Weather for Idaho high country

[MOhunter28]

Planning on heading up to in the high country for a early season archery mule deer hunt in Idaho. Season opens August 30th and I was wondering at 9000-10000 feet what temperatures will generally be like. I just want to be prepared with the proper sleeping bag and clothing. It looks like it can get down close to freezing on the mountain and warm to 70+ degrees during the day. Just wanted to know what people have experienced hunting the early season in high country.

 

[kidoggy]

sounds like you pretty much have your answer already.generally pretty hot still begining of sept. possible freezing at night but can expect tee-shirt weather during the day. never know when a stray rain shower might roll through though, so it might be wise to have a light rain jacket handy , just in case

 

[hoshour]

If you go to weatherspark.com you can get historical average weather conditions for any day of the year for most places, including daily highs and lows, precip, cloudy days, etc. Drop the temps about 5.4 degrees per 1000 ft of elevation you hunt above the weather station elevation

 

[ivorytip]

bag rated at least at 30 and you will be fine. from 9 to 10000 your chances of night time snow are pretty good when those systems roll in. but melts off pretty fast. a great base layer will be your best friend, numb fingers on morning hike to glassing spot soon gives way to t- shirts in a few hours. you don't have to give your unit but what part of Idaho you headed in to? September never passes by without a few days of solid rain, generally the 2nd and 3rd week. but like was said, have rain gear with you. just never know.

 

[JimP]

I went fishing in Idaho one September a number of years ago and after a couple of days we woke up to 2' of fresh snow and very cold temperatures.

Once you get into fall you just never know what is going to happen.

 

[Laddy]

I bow hunt backcountry at 8500-10k here in September, and through October.

My gear varies depending on the forecast for that 5-6 day window, but my go-to setup is a marmot 15 degree and big Agnes Q core insulated pad. If it's later on into September and general rifle I bring along thermal tops and bottoms and camp socks to sleep in. To be honest with you, the insulated sleeping pads are worth their weight in gold come fall.

But like ivory said, September is layering time....getting up before dawn you think I'm never going to get warm and by 10 you're down to a t shirt. Last year was brutally warm where I hunt right up until the 3rd week of October.