Idaho Expert Analysis

Limited-draw hunt choices require a lot of work to sort through. How do you grab a set of Idaho regs and decide where you want to hunt elk or deer? Well, that’s a good question, and it’s one that we at Eastmans’ try to make easier. However, even with all the fancy tables and graphs in the magazine and sortable tables with features upon features in TagHub, we still have hard choices to make, and ultimately, that choice will fall to you. I have spent hours checking stats, comparing harvest data to draw odds and even more time scouring the units with onXmaps set to satellite view. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Are there hard lessons and mistakes along the way? Absolutely. However, part of the experience is getting out of your comfort zone, pulling the trigger on a hunt choice and being ready to execute if or when you draw. With that said, Idaho is a great place to try your hand on a limited-draw hunt choice. You will find many hunts that have reasonable draw odds and very solid stats. The cost is relatively low, and with time on your side, the odds are in your favor—at some point anyway. Idaho has remained a strong contender for deer and elk hunting, even when many areas suffer from reduced numbers for one reason or another.

There are still a lot of areas that hold strong. For example, we have seen southeast Idaho take yet another substantial hit this winter. The area was just barely recovering from the last heavy winter kill. So needless to say, SE Idaho elk and deer are in a bad spot. IDFG has taken measures to help along the way. You will see that all of the antlerless deer tags have been eliminated and have been for a few seasons now. Elk cow tags are also being cut in most areas and or cut back drastically. Additionally, antelope tags are being reduced to help as well. This is always expected when we have a major winter kill. There has been discussion about changing the southeast units to three-point minimum for deer in an effort to let younger bucks age past their most vulnerable years. However, due to several factors, this has not and likely will not be implemented.

In other areas, like the Weiser River Zone, you will see a very large reduction in elk cow tags—from 2,500 down to 500. This, however, is not due to natural disaster or die-offs, but is a result of what IDFG says is a mostly successful effort to bring animal populations from above objective to status quo. Thus, we are seeing a quota cut to allow for herds to maintain or slightly increase vs. decrease. There are a few changes otherwise, but the overall outlook for 2023 is fairly stable. As usual, keep tabs on changes, as the spring season tends to throw a few curveballs into hunt planning. We will do our best to watch the major items, but there are always areas that are missed for one reason or another. Be a chameleon and adapt for success! Good luck in the draws, and as always, be sure to share photos and stories of your adventures.

Any Weapon
Unit 11
Unit 22
Unit 28
Unit 36B
Unit 40 (late)
Unit 45
Unit 54
Unit 55 Early

Archery
Unit 40
Unit 44 & 45

Muzzleloader
Unit 21A
Unit 45
Unit 52

Other Mule Deer Hunts
Unit 21
Unit 26

Wrap Up

Mule deer are highly sought after, and as time passes, the opportunity to hunt them seems to be dwindling. There are fewer and fewer trophy hunts to be found in the West; some of the units that take all the points you can muster are only marginal hunts. This, of course, is not true of all hunts, and there are many factors that contribute to these statistics. Idaho is not immune to these declines, and as we talked about in the introduction, there are quite a few units in southern Idaho that had winter take a heavy toll on them. To make matters worse, this heavy record-setting winter is on the heels of two previous winters that also hit hard. Thus, the southern region was really just getting back on its feet when this winter hit and really did some damage. We have yet to see what the toll is, as spring tends to be the final test, and if we get any late-coming snow or cold rain fronts, we might see devastation that is unlike anything our generation has observed.

With bad news like this, it might seem like a moot point to apply, but that is not true. As always, there are many units that didn’t get the winter kill, and many sub-regions within units that are actually faring quite well. How do we determine where these areas are? Well, that is a tough one to answer for each scenario. However, with harvest odds and four-point or better stats, we can narrow the gap. Add to that digital scouting, chats with biologists and if drawn, boots-on-the-ground scouting. This is a solid recipe for success. Although there aren’t any guarantees, this will definitely get you started in the right direction.

In regards to change, there are few for the 2023 season; you will find some reduced antlerless permits, a couple new hunts, and a pretty stable season and permit allocation. Keep in mind that we are still early in the year and many things are subject to change at this point—drought, wildfires, disease just to name a few. Hunts in this article are rated on a national scale for trophy quality, so if you don’t see many Blue-Chip units, that is not relative to Idaho’s own quality, it is relative to a national quality scale. After reading through this, you should be able to break down the stats, mesh your hunt style with the opportunity, verify and pre-scout the unit with onXmaps, and apply for the hunt that best suits you. Be sure to share your stories and photos with us. Good luck in the draws.

ANY WEAPON

Unit 11
A chart-topper for years, Unit 11 is not a typical hunt choice for most applicants, especially if you are coming from out of state and don’t have private land access. The locals, on the other hand, have something worth a closer look. Harvest stats are high, and harvest odds are trending up—solid all the way around. For public access, the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a touch over 75,000 acres, and that is not the only chunk of public. Otherwise, if you can acquire permission to hunt private, that is better yet for your odds at a trophy buck.

Unit 22
Checking off all the boxes, hunt dates during the rut, 74 percent public land, excellent harvest and four-point or better stats. This unit runs along the Hells Canyon bordering NE Oregon. Quality is good; there is varied terrain from extreme to medium depending on where you go. We even see decent non-resident opportunity with roughly four permits allocated.

Unit 28At a whopping 97 percent public land, 100 percent harvest odds for two years running and 100 percent four-point or better. There are only five permits allocated here, so as amazing as these numbers are, that is reflected in the lower numbers of tags and hunters as well. Hunt dates are second to none for Idaho, offering October chill hunts to hard rut dates. Non-residents are not going to see much here. Only a rotating allocation from time to time.

Unit 36B
A great hunt choice, with rut dates, excellent public land stats, nearly perfect harvest odds and four-point or better harvest success. Terrain is medium to rough, and draw odds reflect this top choice, only five permits are issued, thus NR applicants see one permit randomly from year to year.

Unit 40 (late)
With all items checked off the list, why not? Draw odds are tough, but there is a reasonable non-resident allocation. Public land is plentiful, harvest odds are high and considering there are nearly 200 permits in the unit, that isn’t bad at all. Hunter pressure is quite low, and the area gives a diverse hunter opportunity, from easy access to deep backcountry hunts in the Owyhee Wilderness.

Unit 45
As to be expected for a southern Idaho hunt, this area is mild to moderate for terrain, which is nice for chasing deer. Hunt dates are pre-rut, so scouring pockets of brush, bank undercuts, etc., may prove to be necessary for turning up deer. Harvest odds are very reasonable, with four-point or better right at the top.

