I am a resident, however I have never stepped foot in this unit nor have I even seen the area. I have 4 days or so to hunt coming up soon. I know the rut is mostly over and that deer are on winter range and skittish. I know the terrain is steep, weather can be frigid, and that roads can be bad or impassable. I am well prepared for all that in experience and gear. I typically backpack hunt and have a hot tent.
I am only targeting bucks with a bow and I like to glass. I understand the Salmon River breaks and possibly Panther Creek areas are where to start, along with south and west facing slopes typical for late season. Is it better just to focus on the 15 miles above and below the hills west of the town of Salmon? Is it worth the extra drive over to Panther Creek area? Is heading into the wilderness area near Panther Creek an advantage ? Just looking to narrow things down a bit so I am not spinning my wheels on figuring out where to go and wasting valuable time off and hunting time.
I am only targeting bucks with a bow and I like to glass. I understand the Salmon River breaks and possibly Panther Creek areas are where to start, along with south and west facing slopes typical for late season. Is it better just to focus on the 15 miles above and below the hills west of the town of Salmon? Is it worth the extra drive over to Panther Creek area? Is heading into the wilderness area near Panther Creek an advantage ? Just looking to narrow things down a bit so I am not spinning my wheels on figuring out where to go and wasting valuable time off and hunting time.