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McCall Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 23
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 23.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainForest/Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneMcCall
Unit 23 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 23 (GMU 23) is a premier hunting destination located in the McCall 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 23 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 23 typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonMcCall Zone; Any elkSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonMcCall Zone; Spike onlySeason Dates
- GeneralShort RangeGeneral SeasonMcCall Zone; Antlerless onlySeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonMcCall Zone; Antlered onlySeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonWhite-tailed deer only; Chronic Wasting Disease Testing RequiredSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; Chronic Wasting Disease Testing RequiredSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; Chronic Wasting Disease Testing RequiredSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered & Antlerless; Chronic Wasting Disease Testing RequiredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFall; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be usedSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpring; Second bear tag may be used; Electronic calls may be usedSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29 and Oct 1-Nov 24; Second lion tag may be usedSeason Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic & Private Land: General hunting rules apply (Expanded methods not allowed)Season Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares Allowed; Portions of Unit affected by court decisionSeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 23. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 23 Boundary
Those portions of IDAHO, ADAMS, and VALLEY COUNTIES within the drainage of the south side of the Salmon River from its confluence with the Little Salmon River upstream to French Creek-Burgdorf-Summit Creek Road; those portions of the French Creek, Lake Creek and Summit Creek drainages west of French CreekBurgdorf-Summit Creek Road; and within the Little Salmon River drainage, except that portion on the north side of Rapid River from the mouth upstream to and including Shingle Creek drainage.
McCall Zone Context
West-Central Idaho — Payette National Forest
The McCall zone covers the Payette Forest country east and north of McCall — Sawtooth-adjacent terrain with strong elk populations, mixed conifer forest, and good road access. It's one of the more popular general-tag zones for Idaho residents.
McCall is the obvious base. Routes north toward Yellow Pine and the Frank Church boundary open in early summer. Expect company on accessible drainages.
See all units in the McCall ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 23
Where is Idaho GMU 23?
Unit 23 sits in the McCall Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly forest/mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 23?
Unit 23 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 23?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 23. 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 23 mostly public land?
Unit 23 is approximately 75.7% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS66.13%
Private24.36%
BLM5.93%
State3.43%
Other0.16%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the McCall 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 Forest/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 23. 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.