Quick Tips
- Carry lots of water and a water filter pump
- Carry spare tires, extra water and supplies
- Watch for rattlesnakes in warm weather
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 190"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 350"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
This area is found on the Oregon border southwest of Boise and includes part of the Owyhee Mountains. This unit holds some big mule deer, elk and a small number of whitetails.
Elk rifle hunters have a good chance of taking mature bull elk because tags are limited, allowing bulls to get old enough to grow big racks. Archery elk tags are also limited as well as all deer tags that allow hunters to take mature bucks.
Terrain
The Owyhee Mountains and the Owyhee Desert are main features found here. This area does not have extremely deep, rough canyons. The terrain is covered in sagebrush steppes, juniper-covered hills and low mountains covered with conifers such as pines and firs. High points includes South Mountain, War Eagle Mountain, Florida Mountain and Hayden Peak.
Roughly 2,261 square miles
75.8% public land
Elevations from 2,600-8,400 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, prickly pear cactus, wild grasses and low shrubs and forbs cover most of the low elevations. Juniper woodlands cover hundreds of square miles and have increased because of fire suppression. Mahoganies, chokecherries, service berries and other bushes are scattered in pockets and on some ridges. High mountains have open ridges and forests of pines and firs. Cottonwoods, willows and brush grow along creek bottoms. Some irrigated farms are along the northern boundary near towns. Agricultural fields can be found in the lower reaches of Boulder Creek drainage.
Access
Road access to public land is good in this area. A lot of roads are open to all vehicles and ATV trails make access easier. ATVs are restricted to designated roads in parts of the unit.
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can camp along dirt roads almost anywhere on public land. The closest campgrounds are private and county campgrounds along the northern boundary and a free primitive seven-site campground at Silver City. Canyon County operates Celebration Park Campground in Melba. Hunters can find lodging in many cities just north of the unit like Candlewood Suites in Meridian. Hat Ranch Winery in Caldwell has a bed and breakfast.
Historical Temperatures
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Moon Phases
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