Unit 76-3 in Idaho presents a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for moose hunters, with draw odds reflecting the commitment required. Hunters report that success in this unit demands substantial scouting, multiple days of hunting, and covering many miles, often favoring those with local familiarity. Despite these challenges, recent hunters have nonetheless been successful, indicating that perseverance is critical. Notably, hunters have mentioned sightings and harvests of multiple moose in recent years, suggesting that while challenging, the unit still offers viable opportunities for earnest hunters willing to put in the effort.
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Moose can be found all throughout the area. This unit borders Wyoming and includes the south side of Tincup Creek and the Diamond Peak. Moose numbers here have dropped.
Some of the best moose habitat in the state can be found here, which consists mainly of the Caribou Range and Webster Ridge around Diamond Peak.
Most of this unit consists of big mountains. Some parts can be steep, but most are moderately steep. The main drainages include the south side of Tincup Creek, Stump Creek, Lane Creek and the east side of Diamond Peak. Logging has opened up a lot of the Caribou National Forest. Valleys are mostly private, but there is plenty of public access to forest land here.
Road access to the Caribou National Forest is good in most places and in some areas private ranches or farms block access to public land. These places are typically lightly hunted. A lot of public roads cross over private land, making it hard to get onto public land sometimes. The main access points can be found along Highway 34, the Wayan Loop Road and near some forest roads.
Spruces, firs and pines cover up most of the mountains along with big aspen groves. Flat lowlands have a lot of grassy pastures and the low hills have a bigtooth maple brush, chokecherries, serviceberries and aspen with sagebrush ridges. Willows and other brush grow near streams. Most fields that are mainly planted in alfalfa, or grass hay can be found west of Freedom.
Most hunters camp near dirt or gravel roads. Backcountry hunters can camp almost anywhere on BLM or national forest land. Most maintained Forest Service campgrounds are closed before archery season is halfway through. Lodging can be found in Thayne.
Thayne lodging:
Roughly 234 square miles
79.3% public land
Elevations from 5,900-8,600 feet
ATVs only on roads that can be used by full-size vehicles
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
A GPS with land ownership data
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