Idaho GMU 39
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 39.
Unit 39 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 39 (GMU 39) is in the Boise River 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 75.2% of Unit 39 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 98.41%; 1.59% 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 39 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlered · Hunt 2122 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 2134 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless · Hunt 2135 · 550 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2081 · 650 permits · Area 39-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2082 · 500 permits · Area 39-2Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2113 · 50 permits · Area 39-3Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Portion of Unit 39Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Portion of Unit 39Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Area Portion of Unit 39Season 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 AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1030 · 200 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1168 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral MuzzleloaderAntlerlessSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1065 · 2000 permits · Area 39-1Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Area Portion of Unit 39Season Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1072 · 60 permits · Area 39-2Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth Only - Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1113 · 100 permits · Area 39-1XSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4051 · 5 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4007 · 40 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4052 · 25 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 39
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 39 Boundary
Those portions of ADA, BOISE, and ELMORE COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the intersection of State Highway 21 and Interstate 84 then southeast on Interstate 84 to Mountain Home, then northeast on U.S. Highway 20 to, and then north on Anderson Ranch Dam Road to Anderson Ranch 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.
Boise River Zone Context
Southwest Idaho — Boise National Forest
The Boise River elk zone consists of Units 38 and 39. Proximity to Boise does not mean a route is public or a parcel is open to hunting. Compare the individual unit's boundary, ownership summary, and season restrictions before choosing a nearby scouting trip.
Consider Idaho City, Garden Valley, or Lowman when arranging supplies, according to your approach. Confirm current road closures, landowner permission, and any restrictions at the intended trailhead.
See all units in the Boise River ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 39
Where is Idaho GMU 39?
Unit 39 sits in the Boise River Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly mountain/foothill, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 39?
Unit 39 season records list Black Bear, Mule Deer, Elk, White-tailed Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 39?
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 39 mostly public land?
Unit 39 is approximately 75.2% public (mostly public). Public-land share is not parcel-level access permission; verify ownership boundaries, legal routes, and closures before entering.
Before hunting Unit 39
- 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 39. 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.