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Palouse Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 11A
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 11A.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZonePalouse
Unit 11A Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 11A (GMU 11A) is a premier hunting destination located in the Palouse Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, White-tailed Deer, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 11A is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 11A typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPalouse Zone; Antlerless only; On or within 1 mile of private agricultural landsSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonPalouse Zone; Any elkSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral SeasonPalouse Zone; Antlerless onlySeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPalouse Zone; Antlered onlySeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral SeasonPalouse Zone; Antlerless only; On or within 1 mile of private agricultural landsSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; Very limited access because of private propertySeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; Very limited access because of private propertySeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFall; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be usedSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpring; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be usedSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29, Oct 10-Dec 1, Apr 1-June 30Season Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic & Private Land: General hunting rules apply (Expanded methods not allowed)Season Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares Allowed; Public & Private Land (check county restrictions)Season Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 11A. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 11A Boundary
Those portions of CLEARWATER, NEZ PERCE, LEWIS, and IDAHO COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning on the Clearwater River at the U.S. 95 bridge near Spalding, upstream (excluding islands) to the South Fork of the Clearwater River, then up the South Fork to Harpster Grade Bridge, then southwest on State Highway 13 to U.S. 95 at Grangeville, then northwest on U.S. 95 to the point of beginning.
Palouse Zone Context
West-Central Idaho — Rolling Hills
The Palouse zone covers low-elevation rolling farmland and Conservation Reserve units in west-central Idaho. Elk presence here is tied to the timber edges where cropland meets the foothills, and access can be heavily private.
Confirm landowner permission before scouting. Public access programs (Access Yes) are the practical pathway into much of this zone.
See all units in the Palouse ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 11A
Where is Idaho GMU 11A?
Unit 11A sits in the Palouse Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 11A?
Unit 11A has open seasons for White-tailed Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Gray Wolf. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 11A?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 11A. Roam Idaho's current web map requires a connection, so download an official offline map or carry a paper map before entering the field.
Is Unit 11A mostly public land?
Unit 11A is approximately 0.8% public (mostly private). Map study and boundary awareness are essential to avoid trespass.
Land Ownership Breakdown
Private83.95%
Tribal15.28%
BLM0.32%
State0.29%
Other0.14%
USFS0.01%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Palouse Zone
Season and regulatory information is sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Unit-level public-land percentages come from the linked public dataset and are not parcel boundaries.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Rugged Mountains
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Private
Requires map study.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
Species Guides
Species associated with Unit 11A. Open a guide for habitat, timing, and regulation context.
Field Reminder
Use this page and the connected map for planning, then carry an official offline map and confirm current seasons, closures, and access before heading out.