Unit 54
With hunt dates running from November 15-30, you can be certain you will see rutting activity if you find the deer. With only 20 permits allocated, this hunt offers a lower hunter pressure while still providing a few non-resident permits. Harvest odds are lower here than many other Blue-Chip hunts; herd density contributes to these statistics. Another notable factor is the heavy private land ownership in the area. Obtaining permission to hunt private will bolster your odds substantially. Still a worthy hunt choice! *This area was greatly affected by the heavy snowfall and record low temps during the 2022-2023 winter. Quotas aren’t changing this year, but there will be an age gap in the next two-three years. Keep tabs on this hunt; a slump is almost certain at this point.

Unit 55 (early)
Statistics here are showing decline, which is sad, because those stats won’t reflect the current winter situation. Definitely a hunt that is down; there are still quality bucks to be found, and for those willing to put in the time, hunts like these may prove worthwhile. Ultimately, with hard winter kills, it may be worth holding off unless you have firsthand information telling you otherwise.

ARCHERY

Unit 40
Mid-August through mid-September seasons, this is a velvet hunt, folks! Solid non-resident tag allocations, excellent four-point or better odds and reasonable harvest stats for archery, DIY hunting. This area is down south in the Owyhee country. The terrain is quite chopped up and really can offer something for everyone. You have hunts near AG land to some pretty extreme ups and downs in the Owyhee and Silver City ranges. The current population and trophy trend is down, but there have been some giants taken in the country over the years, and it still has a lot to offer for a diligent hunter.

Unit 44 & 45
Unit 45 is the better of the two statistically, but fewer permits make this a tougher draw. However, the hunting pressure and amount of four-point or better may be worth it. Unit 44 still offers legit public land opportunity and has the stats to back it up along with much higher tag allocations. Either of these hunts are worth a closer look. *Note: Unit 45 is also a top-notch muzzleloader choice .

MUZZLELOADER

Unit 21A
Extreme terrain, with 89 percent public land. Extreme terrain for the extreme hunter, these units are not for the faint of heart or individual looking to hunt close to the truck or road system. The downside is that there are only five permits allocated, thus NR applicants will only see one tag allocated on a random rotation. Nonetheless, this hunt choice would be a solid contender for anyone hunting with a muzzleloader.

Unit 45
See the description in the any-weapon and archery. But just as it holds a solid place in the other weapon choices, it holds a great muzzleloader opportunity as well.

Unit 52
With excellent rut dates and a few non-resident permits, this is a solid hunt choice. Harvest odds are on the uptrend, but are lower than I would hope for. With decent public land, excellent four-point or better stats, this might outweigh the harvest stats if you are the type to get out and hunt hard.

Other Mule Deer Hunts

Unit 21
Very noteworthy and competes with most of the Blue-Chip hunts.

Unit 26
The classic Frank Church Wilderness hunt has solid stats across the board. It’s the roughest country in the lower 48, but there are some big bucks taken here from time to time.

Wrap Up
There are more hunts to choose from than the average person has time to consider. Hopefully these highlighted hunts help narrow the choices for you. Keep in mind that many of these hunts may not be a walk in the park. Idaho has terrain that is hard to imagine until you see it. The elevation may not be that spectacular, but the aggressive and steep terrain is.

If you are searching for something with higher draw odds and still a decent chance for quality, check out the Green-Chip and higher ranking Yellow-Chip hunts on TagHub. You may find something attainable, especially for those willing to go the extra mile or 10. Generically speaking, you can expect 50 percent or better odds on a controlled hunt.

However, there are many factors that play into your success, and no matter what the unit ranks, your research and diligence all factor into this success rate. Physical fitness, extensive satellite imagery study of the areas and better yet, boots-on-the-ground scouting can be a huge benefit. If you aren’t finding exactly what you are after on these tables, take a look at the extensive hunt list on our TagHub database. You can sort and sift through all of the hunts Idaho has to offer. Combine that with some onXmaps research, and you may very well dig up a legit hunt choice for you and your buddies. Good luck in the draws, and be sure to send us your pictures and stories!

Table updated June 8, 2023

ID Deer 2023

Idaho Limited Entry Elk
Top Archery Units
Unit 40-1
Unit 44
Unit 54
Unit 45-1
Unit 18

Top Muzzleloader Units
Unit 39
Units 30A
Unit 54

Top Any-weapon Units
Unit 30-1
Unit 36A-2
Unit 37
Unit 40-1
Unit 42
Unit 45
Unit 55-1

The Takeaway

Elk, the ways to describe these amazing creatures are endless. Many of us either dream of the opportunity, or move mountains in our lives to create OTC opportunities to hunt them. If you find yourself in either of these scenarios, you are a strong candidate for Idaho LE (limited entry) hunts. Why go limited entry when you can hunt OTC? Well, it’s a game of statistics. You may have areas that are OTC with enough quality that LE hunts aren’t worth it, or perhaps you have access to a private ranch with less pressure. If this is true, you probably aren’t reading this and for good reason may choose to sidestep the application for hard-to-draw permits that offer little more than you already have.

However, that is not the case for most of us. And a limited-entry tag for elk creates a much higher chance for both harvest and trophy quality. The downside is the similarity to lottery tickets; you have to play to win, and the odds are not in your favor. I trade in the stock market, but I don’t buy lotto tickets. Somehow, this places me in a conundrum. However, for hunting applications, my fees primarily go to wildlife conservation, and my reward is a slim chance to hunt a creature of my choosing in an element that is quite rewarding for a hunter like myself.

If you are like me and all but exclusively hunt DIY public, you, too, may be weary and looking for a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Now, don’t get me wrong, this pot of gold is only increased opportunity, and if you do your research correctly, less hunter pressure. By no means does this mean you will drive out into the woods, gear up, walk a short distance, gently shape a couple soft cow calls and boom, a 350-class bull runs down the ridge, turns broadside at five steps and you slip an arrow right behind his shoulder! Boom, bull down and the work begins right?

Well, sorry to shatter your dreams, but this is highly unlikely. Yes, it does happen, and maybe you are the one who it happens to. If that is true, please send me photos and your story. But in all seriousness, drawing a limited-entry tag is still going to require a lot of work; you have a new area that you likely know very little about plus a limited schedule, and then that has to be coordinated with the weather and how the elk respond to it, etc. Long story short, hunting LE hunts is still hunting; you are just bolstering your odds with a couple factors.

