Idaho GMU 16
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 16.
Unit 16 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 16 (GMU 16) is in the Elk City Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer. This unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. About 80.3% of Unit 16 is mapped as public land. This is not parcel-level access authorization; verify boundaries, closures, and legal access before entering.
Landscape Analysis
Surface Management
Agency shares from IDFG Hunt Planner; this is not parcel-level access authorization.
2026 season dates, from Idaho Fish and Game
Pulled from the IDFG Hunt Planner API (2026). Idaho re-issues seasons each year and corrects its own systems between editions, so Idaho Fish and Game remains the sole authority for legal dates, tags and restrictions. Confirm before you hunt.
Check the IDFG Hunt PlannerPublished Season Schedule
The earliest opening in our Unit 16 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlered · Area Units 15, 16Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 14, 15 and 16Season Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 14, 16Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2055 · 40 permits · Area 16-1Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1131 · 150 permits · Area 16-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral MuzzleloaderAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 16
Seven seasons of hunter counts, harvest totals and success rates, broken out by weapon — straight from Idaho Fish and Game.
Controlled Hunt Draw Odds
Draw odds for every hunt in this unit
Resident and nonresident draw odds, permits offered, and applicant counts for the 2026 Idaho controlled hunt drawings.
Unit 16 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, then upstream to the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, then east along the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Selway Rivers to the watershed divide between Gedney and Three Links Creeks, then south along the divide to Big Fog Mountain, then along Forest Service Trail 343 to Big Fog Saddle, then south along Fog Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 319) to the Selway River, then upstream to Meadow Creek, then up Meadow Creek-Falls Point Road (Forest Service Road 443) to Forest Service Road 464, then west along Forest Service Road 464 to Forest Service Road 284, then along Forest Service Road 284 to the town of Clearwater, then west along the road down Sally Ann Creek to State Highway 13, then downstream on the South Fork of the Clearwater River to the point of beginning.
Elk City Zone Context
North-Central Idaho — Clearwater National Forest
The Elk City zone groups Units 14, 15, and 16 in north-central Idaho. Use the unit pages to compare their boundaries and published seasons rather than assuming this zone shares the same tag rules as neighboring Selway or Lolo country.
If staging from Elk City, confirm fuel, supplies, and the current condition of your approach road before departure. Snow, fire closures, and maintenance can change access; a seasonal opening date is not guaranteed.
See all units in the Elk City ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 16
Where is Idaho GMU 16?
Unit 16 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 16?
Unit 16 season records list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 16?
Plan for gaps in cell service. 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 16 mostly public land?
Unit 16 is approximately 80.3% public (mostly public). Public-land share is not parcel-level access permission; verify ownership boundaries, legal routes, and closures before entering.
Other Units in the Elk City Zone
Before hunting Unit 16
- Compare Idaho season and tag planning information against the specific hunt number and species you intend to pursue.
- Review public-land access and land-manager resources to check entry routes, road restrictions, and closures.
- Use the backcountry hunting preparation guide to plan navigation, weather protection, and the trip back out.
Terrain Breakdown
Included with Roam Pro — $3/month, 7-day free trial.
Land Access
Species associated with Unit 16. 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.