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Elk City Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 15
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 15.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneElk City
Unit 15 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 15 (GMU 15) is a premier hunting destination located in the Elk City Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, 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 15 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Application Strategy
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2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 15 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 13 confirmed seasons in Unit 15.
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We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 15. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
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Unit 15 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Grangeville on State Highway 13, then northeast on State Highway 13 to the South Fork of the Clearwater River, then downstream to the road along Sally Ann Creek, then along the road to the town of Clearwater, then southeast along Forest Service Road 284 to Forest Service Road 464, then east along Forest Service Road 464 to the watershed divide between the South Fork Clearwater and Selway Rivers, then southeast along the divide over Forest Service Trail 835 to Anderson Butte, then south over Forest Service Trail 505 to Black Hawk Mountain and Soda Creek Point to Montana Road (Forest Service Road 468), then west on Montana Road to the Red River Ranger Station-Mackay Bar Road (Forest Service Road 222) then southwest on Red River Ranger Station-Mackay Bar Road to Dixie Summit, then west along the watershed divide between the South Fork Clearwater and Salmon Rivers over the Crooked River-Big Creek Divide, Orogrande Summit and Square Mountain to Moores Guard Station-Adams Ranger Station Road (Forest Service Road 444), then west on Moores Guard Station-Adams Ranger Station Road to Grangeville-Salmon River Road (Forest Service Road 221), then north on Grangeville-Salmon River Road to the point of beginning.
Elk City Zone Context
North-Central Idaho — Clearwater National Forest
Elk City sits at the confluence of historic mining country and dense Clearwater timber. The zone holds a strong general elk population and reasonable road access compared to its wilderness neighbors. The Magruder Corridor and the upper Selway River define its eastern edge.
Elk City itself is the only meaningful supply point. Fuel is limited; bring what you need. Most roads open by late June.
See all units in the Elk City ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 15
Where is Idaho GMU 15?
Unit 15 sits in the Elk City Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 15?
Unit 15 has open seasons for Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 15?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 15. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 15 mostly public land?
Unit 15 is approximately 92.8% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS90.06%
Private7.25%
BLM2.4%
State0.28%
Other0.01%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Elk City Zone
Season and regulatory information sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Rugged Mountains
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Public
Great for DIY roaming.
Land Ownership Map
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Species Guides
Hunted in Unit 15. Tap a species for full strategy.
Pro Tip
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