We just received a copy of the 2023 regulations and there really isn’t much for changes other than a few reductions that are mentioned in the intro and other write-ups. There are a few new hunts on the roster—nothing that jumped out at me for amazing new adventures, but surely they are good hunts, and more hunter opportunity is always welcome. These hunts are all sorted and graded in a way that reflects trophy quality on a national scale, so if you see a Blue-Chip, we are doing our best to compare that unit to the other Blue-Chip elk hunts throughout the West. Otherwise, you have factors that we grade such as public access, terrain difficulty, hunter pressure, etc. So, read up and grab your onXmaps, start digging in and see what jumps out at you. Good luck in the draws, and as always, keep me in the loop with your hunt stories and photos.

TOP ARCHERY UNITS

Unit 40-1
Excellent hunt dates, very high public land percentage and harvest odds that would make any bowhunter double take. This area is vast in options, from trailhead hunting to semi-rugged backcountry. This unit is a solid producer. Twenty permits make this a tough choice for non-resident applicants, but there are consistent allocations. Be warned, there is a rifle hunt that takes place with overlapping hunt dates, which is another damper. Nonetheless, the stats speak for themselves, and this hunt holds a solid margin for harvesting a six-point bull with archery tackle.

Unit 44
This is yet another top-producing hunt. This area however, is not as public land-friendly—only 52 percent public, which borders a large private/agricultural area. There are more than double the tags allotted in 40-1 and, therefore, a better chance at drawing for out-of-state hunters. Harvest stats are high, but six-point averages are just decent. Terrain is medium/rough on average and comprised of some excellent bowhunting spot-and-stalk country.

Unit 54
Located down along the southern border, this unit has produced a few cranker bulls over the years, yet is on par with the units mentioned previously—nothing too crazy, varied terrain, solid stats and decent, but still modest, tag allocations. Most years there are only one maybe two non-resident tags, so TOUGH DRAW is a theme for these top units.

Unit 45-1
Another area to look at, still a southern Idaho adventure, and narrowly misses the Blue-Chip ranking. This area also allocates a reasonable non-resident quota. Definitely worth a closer look.

Unit 18
Boasts a whopping 77 percent public land, solid draw odds for non-residents and very reasonable harvest stats for an archery hunt choice. It is located along the western Idaho border up against the Hells Canyon Wilderness Area. Definitely a contrast to the broken open country hunts listed previously. If you are after a true steep and deep backcountry hunt, this may be your unit of choice.

TOP MUZZLELOADER UNITS

Units 39
Just east of Boise, this area runs from the foothills to the peaks and offers a large canyon-type area to dissect and pursue your adventure. The area is primarily public land and although is not the largest unit around, the wrinkles and folds within are what make it big. The ability for elk to disappear in this type of country can be quite frustrating, but that is what makes it good for elk. If you get up high or walk long ridges, you will have a spotting advantage. The harvest and trophy statistics are quite solid for a muzzleloader hunt; the toughest part in this type of terrain is getting close enough to your quarry with the old smoke pole.

Unit 30A
With enough permits to offer non-resident quotas, solid public land access and overall harvest stats. The area borders the Montana state line along the Beaverhead Mountain Range. This thin strip of a unit covers a foothill to ridgetop experience. Access might be too good for some of you. But for most hunters, this area brings day hunting, decent elk populations and open country to help with spotting. Definitely a fun-looking hunt with decent odds at a solid six-point.

Units 54
Mentioned in the archery section, this area is vast with a broken expanse to scour for elk. Early dates make this a rut hunt, which is always appealing. This unit ranks a solid three out of five for terrain difficulty, meaning this area is MUCH easier to traverse when compared to many other Idaho units. But don’t be fooled! You can rack up the elevation due to the undulating nature of the area. Plan for miles upon miles and expect muddy messes during the rains and snows. But for those willing to keep after it, there is a solid chance for a freezer full of meat and a strong possibility to have a rack on the wall as well. *This area was especially affected by the 2022-23 winter. Elk seem to fair much better than deer during these times, but the big game in the region as a whole were and still are being impacted by this harsh record-setting season. Elk populations aren’t decimated by any means, but it is something to keep in mind.

TOP ANY-WEAPONS UNITS

Unit 30-1
This classic Idaho hunt choice brings a mountainous elk hunting experience along with high harvest odds—83 percent of the bulls harvested over the past three seasons were six-points or better, which is showing an uptrend. Bring your spotter along; you’ll find wide open spaces in some areas and pole thicket forests in others. With high public land percentage and easy access, the options are wide open for this hunt.

Unit 36A-2
This Green-Chip hunt has been on the hit list for years. Offering a rugged public land hunt choice. There are quite a few permits allocated, thus the NR opportunity is about as good as Idaho offers. If you want better than average harvest odds with big terrain, this is a great place to look.

Unit 37
Offering up a whopping 100 permits unit wide, this area is rugged, full of public land and solid stats such as 50 percent harvest odds, which are showing a potential downtrend. The six-point or better odds are decent as well.

Unit 40-1
Hard to find a rut hunt with a rifle, but this is it. Only five permits allocated, and a rotating permit goes to non-resident hunters from time to time. Pretty awesome experience if you are willing to wait out the odds. This hunt has had 100 percent six-point or better success for a few years straight. Excellent stats all around.

Unit 42
Very high public land percentage, reasonable harvest odds, long seasons and even a permit every so often for the NR applicant. These areas are unique because they are lowland and seem mild in terrain. This is true, but the mild nature is not what you think. Just because you don’t climb up a mountainside for hundreds upon hundreds of vertical feet doesn’t mean it isn’t aggressive terrain. This area does offer some hunting on the mild side and also has pretty rugged stuff back in the Owyhee country as well as some unique stuff down along the Nevada border.

Unit 45
Sixty-four percent public land, this unit may prove a bit more difficult to turn up elk on public due to the amount of agriculture land down low. Harvest odds are solid, non-resident tag quotas are reasonable and the area ranks modestly with a one for terrain, which is pretty hard to imagine on an elk hunt. Pretty interesting hunt choice. Private access is best in units like this, but public bulls are definitely doable. This area also has mid and late seasons. You will find the late season is showing the best overall odds at this time and is definitely worth looking at.

Unit 55-1
Located on the southern border along the Nevada/Utah junction. The three-year harvest average is on a slight downtrend, sitting at 71 percent harvest success and 67 percent six-point or better. Public land percentage is decent at 54 percent. The terrain is varied, ranging from lowland agricultural to mildly rugged islands of mountains. This area definitely has been affected by the heavy winter of 2022-23, and this needs to be noted in your planning.

