Idaho GMU 21A
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 21A.
Unit 21A Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 21A (GMU 21A) 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 88.7% of Unit 21A 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.
Listed agency shares total 99.80%; 0.20% is not itemized in this breakdown.
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 21A records is Apr 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Portion of Unit 21ASeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 36BSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 28 and 36BSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2059 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason 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
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 1083 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1158 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 21A
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 21A Boundary
That portion of LEMHI COUNTY within the drainage of the east side of the Salmon River downstream from and including the Carmen Creek drainage to the town of North Fork, and that portion of the North Fork of the Salmon River drainage east of U.S. 93 between the town of North Fork and the Idaho-Montana State line.
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 21A
Where is Idaho GMU 21A?
Unit 21A sits in the Salmon Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly rugged mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 21A?
Unit 21A season records list Black Bear, Elk, White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 21A?
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 21A mostly public land?
Unit 21A is approximately 88.7% 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 21A
- 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 21A. 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.