I am going to be hunting in southern Idaho next year with some friends they have a big dairy there. I just wanted to know if anyone has hunted this area before, and How hard is it to get a tag. Its close to the snake river, about 2 hours from the nevada boarder.
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Quacker Wacker
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Your question is a little like saying, I'd like to hunt the Sierra Nevada's for deer, where is a good place to start. Start with a map and then look at the Idaho Fish and Game web site. There's lots of stats and info to help.
I know my question is general in nature but thats all the info I have at the moment. When I get more detail in a few days I will be able to start doing some more detail research. I just wanted a general idea of what the terrian is like? The size of the heard ? IF the deer hunting is OK as well.
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The terrain varies greatly in "Southern Idaho". It includes arid sage in the foothills and lowlands, alot of alfalfa and other crops in the large valley areas, and extremely steep rocky and timbered areas in north of the big valley and in the corners south of the valley. The herd is in great shape, elk and deer, except in the SE corner where the long drought has had a negative effect, especially on the deer. Deer hunting can be excellent. You can find excelent hunting in the OTC areas, but look at the draw areas also since there is currently no point system and your chance is as good as any other non-res.
Now, once you find out specifically what area your friend lives in go the the fish and game site and start using their database to get an idea of draw rates in draw areas, then look and success rates, ave rack size taken, etc to pinpoint what your looking for. Once you can get pretty specific then maybe start to ask some questions.
Having moved here from Calif, two years ago, I started out cold here - no friends or family. I simply started scouting. I asked alot of questions like, how do you hunt these deer/elk, which zones do you hunt, etc. Don't start asking where to hunt, or for specific locales as that is what is expected of "out of staters" and you will be resented. Let people know your willing to do some legwork and then once you do, you'll find locals are helpful, just don't assume. Idaho is a hidden gem, most people pass it on the way to Colo and Wyo, but if your willing to put in some time and effort there is alot of public land and good herds here, just be ready to get out of the truck, off the quad, and ready to walk up and down steep terrain. The favorite saying here is, "If Idaho's mountains were flattened out, Idaho would be bigger than Texas".
Good Luck.
Now, once you find out specifically what area your friend lives in go the the fish and game site and start using their database to get an idea of draw rates in draw areas, then look and success rates, ave rack size taken, etc to pinpoint what your looking for. Once you can get pretty specific then maybe start to ask some questions.
Having moved here from Calif, two years ago, I started out cold here - no friends or family. I simply started scouting. I asked alot of questions like, how do you hunt these deer/elk, which zones do you hunt, etc. Don't start asking where to hunt, or for specific locales as that is what is expected of "out of staters" and you will be resented. Let people know your willing to do some legwork and then once you do, you'll find locals are helpful, just don't assume. Idaho is a hidden gem, most people pass it on the way to Colo and Wyo, but if your willing to put in some time and effort there is alot of public land and good herds here, just be ready to get out of the truck, off the quad, and ready to walk up and down steep terrain. The favorite saying here is, "If Idaho's mountains were flattened out, Idaho would be bigger than Texas".
Good Luck.
thanks for all the information. I am going to be hunting with two guys that live out there. They moved there dariy to Idaho about 10 years ago. They have 2 huge ranchs that we can hunt as well as some national forest. Having some local help is going to be a real help. I didn't know that Idaho does not have a point system. Can you put in for a draw, then if you don't get drawn get a OTC tag? Thanks for the help
Good Luck next season.
Good Luck next season.
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Orygun @ Feb 28 2006, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>
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There is certainly a Wolf problem here, but it hasn't hit So. Idaho----Yet. They are mostly in central Idaho, and especially along the Idaho/Mont border down to Yellowstone. In that corner of the state we have not only wolves, black bears, and coyotes, but Grizz also, so if you hunt that area, bring some pepper spray.
Cahunter, still interested to hear what area you will be heading to. What town or county do your friend have their Dairy in.
The wolves certainly think so.
[/b][/quote]
There is certainly a Wolf problem here, but it hasn't hit So. Idaho----Yet. They are mostly in central Idaho, and especially along the Idaho/Mont border down to Yellowstone. In that corner of the state we have not only wolves, black bears, and coyotes, but Grizz also, so if you hunt that area, bring some pepper spray.
Cahunter, still interested to hear what area you will be heading to. What town or county do your friend have their Dairy in.
