Idaho GMU 28
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 28.
Unit 28 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 28 (GMU 28) is in the Salmon Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, White-tailed Deer. This unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. About 96.7% of Unit 28 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 28 records is Apr 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 28 and 36BSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1101 · 15 permits · Area 28-1Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1019 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1162 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryBucks Only · Hunt 4027 · 99999 permits · Area 28-1Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 28
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 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 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 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 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 28?
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 28 mostly public land?
Unit 28 is approximately 96.7% 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 28
- 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 28. 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.