Clearwater National Forest Idaho Advice

[Gobble!]

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Anyone have experiences hunting in the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho? I have a buddy who moved out that way and me and some friends are debating on heading out that way for a spring hunt April 12 - 19. Anyone hunted there before and have any advice they are willing to share? Appreciate it.

[dirtnap]

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Never turkey hunted out there, but elk hunted.  I would try to be in some type.  It is steep and big country.  Call the Idaho Fish and Game.  They will help you out.  I would think weather out there in April would be a major factor.  It is liable to be snowing.

[Oconeeguy]

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Have mapped and hiked over much of the state as a young man 35 yrs ago (geologist). Yes weather really will be a factor that early in the year, especially at elevation. Snow depth might too depending on lots of factors. Be in good shape. Know how to camp in cold weather, and handle yourself in most likely emergencies. Those things will be more important than finding the most ideal spot for birds.

[IdahoMountainGobble]

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Anywhere along the Clearwater from Lewiston to Lolo you’re going to find birds on public land. They are everywhere, and the further North you go bird populations rise. As stated above you can call the IDF&G and they might be able to set you up with either an Access Yes! hunt or direct you to a private land owner number if you prefer agriculture/private lands. Plenty of birds on public though. Also, they just changed the law statewide to allow hunters to harvest 2 birds in the same day for General Spring hunts. Cities with good-to-decent hunting about 20 mins away: Lewiston, Orofino, Pierce, Weippe, Kooskia, Kamiah, Moscow. Winter has been incredibly mild this year in Central Idaho so while the issue of snow depth and access is the norm; this year shouldn’t be a problem. Good luck and enjoy!

[joey46]

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Anywhere along the Clearwater from Lewiston to Lolo you’re going to find birds on public land. They are everywhere, and the further North you go bird populations rise. As stated above you can call the IDF&G and they might be able to set you up with either an Access Yes! hunt or direct you to a private land owner number if you prefer agriculture/private lands. Plenty of birds on public though. Also, they just changed the law statewide to allow hunters to harvest 2 birds in the same day for General Spring hunts. Cities with good-to-decent hunting about 20 mins away: Lewiston, Orofino, Pierce, Weippe, Kooskia, Kamiah, Moscow. Winter has been incredibly mild this year in Central Idaho so while the issue of snow depth and access is the norm; this year shouldn’t be a problem. Good luck and enjoy!

Great response - this is why this forum is so worthwhile.  Thank you for the info. 

[idgobble]

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Tell your friend to attend http://www.idahonwtf.org/calendar.html#O  the NWTF banquet in Orofino or Greencreek.  This is outdated (2016) but you can see the contact people and you can find other contacts on the website.