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Selway Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 17
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 17.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSelway
Unit 17 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 17 (GMU 17) is a premier hunting destination located in the Selway 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 17 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 17 typically begin in Sep 15.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSelway Zone; Antlered only; [ ]Capped ZoneSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSelway Zone; Antlered only; [ ]Capped ZoneSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSelway Zone; Antlered only; [ ]Capped ZoneSeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; [ ]Second deer tag may not be usedSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; [ ]Second white-tailed deer tag may not be usedSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFall; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be used; [ ]Caution: grizzly bears may be encounteredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpring; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be used; [ ]Caution: grizzly bears may be encounteredSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29 and Sep 15-Oct 31; [ ]Second lion tag may be usedSeason Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPrivate Land: Expanded hunting methods allowedSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: General hunting rules applySeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: Expanded hunting methods allowedSeason Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; [ ]Snares AllowedSeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 17. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 17 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Fog Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 319) on the Selway River, then north along Fog Mountain Road to Big Fog Saddle, then north along Forest Service Trail 343 to Big Fog Mountain, then north along the watershed divide between Gedney and Three Links Creeks to the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, then northeast along the divide over McConnell Mountain and Diablo Mountain to the Idaho-Montana State line, then south along the state line to the watershed divide between the Selway and Salmon Rivers, then west along the divide over Square 88 Idaho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho then upstream to the town of North Fork, then north on U.S. 93 to the point of beginning.
Selway Zone Context
Central Idaho — Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
The Selway is wilderness elk hunting in the strictest sense — limited motorized access, dense old-growth timber, and miles between bulls. Tags are hard to draw and harvest rates are modest, but the experience is the closest thing in the Lower 48 to backcountry elk hunting at scale.
Pack-in camps, stock support, or floatplane access are the realistic options. Plan minimum 7-day trips. Permits required for wilderness use.
See all units in the Selway ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 17
Where is Idaho GMU 17?
Unit 17 sits in the Selway Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 17?
Unit 17 has open seasons for Deer, 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 17?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 17. 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 17 mostly public land?
Unit 17 is approximately 99.9% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Other Units in the Selway 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 Public
Great for DIY roaming.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
Species Guides
Species associated with Unit 17. 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.