Idaho Whitetail

[DanMarcaigh]

I was just in North/Central Idaho for elk and happened upon a couple whitetail does. I'm coming back looking for their boyfriend this fall. Apart from a couple outdated materials from IFG on habitat and range, I am not finding much to help understand and pattern their movements. Are there any books on the subject? Any recent research done on the herd? I hear they are doing well, but certain units are choked with brush and pressured by predators. Not super helpful.

 

[PathFinder]

The demand for the tags has already blown through the roof over the last few years, there doesn't need to be any more free info about it on the internet.

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[jimmy33]

There is very little literature about North Idaho whitetail hunting. Low deer densities…finding topographical features they like, hunting edges, and glassing cuts can lead to success. By far my favorite hunt of the year.


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[elsb0048]

I grew up in that region and hunted some whitetails. No expert by any means but feel free to PM me and I'd answer as well as I can.

 

[RockinRam96]

I wouldn’t expect them to be much different than eastern mountain bucks. They’re stealthy, take off at any sight or sound of a threat. Not much forage for them so really have to understand how they travel (low lands, drainage ways, gullies, saddles, etc). Just like the others, wind and scent control is key. They are very habitual creatures, but do wander at times. Remi Warren has a good episode on this topic on his podcast Live Wild.

I have been considering giving a hunt like this a shot. I have always wanted to hunt elk, but with OTC tags getting harder and harder to come by, along with guided hunts going through the roof, I have determined I just want a western hunting experience. No matter which critter I am chasing.


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[7RemMag]

I wouldn’t expect them to be much different than eastern mountain bucks. They’re stealthy, take off at any sight or sound of a threat. Not much forage for them so really have to understand how they travel (low lands, drainage ways, gullies, saddles, etc). Just like the others, wind and scent control is key. They are very habitual creatures, but do wander at times. Remi Warren has a good episode on this topic on his podcast Live Wild.

I have been considering giving a hunt like this a shot. I have always wanted to hunt elk, but with OTC tags getting harder and harder to come by, along with guided hunts going through the roof, I have determined I just want a western hunting experience. No matter which critter I am chasing.


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There’s some decent public land hunting to be had in Wyoming for whitetails with potential for mulies as well on just a couple preference points.

If Idaho is anything like WY, whitetails are more prevalent in river/creek bottoms and ag lands with some exceptions. I have seen them in the mountains too, but that’s a little abnormal I would say.