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Salmon Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 28
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 28.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainForest/Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesPronghorn
Season TypeControlled Only
ZoneSalmon
Unit 28 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 28 (GMU 28) is a premier hunting destination located in the Salmon Elk Zone. Home to Pronghorn, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 28 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 28 typically begin in Aug 15.
PPronghorn Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled HuntBuck only; Hunt Area 28-1Season Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 28. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 28 Boundary
That portion of LEMHI COUNTY within the drainage of the Salmon River south and west of the river from the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River upstream to, but excluding, the Ellis Creek and Morgan Creek drainages to the Custer County line, and that portion of the north side of Camas Creek and north of Camas Creek Trail (Forest Service Trail 134) upstream from and including the Yellowjacket Creek drainage. Idah
Salmon Zone Context
East-Central Idaho — Salmon River Country
The Salmon zone covers the high-elevation drainages east of the Salmon River, with broad alpine basins, sage-and-fir mosaic terrain, and good migration corridors connecting summer and winter range. It's a balance of remote feel and reasonable access — a frequent first choice for non-wilderness DIY hunters.
Salmon, Challis, and Mackay are the staging towns. Snow can close upper roads any time after mid-October.
See all units in the Salmon ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 28
Where is Idaho GMU 28?
Unit 28 sits in the Salmon Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly forest/mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 28?
Unit 28 has open seasons for multiple big-game species. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 28?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 28. 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 28 mostly public land?
Unit 28 is approximately 96.7% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS87.7%
BLM8.44%
Private3.32%
State0.3%
Other0.24%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Salmon 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
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.