Idaho unit 73

Good morning all.
I am headed out to unit 73 in 2 weeks. I have been to the unit before and will have a few days of scouting. I know that the winter kill 2 years ago was very bad for the unit. We didnt hunt there last year but will be hunting this year. We are making the drive from just outside seattle so its a trek to get there.

Anyone in that area seeing anything good? not looking for honey holes or anything just hoping people are seeing some good bucks around.

Best bucks are all in private fields

You mentioned the winter kill, which was last yr, not two years ago, did you think one fawn crop would rebound the amount of shooter bucks? Strikes me as odd logic to post.

I hunted that unit one time 10 yrs ago. Lots of bucks then, 15-20 a day. Crazy how fast they moved down on/near private. Also crazy the hoards of Utah plates. Can’t imagine that hunt today being fun.

BPKHunter said:

You mentioned the winter kill, which was last yr, not two years ago, did you think one fawn crop would rebound the amount of shooter bucks? Strikes me as odd logic to post.

I hunted that unit one time 10 yrs ago. Lots of bucks then, 15-20 a day. Crazy how fast they moved down on/near private. Also crazy the hoards of Utah plates. Can’t imagine that hunt today being fun.

Click to expand...

Winter 22-23 - horrible...although winter kill in 73 not nearly like the neighboring units/states to east/southeast

Winter 23-24 - very mild in 73, came very late, fall green up was insane, and animals in great shape when heavy Feb snowfall did hit. No numbers to back me up but winter kill had to be lower than avg.

Jan 31, 2024:

A good hatch of Utah plates persists no matter the conditions, the outlook, or even the 250 cap on NR's.

No comment on outlook this fall...you'll have to go see for yourself.