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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.
Application Strategy
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Maps
Tactics
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 23 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 13 confirmed seasons in Unit 23.
View Full ScheduleHarvest 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. 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 the core hunting areas of Unit 23. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
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 sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
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.
Land Ownership Map
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Species Guides
Hunted in Unit 23. Tap a species for full strategy.
Pro Tip
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