Quick Tips
- Grizzlies are in the area, be prepared
- Good public road access
- Maps displaying land ownership are recommended
species | general Size | trophy potential |
---|---|---|
Mule Deer | 130"-150" | 150"+ |
Whitetail Deer | 120"-130" | 130"+ |
Elk | Raghorn-290" | 290"+ |
On The Ground
A large area bordering Montana and containing the headwaters of the Coeur d’Alene River, this area holds elk, whitetail deer and smaller numbers of mule deer.
A network of roads, ATV trails and motorcycle trails provide access to many remote elk hangouts in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest.
Terrain
Surrounding Kellogg and containing the headwaters of the Coeur d’Alene River, this unit borders Montana and is mostly composed of heavily forested mountains in the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. Its northern tip is about 7 miles south of Lake Pend Oreille, and its southern tip is about 3 miles from the southern end of Coeur d’Alene Lake. Parts of Bonner, Kootenai and Shoshone counties are included.
Roughly 1,231 square miles
80.1% public land
Elevations from 2,000-4,500 feet
Vegetation
Most of the land is forested. A few different kinds of trees grow here, including hemlock, birches, aspen, western larch, western red cedar and various pines. A lot of shrubs, forbs and grasses grow in cut blocks, meadows, basins and on hills and lowlands that either don’t support trees or have been burned or logged. Willows and other riparian plants can be found along streams.
Access
A large network of roads, ATV trails and motorcycle trails allow hunters to reach much of the Coeur d’Alene National Forest. There are a few remote areas that are ideal for backpack hunting or hunting by horseback. Backcountry hunters can enjoy several roadless areas that range from about 5-20 square miles. Routes that lead to the forest road network branch from Interstate 90, which runs across the unit and from U.S. Highway 95 in the east.
Four-wheel-drive traction is recommended
A few roads are open to ATVs, which must be less than 50” wide
A few trails are restricted to motorcycles
Camping and Lodging
Forest Service campgrounds close in September and sometimes sooner, depending on weather. Most hunters camp in the backcountry or along dirt or gravel roads. The Forest Service has new rules that require food and game carcasses near camps to be kept out of reach of grizzlies and black bears. Lodging is available in Coeur d’Alene and Kellogg.
Coeur d’Alene options for lodging:
Coeur d’Alene Resort
Roosevelt Inn
Kellogg options for lodging:
Silver Mountain Resort
Guesthouse Inn & Suites
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