Idaho GMU 36B
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 36B.
Unit 36B Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 36B (GMU 36B) 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 93.1% of Unit 36B 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 36B records is Apr 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 36BSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 21, 21A, 28 and 36BSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2077 · 100 permits · Area 36B-1Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason 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
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
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1102 · 15 permits · Area 36B-1Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1027 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1167 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4004 · 10 permits · Area 36B-1Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 36B
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 36B Boundary
That portion of CUSTER COUNTY within the Salmon River drainage on the north and west side of the Salmon River from and including the Ellis Creek drainage upstream to, but excluding, the Yankee Fork drainage.
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 36B
Where is Idaho GMU 36B?
Unit 36B sits in the Salmon Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly mountain/foothill, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 36B?
Unit 36B 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 36B?
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 36B mostly public land?
Unit 36B is approximately 93.1% 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 36B
- 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 36B. 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.