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Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 16.
Idaho Game Management Unit 16 (GMU 16) 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 16 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Unlock our detailed application strategy guide, including draw odds analysis, point creep predictions, and underrated seasonal opportunities for Unit 16.
Unlock Full AnalysisSeasons in Unit 16 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 13 confirmed seasons in Unit 16.
View Full ScheduleWe're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 16. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
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.
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 ZoneUnit 16 sits in the Elk City Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
Unit 16 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.
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 16. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Unit 16 is approximately 80.3% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.

Hunted in Unit 16. Tap a species for full strategy.
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