Hunters discussing Idaho's Unit 70 have expressed confusion over fluctuating success rates and differences between archery and rifle hunts. Archery reported a 0% success rate, suggesting challenging conditions or inaccurate data, while there seemed to be miscommunication regarding dates and hunt types. Recommendations for searching controlled hunting stats instead of general ones reveal the complexity of navigating available data. Additionally, engaging anecdotes about local lodging, such as the Black Swan Inn, hint at the importance of thorough trip planning and considering alternative accommodations. Newcomers are encouraged to scout and reach out to the hunting community for real-time tips and updates.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-180" | 180"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 320"+ |
High
Low
Most of the Bannock Range south of Pocatello and west of McCammon is in this area, which holds a good number of mule deer and lower numbers of elk.
Mule deer and elk here have a good chance of growing old enough to grow big antlers because hunters must apply for all rifle bull and buck tags in the yearly controlled permit drawing.
Some of the high parts of the range are steep and rocky with sagebrush ridges dropping quickly in elevation to the west and east, but most slopes below 7,000 feet are just moderately steep. Some basins and benches offer easy hiking. The valleys below run from about 4,500-5,200 feet in elevation. Some irrigated and dry farm fields are in the low valleys.
Some slopes and canyons are hard to reach without hiking a mile or more. A good access route is South Mink Creek Road, which branches from the Bannock Highway from Pocatello and leads to other roads. One of those routes is Forest Road 1, which runs along the East Fork of Mink Creek toward the south and Scout Mountain. Another is Forest Road 163, which runs along the South Fork of Mink Creek along the western slope of the range. Scout Mountain Top Road can be reached from Mercer Creek Road on the west side of the Bannock Range. Fort Hall Indian Reservation comprises the western fifth of the unit. Idaho hunting licenses and tags are not valid there.
Foothills are mostly covered with bunch grasses and other wild grasses, sagebrush, serviceberry, rye grass, wheatgrass, bitterbrush and maple brush. Some fields are dry farmed, while others are irrigated and planted mainly in alfalfa and meadow grass. Junipers grow at middle elevations along with patches of aspen and conifers. On high north slopes pines, firs and spruces can be seen, while ridge tops and south-facing slopes are mostly covered with maple brush, chokecherries, grass, sagebrush, wildflowers and other forbs.
Some hunters camp along dirt roads. Lodging is available in Pocatello. Some that get good ratings are the Best Western Pocatello Inn, the Pocatello Hampton Inn & Suites, and the Ameritel in Pocatello.
Roughly 380 square miles
37.9% public land
Elevations from 4,500-8,700 feet
ATVs may be used only on roads that can be used by full-size vehicles
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended in bad weather