Best Hunting Spots (Boise, Idaho Falls, McCall: train, eat, farm)

[KBrusveen]

Where is the Best hunting ? I am thinking about Northern Idaho but have been told that the best hunting is in the southern half where you have a more diversity in wildlife?

[cleosmom]

Must be true because during hunt season I see plates from all over, both ID plates and other states as well.

This does bring something quite funny to mind though. When I was still driving truck with my husband, we were heading out shortly after sundown and driving right through Pinedale, WY and it was hunting season. While the hunters were sitting at the eateries on the Main street, here come the deer strolling right through town. I'm not a hunter, but that had to have been a mockery

[Trouthunter]

I'm not sure if there is much more diversity of wildlife throughout the state (except for antelope in S.Idaho and Moose in North/SE Idaho). All area's have there spots, but I really doubt any true hunter will reveal their hunting grounds. This is sacred unless you are a guide, or a farmer trying to get rid of all the deer eating the crops.

[Mtn. States Resident]

Originally Posted by Trouthunter

I'm not sure if there is much more diversity of wildlife throughout the state (except for antelope in S.Idaho and Moose in North/SE Idaho). All area's have there spots, but I really doubt any true hunter will reveal their hunting grounds. This is sacred unless you are a guide, or a farmer trying to get rid of all the deer eating the crops.

I think there is truth in what Trouthunter says about too many hunters wanting to reveal their favorite hunting grounds.

I don't know anything about hunting in north ID. I can tell you that when national recruitment agencies recruit potential employmees to Idaho Falls, the hunting and fishing close by are often highlighted.

I'd recommend visiting the various major areas in ID, or if you can't do that, look for websites where you can e-mail. Also, you might want to check the local phone books for fishing/hunting gear. The major carrier in Idaho is Qwest. The phone book, which can be changed for the particular cities is found at: www.qwuestdex.com.

If you learn of any good spots to hunt, let us know here, ok?

[Syringaloid]

I don't hunt, and never will, but while researching Idaho have found out that this state has the widest selection of big game, and has some of the largest herds of big game animals in the lower 48 states, mostly because Idaho has some of the largest forested/mountainess lands in the West. In the Boise paper, the Idaho Statesman, I once read that the best place in the state is the central mountain/wilderness areas. The wilderness areas of this state are huuuuuuuuuuuuge, so I don't think I have given away any secrets.

[Swampmetaldown]

While it seems like Idaho and Montana have much larger range and many more corridors for wildlife, looks like an awful-lot of restrictions. Here in Florida they don't seem to be as stringent on harvest numbers as they do there- but then again maybe I need to read this season's regulations. Any insight? Anyone there have trouble keeping their freezers full?

[brokencrayola]

I think one of the biggest differences in hunting in Southern Idaho as opposed to Northern Idaho is the terrain. In S. Id you often have open fields, smaller hills, lots of open space where you can see a ways, not a lot of trees. N. ID hunting is often in heavily wooded mountainous terrain, very difficult at times.

[simplekindofman]

The mountains are tough up North and Central (unit 11/Riggins and McCall areas). If you want to shoot a trophy animal, you better put in your time anywhere in Idaho, but especially up North. My hunting partner started running half marathons to train for the fall hunting season. This is tough country. Bring good glass, and be able to shoot off hand in tough spots. Out of state tags aren't cheap either. You'd be hard pressed to find a tree stand as well. If you want to shoot the "big one" you'll have to strap on your pack and lace up your boots. You can get lucky, but that's exactly what it is... luck. Texas hunters get crushed up here with the stamina needed. I won't tell anyone where to hunt, but I will tell you how to hunt... your butt off. Good luck all.

[eastidahomom]

Hunting? There are no places to hunt in Idaho, none, zilch, nada. At least as far as I'm concerned.

[Trace_Rinaldi]

I think N. Idaho has just as many species of game animals as southern Id.. I had a buddy from Boise who is an avid hunter come and check out the area around my property in Plummer, and he was blown away by the animals and "sign" of animals he saw. The cool thing about that area is there are alot of open farm fields that Elk, Deer, and even Moose love to take advantage of at night and then in the day they hole up in the heavily tree'd places like my property. I know we have seen many deer, elk, turkey, and even heard a moose bugle around that area..
The CDA, and St Joe forest are said to have some of the biggest Elk heards in the US..

The first and last pics are from an outfitters website that focuses on Unit 4 of the CDA NAtional Forest. As you can see its a monster Elk.. I have also seen on the Outdoor channel a show where they were hunting elk this size near us.. The other pics are from a webcam overlooking lake CDA at Harrison, and shows some deer, elk, and turkey just wandering around.. They dont seem afraid of much, then again I've never seen a BIG animal on the webcam, they may be too smart to just step out and pose for photo's