The Takeaway
The 2023 season seems to be lining up for some good hunts; many areas have good snowpack, and if the spring rains cooperate, we could have a great year for antler growth and calf survival in most of the state. Obviously, that is not counting SE Idaho, but we have already covered that topic. Idaho has so many hunt choices, these are just a select few that stand out and make sense for the average hunter. But you have the chance to build the hunt choice that fits you. Between TagHub, onXmaps and your imagination, the options become vast! However, if trophy class is all you are after, that changes the story line a bit, as very few of these hunts offer a solid chance at Boone & Crockett-class animals. However, there are a few bulls harvested each year that make the books. As always, with Idaho you have to pick your poison and choose either deer, elk or pronghorn—it may be a tough choice, but elk are always a blast to hunt. Good luck!

Table updated June 8, 2023

ID Elk 2023

Any Weapon
Unit 30-1
Unit 37-1
Unit 39
Unit 52A-1
Unit 54
Unit 55-1
Unit 68

Top Muzzleloader Units
UUnit 36A-1
Unit 41-2
Wrap-Up

Prairie speedsters, the pronghorn is a truly unique creation; with no close relatives in sight, they are in a league of their own. Idaho is a hunt choice for this critter. Now, there is a reason I said, “hunt choice.” It is to illustrate the lack of trophy potential but highlight the opportunity. Yes, there are some giant bucks killed from time to time, but it is not something to expect. If you are after a fun hunt that doesn’t drain the bank, perhaps Idaho pronghorn is a choice for you.

I personally love the pursuit; they are one of the most frustrating and exciting animals to stalk that walk the face of the earth, in my opinion. You will find yourself aghast with frustration more than once if you try to pursue them on their own playing field. I have nothing against sitting a blind; I just enjoy the challenge on the level with a quarry that can see me better than any other big game animal around.

In Idaho you can throw your name in the hat for rifle, muzzleloader and archery. Odds are pretty tough in the rifle and muzzleloader hunts, but that is where you will have the highest odds of harvest and likely fill the freezer. Archery offers a few hunts with limited opportunities and great trophy potential for Pope & Young-level trophies. In my opinion, the icing on the cake is the unlimited antelope units.

You must apply for them as a first choice now, so that can be a damper for some, and they are only truly unlimited for resident applicants, while non-residents are subject to a reduced quota. But this still allows you to apply and plan a hunt knowing that you will have a permit in your pocket when the season rolls around this fall if you are a resident and have better than average odds as a non-resident.

The downside? Well, it will be a tough hunt. Any archery pronghorn hunt will challenge you, but these might take that to a new level. The areas I have seen don’t have large populations, but there are plenty of critters; however, they are hunted hard and educated from the pressure. Nonetheless, it is a solid hunt with reasonable harvest odds if you put in your time and get creative.

Most of us are already planning deer or elk hunts, many of which are OTC opportunities. If this is true for you, then Idaho pronghorn may be a worthwhile application choice. For me, pronghorn hunting is the ultimate archery season warm-up routine. A spot-and-stalk antelope hunt will test your skills and patience to the limits. Early seasons most often take place prior to deer and elk, making this a perfect hunt choice to sharpen your skills.

Any Weapon

Unit 30-1
This is a neat area; there are pronghorn scattered about. Obviously, they tend to stick to the lowlands, however, I have seen them up pretty high in regions like this. Don’t be shy about looking up when you hunt mountainous areas. I wouldn’t get excited about trophy potential here, but that can always change if you take enough time. Obtaining permission on private is another way to add success to the trophy opportunity.

Unit 37-1
Similar to unit 30-1, we have a larger area here, and there is more lowland/foothill-type country, thus, offering a larger variety of habitat to search for critters in. This unit group is 92 percent public land, which is an excellent way to start things off. Harvest odds are as good as Idaho offers, and tag allocations are decent, which means there are a few permits allocated to NR hunters each year.

Unit 39
Although the unit is 77 percent public land, a lot of the area where you will find antelope is much more private. There are still quite a few chunks of public down low. It is more scattered than a lot of these hunts, yet there is enough to make for a good opportunity, especially if you incorporate onXmaps. It is not far from Boise, and there is a large foothill-type section in this unit that I would be checking out. Perhaps you will find some solid stalkable hunts and some less-pressured animals.

Unit 52A-1
This large area comprises units 52A and 53. There are miles upon miles of public in this area, BLM, state and a large portion of Craters of the Moon National Preserve. From AG land to straight-up, out-of-this world terrain, you will have plenty of space to roam—solid for both harvest stats and trophy potential. Much lower on the public land percentage, you may want to knock on some doors for this hunt. But public land is still a reality. Trophy quality is good, and there is very low hunter density due to the tag numbers and size of the units; add to that strong harvest odds, and this unit is worth a closer look.

Unit 54
Traditionally a strong contender, I am sure this area still holds a few solid bucks, but these pronghorn seem to be on a downtrend in their population cycle and may not see an uptick for another two-three years. Odds are on par with most hunt choices; trophy potential has been top-notch, so you know the genetics are here. Time and knowing the right people might be the ticket. As mentioned before, when herd populations are low, private land is king.

Unit 55-1
Still the chart-topper, this unit is the only unit that actually contends for Blue-Chip status in Idaho. However, even more so than unit 54, this area has taken a beating with the heavy winter. There are quite a few public land areas to hunt, however, the strong presence of AG land and the lower populations would suggest the public portion of this hunt will be tough. However, some public borders these private pastures, and this offers a reasonable plan of attack.

Unit 68
Slightly northwest of Pocatello, this large unit has a lot to offer. There is a huge portion of AG land that sprawls around the edge of town, and just beyond that, you will see BLM acres for miles upon miles. Populations should be better here. I don’t think these animals saw as much winterkill as their cousins to the south.

Top Muzzleloader Units

Unit 36A-1
Miles upon miles of BLM land and some great terrain for spot-and-stalk hunting, this area is legitimate, especially for a restricted hunt like muzzleloader. Technically this is a “short-range weapons” hunt, but we have it under muzzleloader for the sake of opportunity. Harvest odds are solid, and trophy potential is better than average.

Unit 41-2
Along the southern border, this thin strip of a unit consists mostly of BLM land. There are 40 permits allocated here, so the NR opportunities are decent. Terrain is varied but mostly mild with some good cover for those seeking spot-and-stalk opportunities. As many of you know, just because the area has solid terrain, that doesn’t mean the animals you are after call it home. Pronghorn can be difficult to pin down, and a lot of it depends on populations. If there aren’t many critters, you can almost bet the bulk of them will be on private ground versus a more populated area, which will spread the wealth around, and hunters can pick and choose terrain a little more.

