Unit 73A in Idaho seems to have a few challenges for hunters, including difficulties with accessing public land due to significant areas of private property. Deer in the area tend to be either on private land or on challenging terrain, which might make hunting more difficult than expected. Some hunters have pointed out a decline in deer quality and an increase in hunter numbers, potentially due to unlimited tag availability despite requiring application. Prospective hunters may want to consider other units or carefully plan for these challenges in Unit 73A.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
This area has good numbers of mule deer and fair numbers of elk. This unit is largely characterized by an island-like mountain range running throughout the center of the area with agricultural lands surrounding this in the valleys below. Even with the large mountain range present in the unit very little public land is available and pressure can become veryt concentrated at times.
Mule deer thrive in this unit and are recovering from reductions caused by drought, severe winters, predation, overhunting and other factors.
East and southeast of American Falls, this unit consists of the Arbon and Deep Creek valleys and the Deep Creek Mountains. Most of the mountains are BLM land. More than 11,000 acres of state land are in the mountains, including one parcel that is more than 7,000 acres. The mountains are narrow, the steepest sections are only 5-7 miles across in most places and run about 30 miles from north to south.
Hunters can get within a short hike of most public land on public access roads. East Fork Road east of Rockland, Hunter Canyon Road northeast of Rockland, Moonshine Trail off Arbon Valley Highway, Knox Canyon Road north of Deep Creek Peak and South Bull Canyon Road in the southern part of the unit are good roads to use for the best access into the area.
Low country is mainly composed of agricultural land separated by draws and washes full of sagebrush and grass with willows and brush along creeks. There are many dry farm grain fields and irrigated and dry farm alfalfa fields. The mountains are mostly open on south slopes and are covered with dense growth on north slopes. Cover consists of spruce, fir, pine, maple brush, aspen and mahogany. Wildflowers grow on some high slopes. Some junipers grow on low parts of the range.
Lodging is available in American Falls on the northwestern edge of the unit and in Pocatello, which is about 10 miles east of the northern tip of the unit. Most hunters camp on public land. Curlew Campground on the Curlew National Grassland at the south end offers seven campsites.
Roughly 566 square miles
27.8% public land
Elevations from 4,900-8,900 feet
Hunters can drive ATVs on designated roads and trails
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on mountain roads