 43 so you would have an hour or so drive each day. weather usually is still hot that time of year , tent may be best option. I often just sleep in front seat of truck if hunting alone.

perhaps idaho city might be an option.
or prairie IDAHO ,THOUGH NOT AWARE OF ANYTHING IN prairie

 

[ageewhy]

Really not sure yet on where we are going- were from out of state so not sure on what area to start. If I had to guess, i would say the Southern half of the unit- only because it seems a bit less rugged.

I have a question about camping: When staying at a campground in the National Forest for example- what do folks typically do with all their gear? Do they leave it behind at camp or just zip it up in tent? Id hate for a thief to go digging through our bags or coolers, etc while we are out running ridge tops. Or maybe its not an issue...?

39 is a pretty big unit. do you have at least an idea where you wish to hunt?outside of mtn home or boise there is not much for lodging in the unit. atlanta has a couple lil cabins but they are probly already booked.
pine -featherville both have motels but they are in unit 43 so you would have an hour or so drive each day. weather usually is still hot that time of year , tent may be best option. I often just sleep in front seat of truck if hunting alone.

perhaps idaho city might be an option.
or prairie IDAHO ,THOUGH NOT AWARE OF ANYTHING IN prairie

 

[kidoggy]

folks generally don't bother your camp.
that said I would not leave anything of value unattended. such as guns and the like I would not be afraid to leave a tent and sleeping bags for the day.

in fact I used to leave my pop up set up for the entire season and we would come and go as work permitted. no one ever bothered it. I didn't even lock it as I figured if someone wanted in ,I would rather they used the door then cut a A HOLE TO GET IN. but I did not leave anything i WOULD BE UPSET TO HAVE STOLEN EITHER.
AS WITH ALL PLACES ,THESE DAYS, THERE IS ALWAYS THE POSSIBILITY of some dirtbag coming along.

 

[robak]

Get some bikes. It's a big unit. If you don't have em your at a disadvantage. Even the old Honda 50s would be a major asset in that unit. X2 on the camp situation. You could be spending more time driving to and from hotel than you want. There's quite a few hot spring in the area and those are great after a week or so of hunting.

 

[ageewhy]

This may be a dumb question- when you say bikes do you mean Mountain Bikes? Or Dirt bikes?

Get some bikes. It's a big unit. If you don't have em your at a disadvantage. Even the old Honda 50s would be a major asset in that unit. X2 on the camp situation. You could be spending more time driving to and from hotel than you want. There's quite a few hot spring in the area and those are great after a week or so of hunting.

 

[robak]

Motorcycles. ANY is better than none. Motorcycles will get you in way more areas than if you bring side by side or 4 wheeler. If your going to hunt the southern end of the unit it's highly advisable. Use em to get further back then start hiking. That second part is the key. Some guys just ride around. If your serious you'll get in real good shape and be willing to put boot miles on.