Idaho - Unit 43 General

Hello everyone. I've been lurking on these forums for awhile and I have to say this is quite the place.

I finally decided to register so I could ask for some pointers!

Last year I hunted in Idaho for the first time. On the eastern side of Unit 43.

There was an early snow and only one of the four of us managed to fill a tag. It was extremely disappointing, I hiked between 3-6 miles a day for 6 days and only saw does. I ended up picking up camp and traveling west, to lower elevation (4500-6000ish) where the hunters were having much better success.

Having only ever lived and hunted in California (Ive drawn X zone tags a few times), I feel quite inexperienced. That said, mule deer hunting is my greatest passion. Sadly, I have never shot anything better than a small 3x3, or seen anything better than that in the wild. I dream about bagging a 4x4 some day, even a small one. I know it's not much but hey, a man has to start somewhere.

This brings me to my next point... I lack the ability to go scout in ID. Though I might be able to to convince my supervisors to let me go in future years.

While I have some good ideas of where to hunt in this unit, I was hoping someone could give me some advice on where to start. I'm willing to hike anywhere.

If anyone has advice or tips for campgrounds in the area near Featherville I would very much appreciate it.

Thanks for listening,
Davey
16,591
pokymuleys
i know of places to find big bucks in eastern idaho around pocatello idaho but not in unit 43 if u need more info about hunting around eastern idaho just ask i should know
69
MuleyMadness
I'm no help on your unit in Idaho, but WELCOME and a PLEASURE to have you aboard. Hope you enjoy and stick around.

Brett


::wel
69
AGCHAWK
Davey, WELCOME TO MM! Sorry I can't help ya as far as the request goes. I do hunt whitetail in N ID every year but do not get into the southern portions much.

I just wanted to take a second to welcome you to one of the best hunting sites around.
69
Default Avatar
I have tried hunting the same area with about as much success as you. although I have been close to trinity mt. and run into a few decent bucks. shoot me an e-mail and we'll talk.good luck
69
Default Avatar
I was on the east side of 43 this last weekend. This was my first time in that area so I mainly drove around, not much hiking. I did see about 7 does. Its definately is a good looking area and I would also like to hear from some folks who have hunted there in the past...
69
Default Avatar
Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

pokymuleys: I have been considering a change of unit in Idaho, but two of the guys I hunt with have hunted this unit in the past and seem stuck on it. Is the area you speak of a general hunt unit?

idhuntnfool: I will e-mail you shortly.

IDdesertman: The eastern side is higher elevation and looks fantastic. The issue we had last year was an early snow before the season opened (or thats how I see it anyways). We met some hunters who had been hunting that area for 14 years and they said they had always had a lot of success except for this past year.
69
Default Avatar
A guy told me most of the deer migrate out early. He said they go into Unit 45. Who knows how true that is.
69
Default Avatar
I have hunted unit 43 for my whole life. I would recomend hunting lick cr. trail. It is just south of the old smokey bar at the base of fleck summit. There is a small road off of the main road that takes you to the base of the trail. I have shot two trophy buck up that trail. A 5x6 that had a 32 inch spread and a 4x4 with a 36 inch spread. I have moved on to archery hunting and i see monster bucks every year. The only buck i have got with my bow was a two point, however, I get closer and closer every year. I hope this helps you. let me know if you need any more information!
69
Default Avatar
"idhuntnfool" wrote:A guy told me most of the deer migrate out early. He said they go into Unit 45. Who knows how true that is.
i have family in gooding and i'd agree 45 or 52 would definitely be a unit to got to. however, the bennet hills are a controled hunt with some steep odds.
69
Default Avatar
I am sure the hunt that in Eastern Idaho that he is talking about is Unit 70. Its a controlled hunt unless your archery hunt. Its a very tough hunt to draw. I drew this year and have been putting in for it since it became controlled so like 5 years or something. Its not uncommon to shoot a 180+" Mule Deer. I have seen a few that will hit close to 200"
69