Wrap-Up
There isn’t a lot of change on the table for pronghorn this go-around. You will find southern populations are lower and everything else is pretty much status quo. In regards to hunt opportunities, antelope are truly fun to pursue. If you haven’t tried it, Idaho offers a solid change with a decent price point. Additionally, it is one more hunt that you can add to the list that helps shape your adventure book and also gives you a leg up for experience. If you can spot and stalk these guys, you will have a much higher level of confidence doing the same with elk or deer. This is especially true for the archery hunter but applies to all who call themselves a sportsman.

Table updated June 8, 2023

ID Pronghorn 2023

Idaho has coined the term “Gem state.” Although this term has to do with the abundance of rare minerals, one could also attribute the rarity of the opportunity to hunt species such as Shiras’ moose, bighorn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats as a gem of sorts. As I mentioned last year, big money has changed the game in regards to how much a hunt like this costs if we hire an outfitter and peruse one of these animals. It has become all but an unreachable goal for many of us. However, states like Idaho continue to offer hunts for these species on a limited-draw basis, and that is a gold nugget to keep digging for. No, the odds are not in your favor, but some chance is better than no chance, in my opinion.

Idaho’s straight-up draw system is truly a unique advantage. Draw odds are better here than anywhere because Idaho has kept points out of it, and they run a straight draw system without points. Additionally, they don’t allow applicants to apply for more than one special/limited draw per year. This means applicants are not able to apply for moose, mountain goat and bighorn sheep simultaneously.

This year marks the start of a new regulation cycle for moose, sheep and goat, and the finalization of this process is still underway. However, the commission meeting just took place, and we know that a few changes are in store. Overall, we see a continuing downtrend for most areas with moose, pretty steady on the bighorn sheep side of the fence and similar stats for mountain goat. The exception to this is the California bighorns are still on a notable decline, and we haven’t seen the bottom of that pendulum swing quite yet. I will break down the more notable changes per species as we go. Good luck in the draws, and be sure to let us know how you do!

The following sections break units down for each species to help with decision-making. For more detailed breakdowns, visit Eastmans.com and checkout TagHub! We list all of the hunts available for moose, sheep and goat and keep you updated year-round. If you need the details of the application process, visit the Idaho Fish and Game website.

Blue Chip

Unit 6
Unit 10A-4
Units 54, 55, and 56
Units 70 and 72
Unit 78

Green Chip

Units 12-3 & 12-4
Unit 29
Unit 50
Unit 65

Regional Breakdown

Panhandle Region
Clearwater Region | Units 8 through 16
Salmon Region | Units 27, 29, & 36A
Upper Snake Region | Units 50, 51, 59-65, 66-1&2, 67-69
Southeast Region | Units 66 and 70 through 78
Short Range Weapons hunts 60A and 63A
Archery-only hunt 68A
Wrap-Up

Idaho by far has the largest tag allocation for Shiras’ moose permits in the West and has been the heavy hitter for moose in the lower 48 for years and years. It is hard to see the major declines in the past 12-15 years, but when compared to other states, Idaho is still where you have the most hunter opportunity. The Shiras’ moose is the smallest bodied and antlered moose in North America and has the southernmost range of all moose species. This fact is continuing to be proven is the moose in Idaho are flourishing down in the southern regions, and there are moose being seen regularly in northern Nevada now as well! While the northern populations in the state are suffering more and more with no end in sight, or so it seems. We came into this new regulation cycle with 542 bull permits and 3 cow permits statewide. As of the most recent commission meeting, that number has dropped yet again down to 514 bull tags, and we still have 3 cow tags down south in unit 54. That is roughly 6% down, which doesn’t sound all that bad except those numbers haven’t flattened out yet and have been dropping steadily every year. I’ve seen it go from over 1,000 permits down to here in roughly 12 years! IDFG has begun a massive calf-collaring program; they began late last fall and are still in the process of capturing and collaring last year’s calves. This plan is to help IDFG establish a better understanding how these calves are dying in each region, and with that data we can start to mitigate the issues and hopefully reverse the curve over time! The exception to the downtrend are some eastern hunt units and the Magic Valley region, which is the only area allowing harvest of cow moose and the only area with any permit increases as well.

The units below are a choice selection of many units to hunt moose in Idaho; these areas are proven and solid contenders for a mature bull. But moose are not the simple hunt you might imagine; not only are they very solitary in nature, they are very sparsely populated within the units they reside, and you never know if they want to be low in the riparian areas or up at 8,000 feet with the elk! It makes for a fun hunt and is worth every day you can take off, in my opinion!

Blue Chip

Unit 6
Unit 6 located in the Panhandle is comprised of rough terrain covered very adequately, perhaps excessively, with thick forests and underbrush. Moose tend to gravitate toward riparian areas along rivers and streams; however, the Shiras’ moose is known for being a high-altitude mountain dweller. Thus, classic river-bottom and marshland hunting is really only a fraction of the bull’s habitat. Units with much lower public land such as units 5 and 6 are still strong contenders for moose even without obtaining permission on private lands along the streams and tributaries in the low country. Draw odds in this unit are stiff, but that is to be expected for any blue-chip area; considering the quality and harvest odds, I would say they are well worth it! This area has produced several bulls over 40 inches each year, making it a strong contender for big bulls and harvest success that tops the charts as well.

Unit 10A-4
Unit 10A-4 is steep, deep and rather small, yet full of potential. There are lots and lots of logging roads. Whether they are open or not is up for debate depending on the fire season and other restrictions. However, these roads provide a travel corridor for hunters and moose alike, providing an opportunity to break this area down much faster as well as provide access for easier packout opportunities. (“Easier” being relative, as there is nothing easy about breaking down and packing out a 600- to 700-pound animal.) These units have awesome trophy potential, tough drawing odds and harvest data that is very respectable.

Units 54, 55, and 56
Units 54, 55 and 56 – Way down yonder, these units are near the southern range of the Shiras’ habitat, low population densities and solid trophy potential. As nontraditional as the terrain and habitat might be, some of the top bulls are harvested down there. A very tough draw, especially for non-residents, but some giants are harvested in these units. They offer notably open terrain that is much more subtle and broken, though still not for the faint of heart. Do not let these open units fool you; they pack a unique difficulty that should not be taken lightly.

Unit 78

Unit 78 is another solid choice—72% public land, very high harvest odds, with a decent chance for non-resident permit allocation. This unit borders Nevada and is quite small but seems to pack a punch. The average spread over the past 3 years is just over 38 inches, and harvest odds are 93% over that same timeframe. Nothing to balk at.

