Kootenai National Forest offers thousands of acres of public land. Private lands are found on both sides of the Tobacco River and Fortine Creek near the small towns of Eureka, Rexford and Fortine. This area is covered in thick vegetation but heavy logging acitvity has opened up much of the landscape anf provides good feed for animals and glassing opportunities for hunters.

If your focus is on whitetail deer, spend time before season getting permission to hunt private ground near the Tobacco River and Fortine Creek. One Block Management Area is situated along Fortine Creek and might be worth some time glassing for whitetails. Mule deer bucks typically can be found anywhere from the heavy timber slopes of the Salish Mountains to Pinkham or Sutton Creeks. Some mule deer can be found hanging near agricultural fields near the Tobacco River. Look for bulls in the dark timber on either Sutton or McGuire Mountains.