Late Season Idaho Muzzleloader Mule Deer

[Muleybare]

So we got lucky enough to draw 51-1, a late season Muzzleloader Mule Deer tag!! I have hunted unit 50 before and have harvested some great bucks out of that unit. 51-1 covers part of unit 50, so I know the area pretty good. I have just never been in that area during the late season. Does anyone have any thoughts or input in regards to different trails or access points?? Or any knowledge in regards to how the deer move during that time of year? Migration patterns?

I know it is really going to depend of the weather and how cold it gets. I like to stray from the roads, get high and glass. Just looking to see if anyone wants to "BS" a bit about the hunt.

Thanks guys!

 

[ore hunter]

looks like ill be close to ya as I drew unit 52a late muzzy deer.dont know much about 51-1 or 52a,,,looks like a learning curve this year.

 

[Muleybare]

@Ore Hunter, Nice man! Looks like we will both be having the best Thanksgiving on record!! like I say, I have hunted the area before for general season. So I am pretty familiar with the area and how to hunt it. I'm just trying to do as much research as possible. Hope you find some good intel on 52a!!

 

[ore hunter]

I will be prepared for cold weather and hopefully some snow for us

 

[Striker]

My brother and friends have drawn that tag several times. It's a good hunt especially with good snow of course. My brother's friend has taken several nice bucks from the unit. I've taken a mule-whitetail cross from it during the general. It was kinda of odd. I would start low and work up from the valley depending on the weather. The northern part of the unit is the most popular with hunters. Saw Mill and Pass creek. I don't know how hard they get hunted during the MZ season but you will probably find a lot of elk hunters in those areas as well. It's steep country and if the snow doesn't move them down you best be prepared to hike. That being said I've seen several nice bucks down low so you never know.