Green Chip

Units 12-3 and 12-4
Units 12-3 and 12-4 are both primarily wilderness hunts comprised of the roughest and toughest terrain that can be found in the Shiras’ habitat. Nothing to look at here if you are not into a true steep and deep hunt choice. This is not to say that finding a bull close to a logging road cannot happen, but with the vast area here, you are best suited to plan for the bigger picture and at the least try to take advantage of the topography. Large burns and clear cuts help with spotting bulls, but that will be the only help you get. Spotting is difficult at best in many areas. All the rough-and-tumble aside, the stats are pretty incredible for trophy quality. Harvest opportunity is as to be expected for a wilderness hunt, thus another reason to consider if this hunt is for you. 50% harvest odds are tough to consider for a once-in-a-lifetime permit.

Unit 29
Unit 29 is definitely noteworthy, with high public land percentage, reasonable to high permit allocations and excellent harvest stats! This unit is located in the Lemhi Range and crosses the valley into the Beaverhead area. Definitely more rugged than the southern hunts, but it offers better glassing than most of the north, and access should be reasonable for those willing to get off the beaten path and log some miles.

Unit 50
Unit 50 is a solid choice, and it is not far from unit 29. It packs similar terrain that is just a touch more aggressive. The low permit allocations keep the draw odds down, but solid trophy potential and harvest odds support it as a consideration!

Unit 65
Unit 65 – Trophy potential of 40-plus inches and consistent tag allocations for non-residents make this unit worthy of further review. There is a lower public land percentage than most, but all good things come with a cost. If you are willing to knock on some doors or lay down some boot leather, this area may be right up your alley!

Units 70 and 72
Units 70 and 72 are excellent choices, especially for resident hunters. The non-resident allocations are few, but each year there is a permit or two given to non-resident applications, and judging from the stats, most of these hunters are filling a freezer, while trophy potential is nothing to frown at. There are cranker bulls that come out of here, but overall, the average is showing odds for a bull in the high 30-inch range.

Regional Breakdown

Panhandle Region  | Comprised of some of the thickest underbrush and densest timber around, there is still a fair population of moose and the occasional monster roaming about, but year after year, we see fewer animals and, therefore, experience continued reductions in permits for the area. If you are willing to bushwhack the jungle, these hunts are an excellent choice and still hold better odds than most for a Shiras’ adventure.

Clearwater Region | Units 8 through 16 | Looking back to 2004, IDFG offered 262 moose permits for these units, then in 2014 that number dropped to 94 permits, back up to 100 permits, and now we’re sitting somewhere in the high 80s. So, we can see some bouncing around here but quite possibly a baseline. Hopefully, not a testing of the floor before another drop. These units offer some of the best trophy quality in the state. If you can battle the odds and pull one of these permits, you stand a chance at bringing home a wall-hanger.

Salmon Region | Units 27, 29, & 36A | This region seems to be one of a few areas that has little to no change over the past couple regulation cycles. These hunts offer a reasonable trophy potential and run on par for draw odds. The gateway to Idaho’s most rugged wilderness area, the country here is breathtaking and can hide animals better than you might think. This is definitely a sweet place to pursue a backcountry moose experience if you have the gumption for it. Counts here are reflecting what we had feared, and the lack of moose sightings back up the surveys. At his point, there are still decent moose numbers, but we can definitely see the downtrend has crept into this area as well. These hunts offer a reasonable trophy potential and run on par for draw odds. The gateway to Idaho’s most rugged wilderness area, the country here is breathtaking and can hide animals better than you might think. This is definitely a sweet place to pursue a backcountry moose experience if you have the gumption for it.

Upper Snake Region | Units 50, 51, 59-65, 66-1 and 2, and 67-69 | Several of these units have just enough resident permits to allow for consistent non-resident hunts. As for now, things are stable here, and we even see a new hunt in unit 63, offering 1 bull tag. Otherwise, we see a couple of unit notes that require short-range weapons in certain areas, etc. The area does still have a good chunk of permits allocated, and the trophy quality is about as good as Idaho offers. 66-1 and 66-2 are right in there with the rest of the pack; each of these hunts seems to offer a very similar opportunity statistically. Digging a little deeper into terrain styles, public land opportunity, etc., may help you fine-tune your choices!

Southeast Region | Units 66, 76-1, 76-2 and 76-3 | These units offer long seasons, solid trophy potential and topography that is medium to rough. Access is varied, but solid tracts of public land are available. These hunts are definitely worth a closer look, even with possible tag reductions.

Archery-only hunt 68A
Archery-only hunt 68A is a great hunt choice, and for 2023/2024 you will see the area has been broken into two units to expand opportunity—68A-1 and 68A-2. Excellent bulls are harvested each year. The trophy quality for this archery hunt has been nothing short of excellent over the past few years. The downside is the lack of non-resident quota. Keep an eye out for rotating allocations, but you will not see a consistent permit here for non-residents.

Wrap-Up
With roughly 22 blue-chip units and 28 green-chip units, there are plenty of options to choose from. Thus, the moose lineup in Idaho can be quite intimidating. There are choices upon choices, and many units offer several hunts seasons, which can be confusing. You can study the charts or tables and see a blue-chip that is also a yellow-chip! How does that work? Well, that is most often season related. This is true for all of Idaho’s limited-draw hunts. Study up and good luck! We will keep tabs on any changes as they become available and upload them to TagHub immediately to keep you up to date. For more information, visit idfg.idaho.gov or sign up for instant updates on our virtual MRS system TagHub at Eastmans.com.

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2022 Goat Table - Recently updated February 13, 2023

ID Moose 2023

Rocky Mountain Bighorn
Blue-chip Units
Unit 11

Rocky Mountain Bighorn
Green-chip Units
Unit 27-4
Units 19, 19A
Units 26L and 27L
Unit 28-3
Unit 36B
Units 37 and 37A

California Bighorn
Green-chip Units
Unit 40
Unit 41-1 </a

The Rocky Mountain bighorn, California bighorn (now officially known as the Sierra Nevada bighorn) and the desert bighorn can be found throughout the West living in vastly ranging habitats. These subspecies are typically not found within the same borders of one state. However, Idaho is quite unique and has sustainable populations of Rocky Mountain bighorn and California bighorn. Recently the California bighorns have declined and continue to do so, thus you will see more tag cuts yet again for 2023/2024. IDFG just collared 38 sheep in the Jacks Creek and Owyhee units, which will help them understand more about the declines. Hopefully, with further monitoring, we can narrow the gap and help stabilize these populations. Similarly, they were able to collar about 15 sheep in the Jim Sage area—fewer collars put out in Jim Sage, as these sheep are pretty stable.

