Unit 39 in Idaho presents a mixed bag for hunters, with several key takeaways from users' experiences. First, the unit is heavily hunted due to its proximity to Boise, resulting in high pressure especially during elk and deer seasons. Successful hunts often require venturing deep into less accessible areas, as many game animals retreat to these locations to avoid disturbances from hunters and vehicles. For those considering a spring bear hunt, the unit supports a good population; however, timing and conditions such as snow and access can be challenging, with much success hinging on spot-and-stalk strategies in remote, roll-accessed areas. It's crucial to be fit and prepare multiple plans, and always carry a predator tag like a wolf tag, given the prevalence of wolves in the area.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | Raghorn-290" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 75"+ |
High
Low
This large area is next to Boise and stretches east, northeast and southeast from there. It holds high numbers of elk, mule deer, pronghorns and a few whitetails.
Trophy size mule deer are found here, but heavy hunting pressure makes hunting difficult and animals nocturnal. Controlled seasons offer quality hunting opportunities.
The Boise Mountains take up most of the area and are steep with ridges, canyons and draws running in every direction. Land near Interstate 84 between Boise and Mountain home is mostly flat to rolling with treeless, undulating plains and arid foothills above. The foothills are treeless and covered with brush and grass. Some high ground is fairly open with sparse trees and low brush. High points include Blacknose Mountain, Steel Mountain, Bald Mountain and Edaho Mountain.
The highest trees are sparse firs, pines and spruces. Lower forests have Douglas firs, Engelmann spruces, aspens, ponderosa pines and other evergreens. Huckleberries, snowberries, white spirea, mallow ninebark, Oregon grape and other shrubs and forbs grow on forest floors. Junipers and mahoganies grow on some foothills, low ridges and in some draws. The foothills are covered with sagebrush and wild bunchgrass with junipers. Mountain maple, chokecherry and serviceberry bushes provide browse and cover for deer and elk. Willows, birches, alders, grasses and sedges grow in wet areas.
Hunters can camp along dirt roads or motorcycle trails. More than 30 campgrounds are in the unit or on its borders. Consult the Boise National Forest for a list of campgrounds. Hayhurst Bed & Breakfast is in Pine which is just 1 ½ miles north of Anderson Ranch Reservoir. RV parks and motels are available in Mountain Home and Boise.
Roughly 2,445 square miles
77.1% public land
Elevations from 3,000-8,800 feet
During some seasons private land severely limits access and hunters are advised to get permission to hunt or cross private property before applying for or buying tags. Many roads provide access to much of the forest land. A lot of roads are open to all motor vehicles but some are designated for use by travelers on ATVs or motorcycles. Hunters can drive ATVs or motorcycles on designated trails where full-size vehicles are not allowed.
Boise National Forest vehicle use maps are online here
Four-wheel-drive is recommended on secondary and primitive roads
Hunters can get two or three miles from roads or trails in places