Area 57 or 55 for big bucks?

IDAHO RES · Oct 3, 2024

My 14 year old son was lucky enough to draw in area 55-1. We have been out trying to learn the area but I am hoping for some guidance! I have always heard stories of the black pine monsters but I have been told it isn’t like it used to be. The brush in 57 is daunting and without knowing the pattern of local herds it seems almost impossible. My main question is if we are better off hunting 55 or if we should give 57 a chance. Any information or guidance would be extremely helpful!

gundog2 · Oct 3, 2024

I hunted the early (October) season on unit 57 (black pine) many years ago. It was really tough for me, but I did not really have any intel on the unit and never had any snow or weather events to help me out. I would probably do things much differently nowadays if I had the tag, but I don’t think I would ever apply for that particular hunt again. I don’t know anything about the “black pine monsters”. My impression is that this is one of those units where hunter numbers are controlled because it would not stand up to general season pressure. I think some deer migrate between the Utah and the Idaho Black Pine unit, but not sure when that happens. You can view this on the wildlife migration.utah.gov/land-animals/corridors/ website.

IDAHO RES · Oct 3, 2024

Thank you for sharing the migration map, I will definitely check it out!

Howler · Oct 3, 2024

The monster days on Blackpine are no more. Occasionally a nice buck comes off there, but not often anymore. If your after a 22 inch four point you can probably find one in 57.

IDAHO RES · Oct 3, 2024

Howler said:
The monster days on Blackpine are no more. Occasionally a nice buck comes off there, but not often anymore. If your after a 22 inch four point you can probably find one in 57.

Do you know if 55 is worth anything? I have heard they tend to stay on private land for the most part. A four point wouldn’t be too small for us by any means, but I would rather hunt 55 anyway. 57 seems like an awful place to hunt.

JPickett · Oct 3, 2024

Should be able to turn up a decent buck in 55

dgfavor · Oct 4, 2024

I have been in 55 most of summer and currently in 55 hunting. I have seen a total of 3 bucks. I have seen 2 does on public, a good city herd in Almo. I have been in very specific area of 55 though...I'd avoid that particular area unless you are willing to really dig in looking for a big old recluse.

Good luck on your hunt! I have seen great bucks elsewhere in the unit years past.

TKMP · Oct 5, 2024

We have been in both units a fair amount recently. Quite a few small bucks in 57 & some decent in 55…all were on public ground. Unfortunately we haven’t seen a big buck in either this year.

Calbuck · Oct 6, 2024

Be sure and have dinner at Wicks in Declo!

Howler · Oct 9, 2024

IDAHO RES said:
Do you know if 55 is worth anything? I have heard they tend to stay on private land for the most part. A four point wouldn’t be too small for us by any means, but I would rather hunt 55 anyway. 57 seems like an awful place to hunt.

I know 55 a little, but hit enough to offer any honest advice.

orion23 · Oct 20, 2024

TKMP said:
We have been in both units a fair amount recently. Quite a few small bucks in 57 & some decent in 55…all were on public ground. Unfortunately we haven’t seen a big buck in either this year.

been seeing any elk?