On the bottom of the barrel, you will find the Bruneau-Jarbidge area, which is now closed. IDFG flew the area in November and confirmed the populations are still in decline. However, there were good lamb counts! So, if those little ones can pull through winter, we may be seeing the bottom end of this, and hopefully, it’s up from here! IDFG tries to keep tabs on overall herd health, as well as continue to research and implement new strategies to battle disease. In fact, IDFG biologist Frances Cassirer was awarded the Statesman Award from the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation in 2021. This award is directly connected to Frances’ work with Movi and a very successful “capture, test, remove” program in the Hells Canyon Bighorn Sheep Initiative Project, which was considered a great success by all involved. Additionally, IDFG has a Bighorn sheep management plan that will review the previous plan and shape the direction, protection and management of sheep in Idaho over the next 5 years.

Overall Rocky Mountain bighorns are much more plentiful and stable than the cousins to the south. We see a solid increase in tags for 2023/2024; IDFG added 5 permits in total, which brings us back to par with the previous regulation cycle in 2019/2020. One permit was added to the state’s most coveted sheep hunt, unit 11. In addition to this permit, there are two new hunts, both are in existing units, just adding a later season. 21L and 28L are the designations, and both have an allocation of 2 permits each. Not too shabby! As alluded to in the mountain goat article, any stable or increase in population is welcome news for moose, sheep or mountain goat. Recently IDFG removed units 13 and 18 from the unit 11 hunt. This is likely a game changer for trophy quality, as many of the unit 11 holders, including the auction tag holders, have been harvesting their rams in unit 13. The jury is still out on how unit 11 will hold up on its own.

Idaho offers tags in areas such as the Frank Church Wilderness, which is unrivaled in the lower 48. These sheep are next-level tough and come with a different definition of “trophy”—it’s the experience and the chance to hunt native bighorns in their high mountain home, and if you find bighorns, that is icing on the cake. Although much of Idaho is rough and tumble, especially where sheep live, there are a few units that offer less aggressive hunt choices and decent trophy quality to boot!

Statewide there are 83 permits available for Rocky Mountain bighorns; many of the units won’t allocate permits to non-residents, but there will be a few, and that is what we are shooting for.

The current regulations show 13 permits slated for Cali’s. Back in 2022, IDFG voted on the removal of hunt 7006 (46-1) altogether due to Movi, which has contributed to notable population decline; this area isn’t accessible for a “capture, test, remove” operation like the Hell’s Canyon herd. Thus, we are currently stuck assessing and scratching our heads in regards to how to aid these sheep in recovery. Additionally, the board voted to close hunt 7003 and combine some of unit 41-2 into 41-1, creating a larger unit and going from what was 5 permits over two units down to 4 permits in one area that is now simply unit 41. Similarly, hunt 7005 for unit 42-2 is closed and combined with 42-1 with a total of 6 permits. The reason for population decline in unit 41 and 42 is still unclear, but notable mountain lion depredation issues and possible disease are suspected. Further investigation is needed, and as mentioned above, many sheep have been collared, and now time will tell the story.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn

Blue-chip Units

Unit 11

This hunt is currently the only major-league Rocky Mountain bighorn hunt in Idaho, and in 2019 they removed units 18 and 13 out of this hunt code. These units have traditionally been included; however, due to Movi die-offs and other compounding issues in unit 18 and 13, hunters will be limited to unit 11 until 18 and 13 get back on their feet. The crux to this change is that unit 13 is where most of the big sheep are taken, which is also the primary choice of the lottery tag and auction tag hunters. Only 2 permits are allocated here for limited draw applicants, and non-residents pick up a chance to draw every few years at random.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn

Green-chip Units

Unit 27-4
The River of No Return and Frank Church Wilderness; this particular unit has become another heavy hitter for Idaho. It may not produce rams of the class that unit 11 does, but these rams are both wilderness-tough and very large! Check out the stats on the table: excellent mass, excellent harvest odds and a 5 out of 5 for terrain difficulty! This is an awesome hunt choice. Keep in mind non-residents are not seeing a regular allocation for any of these hunts, so IDFG rotates the units from year to year that get a non-resident permit.

Units 19, 19A
More of the River of No Return and the Frank Church Wilderness hunts. These hunt areas are rough in the most extreme sense of the word. The elevations are not daunting, but don’t underestimate the steep and rugged nature of these mountains. Harvest success has been decent. The horns here are a bit slim on average, with curls up to and over 34 inches and bases in the 14-inch range. These rams are still a solid spectacle of a bighorn, and they come from the most classic extreme habitat a hunter can picture in the lower 48.

Units 26L and 27L
These late-season hunts can be tough. It is always safe to say weather changes play a large role for these hunts, especially for animals living in high alpine habitats, however, these hunts take on another variation of tough because they are late-season only. Harvest stats are very good, and both are 5 for 5 with extreme terrain!

Unit 28-3
Offers decent harvest success, solid trophy potential and yet another extreme-terrain hunt choice. With very high public land percentage and a decent tag allocation, this unit should see non-resident allocation from time to time.

Unit 36B
Trophy quality is good, but we are still at extreme on the scale of rough and rugged. Draw odds are on par, and harvest odds are excellent.

Units 37 and 37A
Unit 37 offers two hunts; these hunts offer a variety of options for hunters seeking adventure. There is enough backcountry to pack in with horses or mules, yet enough access to get into country and bivy hunt for your adventure. Solid stats show these hunts are top choices if you are willing to wait it out.

California Bighorn

Green-chip Units

Unit 40
This hunt is primarily offered to residents only; however, we have seen a rotation of offerings, and it would definitely be worth keeping an eye on should the tag be offered to non-resident applicants. Harvest odds are high and trophy quality remains strong. Taking place in the Owyhee Mountains, this is rough and rugged but nothing like hunting in the units to the north.

Unit 41-1
Another solid desert hunt that is under the weather with reduced sheep populations. Last year this hunt was cut to 1 permit but now is being combined with hunt 41-2, which allows for 4 rams to be harvested.

What is the takeaway? It’s more of a mixed bag this time, but we can see a continued battle to maintain healthy herds of bighorn sheep throughout the West. This is something that will continue to stump conservationists because the complexity is off the charts. When there is progress in one area, there is lost ground in another. But hunters along with state agencies are pushing for answers and solutions. Staying active with your local sheep foundation is a great way to help. This is something that is easy to join and worth the investment. For example, the flights that surveyed the Bruneau-Jarbidge sheep herd last fall were paid for by the Wild Sheep Foundation and the Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation…pretty cool, right? We all know draw odds are steep; is the price of admission worth it? Well, that’s your choice. Good luck in the draws, and be sure to send us your story!

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2023 Sheep Tables 

ID California Bighorn 2023

ID Rocky Mtn Bighorn 2023

Blue-chip Units
Unit 7*
Unit 27-5

Green-chip Units
Unit 18
Unit 22
Unit 36A-2
Units 27-2
Units 36A-1, 36A-4 and 36B
Unit 43
Unit 51
NOTE: What is Movi?

