Idaho unit 39

[kbook77]

So I'm going deer hunting in Idaho unit 39 and am looking for some information on deer numbers, hunting pressure and trophy size. We are going with a friend who hunted this area 4 years ago and seen some good bucks. I have studied everything on the web, google earth and so on. I'm looking for first hand knowledge or people that have hunted that area. We will be hunting around Ross Peak. We are backpacking in to get away from the pressure. The hunt will be the end of October. I did find some information that this area gets hit hard by motorized trail bikes that are not suppose to be riding the trails. Any info would be great.

PM me if you'd like.

Thanks and happy hunting...

KK

 

[wolftalonID]

I have not hunted it myself for about 4 years. However I did the late season November Bow hunts. There are not so many bucks up there, but when you do see one, they are grand!!!
Be every so careful to glass the crap out of the bases of the larger sage brush. I have walked over them more than once, scares the livin daylights out of you when they blow at ya and run off. If you glass well, you will see them bedded down.

Believe it or not the best spot to get them is right at the cottonwood creek Ranger station. Thats the spot you have to drive into to start hunting them, at least in the Bow season. You can park right there in the bend of the road and go up the hill east, or drive into the Ranger station area, and follow up the game trails a ways. Super steep country so be in shape.

Most guys tend to want to go on into the unit more remotely and there are so many hunters from Boise headed up there its nuts. The deer know this too, as the cottonwood road is their safe zone. I have seen them full out sprint down the hill to it and stand on the other side of it and stare at you.

By hunting the boundry line, the other hunters will push the deer down their natural migration path to you. Your not having to go in so far in the unit, and if you go mid week, there are usually less people up there hunting.

If your rifle hunting, wear LOTS of orange, or expect to be shot at, this unit tends to attract alot of brainless people too.

Happy hunting.

 

[Shooter]

39 is the most hunted unit in the state of Idaho. You don't get away from people in 39. But if you get a bunch of snow towards the end of the season its a blood bath. And some really nice bucks get taken.

 

[Gperkins21]

Try to find pockets where there are no vehicle trails for a mile. So many vehicles the deer find where there are no vehicles ha. Ive shot 12 deer in 39 all around danskin!

 

[Ikeepitcold]

Reading this post just reminds me of we're I've hunted for elk in Tex Creek and Palasades. Guys shooting rite over your head! Fools running around like they are drunken sailors! I don't miss that crap at all.

 

[Freebird63]

I have heard stories of a bunch of guys who usually stay at Twin Springs and from there they hike somewhere, they never take any pictures of the area for fear someone might recognize it. But I hear they harvest some big ones. Yes like the other poster said, you need to be in shape as those hills are steep and go forever. Good luck. I hunt that area and have yet to come across a real good spot, this year there does not seem to be as many hunters up there????

 

[Shooter]

I have 3 buddies that hunt 39 every year. If it snows during rifle season they do good. Usually come home with 160+ bucks. If it doesn't snow they usually come home with little 2 and 3 points.