In Idaho's Unit 3, hunters are finding mixed results, largely influenced by the area's geography and wildlife dynamics. Whitetails tend to stay at lower elevations near water and pastures, often on private land, which may require access negotiations for optimal hunting opportunities. Elk hunting faces challenges due to increased predator activity, particularly wolves and grizzlies, which keep elk silent and cautious. For those planning hunts, focusing on areas like timberlands or water sources and considering the impact of seasonal conditions, like dryness or accessibility due to winter weather, can enhance the chances of success, especially when bringing novice or disabled hunters along.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 130"-150" | 160"+ |
| Elk | Raghorn-290" | 290"+ |
High
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Hunters can take a lot of whitetail deer, mule deer and elk in this well-roaded unit south of Lake Pend Oreille and east of Coeur d’Alene Lake.
This is one of the better units in the state for whitetail deer. Trophy potential is as good as it gets in Idaho with hunters harvesting eight and ten point bucks annually.
Some peaks and ridges here go above 4,500 feet. The eastern edge is mostly flat land with low foothills between Coeur d’Alene and Farragut State Park and east of Coeur d’Alene Lake.
Road access is good in this unit, especially in the mountains. The best access roads are north and south of Hayden Lake and from the town of Coeur d’Alene. Interstate 90 exits in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest on Copper and Cedar Creek roads, which lead to a network of forest roads. East Canyon Road just east of the Coeur d’Alene River branches into East CCC Road, also known as Forest Road 269, which leads to roads in the southeast part of the unit.
Crops like hay and grass with brushy draws can be found along the eastern edge. To the east are low foothills that are mainly divided into tree farms that are in various stages of regrowth. Heavy forests cover most of the mountains farther east. Poplars and other trees that lose their leaves every year grow along creeks and on a lot of the lower land.
Camping is permitted along forest roads in the forest. Campgrounds that are maintained by the Coeur d’Alene National Forest are usually closed in early fall. The Forest Service has new rules that require food and game carcasses in camps to be kept away from grizzlies and black bears. Coeur d’Alene has several options for lodging:
Roughly 553 square miles
55.4% public land
Elevations from 2,000-5,000 feet
Coeur d’Alene Resort
Roosevelt Inn