Idaho GMU 33
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 33.
Unit 33 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 33 (GMU 33) is in the Sawtooth Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer. This unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. About 87.8% of Unit 33 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.
Listed agency shares total 94.14%; 5.86% is not itemized in this breakdown.
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 33 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 33, 34, 35 and 36Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 33, 34, 35 and 36Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless · Hunt 2131 · 25 permits · Area 33-1Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 2132 · 50 permits · Area 33-2Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sex · Area Portion of Unit 33Season Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 1087 · 150 permits · Area 33-1Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1164 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 33
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 33 Boundary
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. 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
Sawtooth Zone Context
Central Idaho — Sawtooth Range
The Sawtooth elk zone groups Units 33, 34, 35, and 36. The hunting zone is a regulatory grouping, not a synonym for every recreation destination associated with the Sawtooth name. Use the included unit boundaries to check a planned Stanley-area or forest-road approach.
Choose your staging town after locating the particular unit and trailhead. Check the forecast, elevation, authorized vehicle routes, and any wilderness segment before deciding how far you can travel in a day.
See all units in the Sawtooth ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 33
Where is Idaho GMU 33?
Unit 33 sits in the Sawtooth Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly mountain/foothill, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 33?
Unit 33 season records list Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 33?
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 33 mostly public land?
Unit 33 is approximately 87.8% 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 Sawtooth Zone
Before hunting Unit 33
- 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 33. 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.