Idaho GMU 36A
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 36A.
Unit 36A Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 36A (GMU 36A) is in the Pioneer 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 97.2% of Unit 36A 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 36A records is Jan 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2250 · 50 permits · Area 36A-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Private irrigated land in Unit 36ASeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2011 · 120 permits · Area 36A-2Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 2184 · 7 permits · Area 36A-2Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2010 · 60 permits · Area 36A-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 2183 · 3 permits · Area 36A-1Season Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2133 · 250 permits · Area 36A-3Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2182 · 3 permits · Area 36A-3Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2167 · 250 permits · Area 36AXSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1136 · 200 permits · Area 36A-1XSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth Only - Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1112 · 75 permits · Area 36A-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralShort-Range WeaponsGeneral Short-Range WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1137 · 200 permits · Area 36A-1XSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1026 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1166 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledShort-Range WeaponsControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4049 · 30 permits · Area 36A-1Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 36A
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 36A Boundary
That portion of CUSTER COUNTY within the Salmon River drainage south and west of U.S. 93 between Willow Creek Summit and the U.S. 93 bridge across the Salmon River south of the town of Challis, and all drainages on the southeast side of the Salmon River upstream from the U.S. 93 bridge to, but excluding, the Warm Springs, Treon, Cold, and Beaver Creek drainages.
Pioneer Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Pioneer Mountains
The Pioneer zone groups Units 36A, 49, and 50 in south-central Idaho. If planning around Trail Creek or Copper Basin, compare the exact unit boundary and the legal entry route. A named road or basin can include more than one ownership or management area.
Consider Ketchum, Mackay, or Carey when arranging supplies, according to your approach. Confirm road condition and vehicle suitability with the land manager before choosing a trailhead.
See all units in the Pioneer ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 36A
Where is Idaho GMU 36A?
Unit 36A sits in the Pioneer Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly mountain/foothill, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 36A?
Unit 36A season records list Elk, Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 36A?
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 36A mostly public land?
Unit 36A is approximately 97.2% 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 Pioneer Zone
Before hunting Unit 36A
- 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 36A. 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.