Idaho GMU 21
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 21.
Unit 21 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 21 (GMU 21) is in the Salmon 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 98.7% of Unit 21 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 21 records is Apr 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 36BSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 28 and 36BSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1134 · 200 permits · Area 21-1XSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth Only - Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1111 · 75 permits · Area 21-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1135 · 200 permits · Area 21-1XSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlered · Hunt 1070 · 10 permits · Area 21-1Season Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1157 · 1 permits · Area 21-1Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1013 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1156 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 21
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 21 Boundary
That portion of LEMHI COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at the Idaho-Montana State line on U.S. 93, then west along the state line to the Idaho-Lemhi County line, then southwest along the Idaho-Lemhi County line to the Salmon River, then upstream to the town of North Fork, then north on U.S. 93 to the point of beginning.
Salmon Zone Context
East-Central Idaho — Salmon River Country
The Salmon zone groups Units 21, 21A, 28, and 36B. It is separate from the Middle Fork and Lemhi zones even where travel plans use the same regional roads or supply towns. Compare each included unit's boundary and season records before choosing an approach.
Consider Salmon or Challis when arranging supplies, according to your route. Check elevation, current road conditions, and the forecast instead of relying on a fixed date for snow closures.
See all units in the Salmon ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 21
Where is Idaho GMU 21?
Unit 21 sits in the Salmon Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 21?
Unit 21 season records list Black Bear, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 21?
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 21 mostly public land?
Unit 21 is approximately 98.7% 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 Salmon Zone
Before hunting Unit 21
- 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 21. 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.