Loading intel...
Loading intel...
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 33.
Idaho Game Management Unit 33 (GMU 33) is a premier hunting destination located in the Sawtooth 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 33 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Unlock our detailed application strategy guide, including draw odds analysis, point creep predictions, and underrated seasonal opportunities for Unit 33.
Unlock Full AnalysisSeasons in Unit 33 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 14 confirmed seasons in Unit 33.
View Full ScheduleWe're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 33. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Those portions of BOISE and VALLEY COUNTIES within the North Fork of the Payette River drainage east of the river and south of Smiths Ferry Bridge-Packer John Road (Forest Service Road 689) up to Murray Saddle, and the drainage of the Middle and South Forks of the Payette River, (except the drainage of the Deadwood River upstream from and including Nine Mile Creek on the west side, and No Man Creek on the east side), and that portion of the South Fork of the Payette River drainage downstream from and including the Lick Creek drainage on the north side of the South Fork of the Payette River and downstream from, but excluding, the Huckleberry Creek drainage on the south side of the South Fork of the Payette River. ho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho.gov PAYETTE, VALLEY, and WASHINGTON COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at Banks, then down State Highway 55 to Floating Feather Road, then west on Floating Feather Road to State Highway 16, then north on State Highway 16 to State Highway 52, then north on State Highway 52 to the Payette River, then downstream (excluding Payette River Islands) to the Snake River, then downstream to Weiser, then northeast on U.S. 95 to Emmett-Council Road in Indian Valley, then south on Emmett-Council Road to Sheep Creek Road, then east on Sheep Creek Road to 3rd Fork Road (NFD618), then south on 3rd Fork Road (NFD618) to Ola, then northeast on Ola-Smiths Ferry Road to High Valley, then south on High Valley-Dry Buck Road to the point of beginning. 89 Dam, then up the South Fork of the Boise River (center of Anderson Ranch Reservoir) to Fall Creek, then up Fall Creek to the bridge at Lake Creek Road (Forest Service Road 113), then northwest on Lake Creek Road, and then north on Fall Creek-Trinity Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 123) to Ice Springs, and then northwest on Fall Road (Forest Service Road 129), to and then south on Trinity Ridge-Rocky Bar Road (Forest Service Road 156), to and then north on James Creek Road (Forest Service Road 126) to James Creek Summit, then east along the Elmore County line, then north along the watershed divide between the Boise and Salmon Rivers to the watershed divide between the Boise and South Fork of the Payette River then west along the divide to Hawley Mountain, then northwest along the divide between the Payette River and the South Fork Payette River to Banks, then south on State Highway 55 to State Highway 44, then east on State Highway 44 and then east on West State Street, to and then east on East Warm Springs Avenue (by way of Avenue B and E. Parkcenter Boulevard) to State Highway 21 then south on State Highway 21 to the point of beginning.
Central Idaho — Sawtooth Range
The Sawtooth zone covers Idaho's most photographed mountain range and the Stanley Basin below it. Elk hunting is strong but the terrain is uncompromising — granite peaks, glacial valleys, and significant elevation gain on every approach.
Stanley and Ketchum are the gateways. Snow and weather windows close earlier here than in lower zones.
See all units in the Sawtooth ZoneUnit 33 sits in the Sawtooth Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly mountain/foothill, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
Unit 33 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.
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 33. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Unit 33 is approximately 87.8% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Apply for Super Hunt tags

Hunted in Unit 33. Tap a species for full strategy.
Save this unit to your dashboard to get offline maps and real-time fire updates.