Sun Valley Deer?

[Highcountry Dreams]

I get one more chance to fill my Idaho deer tag! Work is sending me to Ketchum for a week and we should have plenty of time to hunt the mornings and evening. Does anyone have any info on the deer in the Sun Valley area? I have never been there and am hoping someone can advise on trophy expectations, populations, and places to look (not looking for honey holes, just general area info).

 

[ivorytip]

dont know area well but i know fairfield, i think unit 45 holds some monster bucks

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

Thanks, ivorytip. I have heard the same thing, but it is short-range weapon only on a general tag and I don't have anything that qualifies other than my bow. I think I will have some private land access (but I don't know for sure), so I'm thinking of taking my chances with a rifle in 48 and 49. Keep us posted on your elk quest.

 

[Graylight]

There are a few decent bucks up there... Get on the ridge tops.... I mean all the way to the top and focus on the highest basins you can get to... The bucks WILL NOT be low in the basins at all... If you see a 140-160 BOOM! Don't pass it up because that's good for that area... No specific areas to focus, just get high... Use your optics and you will see them. It is big country and long friggin stalks but can be fun if you put in the work...

 

[elkboy32]

I archery hunted unit 48 for 21 days this September. While I was pursueing elk, I did encounter quite a few deer, including quite a few bucks. I didn't see any true monsters (I never have around here, but I think a couple exist), I did see a bunch in the 140 to 160 range. I saw one that I would say was around 175, and he was the biggest buck I have seen in 5 years of hunting the area. I would make sure to get to the top of the ridges, and check the brush pockets up high. The bucks also like the top 1/3 of the north facing hillsides. I had good luck in the burn. If you see a decent 4pt, I would take it. It will be better then what most people harvest. Good luck!

 

[Highcountry Dreams]

Thanks for the great replies that really helps temper my expectations. Welcome to forum elkboy32!