The Oreamnos americanus, also known as the Rocky Mountain goat, is quite an amazing creature. If you haven’t had the chance to behold these cliff dwelling ungulates, you should pull up some videos online and enjoy some of God’s creative side. The name goat would lead you to imagine a smallish creature that eats weeds and with pleasure butts heads with anything willing to stay in one place long enough. However, mountain goats are considered a closer relative to Chamois and Takin more than a classic goat that you may see in your neighbor’s yard. Native to North America and quite rare, these animals are something to cherish and dream about. Thanks to sportsmen far and wide, we can all throw our name in the hat for a chance to hunt mountain goats. Idaho is not a headliner place for a record-book billy goat, but it is an opportunity and that is all we can ask for with unique species like this.

The overall outlook for goats in Idaho is pretty steady—nothing to get excited about and nothing to get overly concerned about. At least for the moment! Which is always good news. This species tend to be more sensitive to change and therefore, don’t fare as well as deer or elk. Thus, the extremely low populations and highly regulated management systems.

For 2023/2024 we see no change in overall permit allocations, holding with a statewide allocation of 41 permits. However, there are a couple small changes within the 20 units. Two units are seeing tag cuts, unit 10-1 and 27-5; and two units are seeing increases, unit 43* (used to be 44*) and unit 50*. One new hunt, unit 61, is located on the southern side of the Henry Mountains on the Montana border. This hunt is relatively new in Montana and was opened due to efforts piloted by the Rocky Mountain Goat Alliance when its members did a survey backed with photos and showed Montana FWP the results. These efforts have grown into opening a unit in Montana and now sharing some of the harvest opportunity with Idaho! What a neat success story and something we are hopeful to see more of as sportsmen and sportswomen continue to link arms and help these state agencies with unique situations like this. Unit 61 will only have 1 permit to start off, and we don’t have history on it, so that will be one to watch as the stats come in, but we know on the Montana side, it is a solid hunt choice. Last but not least, unit 67 is closing for now; that is the bad news, but with some time and effort, we may see this one back on the docket before too long. As of right now, there isn’t a culprit that is known. It could be anything from Movi, to an avalanche; we just know the population is way down, and hunting them is off the list for now.

The following unit breakdowns help point applicants in the right direction. We compile the data and give you the ingredients to start planning. Odds are very low, especially for non-residents due to very low permit allocations. But as my bride always says, “the hard stuff is the good stuff!” and that sums up trophy species in a sentence.

Blue-chip Units

Unit 7*
Unit 7* still holds strong, but only offers 1 permit and, therefore, is nearly impossible to draw for non-residents; however, it is still possible as IDFG rotates a non-resident allocation for units like this into the fold and allows the permit to go NR. This unit lies along the Montana border just south of Wallace, ID. The unit is very large and quite dense. Thankfully, the alpine peaks allow for spotting goats, but plan for a timber hunt and close encounters.

Unit 27-5
Unit 27-5 is definitely a top contender. This area saw a decrease in permits from 3 down to 2. This can be attributed to a combination of things, but high nanny harvest in 2021 didn’t help anything. This area is about as backcountry as you can get in the lower 48. Very deep and steep, located in the Salmon River Mountains, it’s definitely an opportunity for packing in with livestock and enjoying some rugged country.

Green-chip Units

Unit 18
Located along the Snake River and holding a good chunk of Hells Canyon Wilderness area within its boundaries. To sum it up, this is a rugged hunt with some of Idaho’s best mountain goats. There are 3 permits allocated here for residents and a random permit given to non-residents, so keep an eye out.

Unit 22
Unit 22, located just south of unit 18 along the Snake River, this area is also very rugged and offers a backcountry adventure second to none. There are 3 permits allocated, which means non-residents will see permits more often but still not a guarantee. Solid trophy and harvest stats. Definitely one to keep an eye on.

Unit 36A-2
Unit 36A-2 is a top contender as well. There aren’t enough tags allocated for consistent non-resident allocations, but that is true for all units in Idaho right now. With that said, the statistics here speak for themselves. We are classing this hunt with a score of 100 on our tables. That might be a touch high in regards to trophy quality, but with all factors included, this score is there for a valid reason.

Unit 27-2
Giant peaks, rugged wilderness areas and some of the steepest terrain in the West. This hunt choice is prime for the backcountry enthusiast and is no joke on the scale of difficulty. This is definitely a noteworthy hunt, with higher draw odds than most due to the extreme nature of the hunt.

Units 36A-1, 36A-4 & 36B
Lots of opportunity here as well. Nanny harvest is up here, especially over the last 3 years. So, it’s hard to judge trophy quality based off limited billy data. However, the ingredients are here.

Unit 43
Unit 43 is a top producer. Coming in with stats that argue it could be a blue-chip. Offering 5 permits, this area has the highest allotment of tags in the state. 100% harvest odds and low nanny harvest are all good indicators. Nothing to stop you but the challenge of the Sawtooth Range and low drawing odds.

Unit 51
Unit 51 was added a few years back and seems to have great potential. Located in the southern portion of the Lemhi Range. This unit is home to a solid goat population, and the statistics back it up. Don’t let the public land percentage sway you. That is something that rarely effects a goat hunt. Most often these critters aren’t hanging around down low at the private land levels. Yet another contender for blue-chip status.
For more information, you will find all of Idaho’s limited-draw hunts on TagHub; visit Eastmans.com and follow the links!

NOTE: What is Movi? Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, aka Movi, is a bacterial disease that leads to pneumonia in wild sheep and mountain goats. This disease has been diagnosed and attributed to be spread from domestic sheep and goats. Oftentimes mortality rates as high as 80% are seen after infection sets in. However, with research and application of newer techniques such as “capture, test, remove,” state agencies have drastically reduced herd mortality. Currently IDFG uses a capture, test, re-capture and remove plan when applicable. They have found the second capture and test helps narrow the gap and is roughly 90% effective when the second capture/test is applied before removal. This allows the sheep to “kick” the infection after initial discovery. If the infection persists after the second capture, then removal is necessary. This may seem counter intuitive to some, but the results speak for themselves. After this was tested in the Hells Canyon herds, surveys saw lamb survival increase three and four times what it was prior to implementing the “capture, test, remove” system. IDFG, the Wild Sheep Foundation and other agencies throughout the West and even in Alaska are currently working with domestic sheep and goat farmers to help reduce contact with wild sheep as well as educate and reduce Movi from the domestic flocks as much as possible.

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2023 Goat Table - Recently updated May 13, 2023

NV Mtn Goat 2023