Idaho GMU 20
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 20.
Unit 20 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 20 (GMU 20) is in the Selway 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 99.6% of Unit 20 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 20 records is Apr 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 16A, 17, 19 and 20Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlered · Area Units 16A, 17, 19 and 20Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 16A, 17, 19 and 20Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 20
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 20 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at the mouth of the South Fork of the Salmon River, then north along Mackay Bar-Red River Ranger Station Road (Forest Service Road 222) to the Montana Road, then east along Montana Road to Green Mountain-Elk Mountain Road (Forest Service 285), then northeast along Green Mountain-Elk Mountain Road to the watershed divide between the Selway and Salmon Rivers around the head of Bargamin Creek, then southeast along the divide over Three Prong Mountain, Burnt Knob, Salmon Mountain and Waugh Mountain, then south down Waugh Ridge to the Salmon River, then downstream to the point of beginning.
Selway Zone Context
Central Idaho — Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
The Selway zone groups Units 16A, 17, 19, and 20. IDFG identifies portions of both the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church–River of No Return wilderness areas within the zone. The zone contains more than one land-management context, so check the rules for your exact route and camp.
Compare trail access, trip distance, and pack-out needs before deciding whether to use stock or an outfitter. River-floating permits and wilderness travel rules have their own scope; do not assume every wilderness visit requires a river permit or that aircraft access is available.
See all units in the Selway ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 20
Where is Idaho GMU 20?
Unit 20 sits in the Selway Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 20?
Unit 20 season records list Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 20?
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 20 mostly public land?
Unit 20 is approximately 99.6% 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 Selway Zone
Before hunting Unit 20
- 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 20. 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.