Hunters considering Idaho's Unit 9 should be aware that the majority of the land is public, with 87.9% confirmed to be USFS and State Game and Fish land, despite earlier discrepancies in descriptions. While there are isolated reports of grizzly sightings, they are rare and not expected to impact hunting experiences significantly, though hunters may encounter wolves. The area is known for its challenging terrain, dense cover, and steep landscapes, which can pressure elk to remain silent and private camping spots to be competitive. Additionally, it's important to verify fire closures as fires have affected access in recent times; hunters should carry a wolf tag, prepare for significant hunting pressure, and carefully plan their trips, particularly around known fire areas.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
High
Low
This area has mule deer, whitetail deer and elk, which elude hunters in heavy cover in the St. Joe National Forest in the drainages of the North Fork of the Clearwater River.
This is a good place to find a mature bull elk, but hunting is difficult due to heavy timber and lack of glassing sites. Whitetails outnumber muleys, but hunters take very few every year. The bulk of the unit is public land, USFS, State Game and Fish, and some private lands.
The North Fork of the Clearwater River runs through this mountainous unit, which stretches between Goat Mountain, Papoose Mountain and Badger Mountain. All land is in Shoshone and Clearwater counties. The southern edge of the unit has ridges, points and peaks between 6,666 and 6,870 feet above sea level, including Larkins Peak, Crag Peak, Heart Peak and Mallard Peak. Some of this section is extremely steep and rugged with a lot of exposed rock and some huge rock slides. North of this crest are dozens of mountains and ridges, most of them no higher than 6,000 feet. Most of the land is moderately steep. A lot of roads have been cut into the land, especially in the northern two-thirds of the unit.
The northern half of the unit is about 50% private with deeded and public land in a checkerboard pattern. The southern half is almost all public land in the St. Joe National Forest. A network of roads and old logging trails provide access to many hunting areas. Much acreage on both sides of the river has been logged and, therefore, has many logging roads and skid trails. Hunters can drive full-size vehicles on good roads. Some primitive roads will be restricted to ATVs or motorcycles, but others will be closed to all motor vehicles. Pick up a travel map at the Avery office of the St. Joe National Forest (phone: 208-245-4517). The southern part of the unit is composed of mostly roadless canyons and peaks above the Little North Fork of the Clearwater River and its tributaries. There are a good number of roadless canyons below high peaks.
Most of the land is covered by forests. The northern half is composed of old logging areas in various stages of regrowth, while the southern half has large woodlands of pines, firs and cedars. Elk and deer find feed in many meadows and clearcuts, finding brush, saplings and forbs. Big game prefer edges, of which there are thousands in this unit where logging allotments and private tree farms have trees of various sizes bordering one another.
Roughly 202 square miles
87.9% public land
Elevations vary from 2,000-6,900 feet
ATVs are handy on some roads
Some trails are restricted to motorcycles
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Backpack or ride horses to get to secluded hunting sites
Most hunters camp along dirt roads. Mammoth Springs Campground has eight campsites. Water is available at the campground at certain times and each camp spot is $15 for the night. At times when no water is available campsites will cost $12 a night. No nearby towns provide lodging.