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Boise River Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 39
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 39.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainMountain/Foothill
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesPronghorn
Season TypeControlled Only
ZoneBoise River
Unit 39 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 39 (GMU 39) is a premier hunting destination located in the Boise River Elk Zone. Home to Pronghorn, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 39 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Application Strategy
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2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 39 typically begin in Sep 25.
There are 3 confirmed seasons in Unit 39.
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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 90 Idaho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho on the Dollarhide Summit-Carrie Creek-Little Smoky Creek Road (Forest Service road 227) to, and then south on the Five Points Creek-Couch Summit Road (Forest Service Road 094) to Couch Summit, then west along the South Fork of the Boise River-Camas Creek watershed divide to its intersection with Forest Service Trail 050 (Iron Mountain), then southwest on the Forest Service Trail 050 to its intersection with Forest Service Trail 049, then southwest on Trail 049 to its intersection with the Middle Fork of Lime Creek, then downstream to Lime Creek, then downstream to the South Fork of the Boise River (middle of Anderson Ranch Reservoir) to the point of beginning.
Boise River Zone Context
Southwest Idaho — Boise National Forest
The Boise River zone is one of the most accessible elk zones in Idaho — public-land timber within an hour of Boise. The flip side of access is pressure, especially during general rifle weeks. Locals know the deeper drainages by heart.
Idaho City, Garden Valley, and Lowman are the local staging towns. Bogus Basin road provides quick after-work access for archery hunters.
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 has open seasons for multiple big-game species. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 39?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 39. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 39 mostly public land?
Unit 39 is approximately 75.2% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS58.53%
Private23.22%
BLM9.15%
State7.05%
Other0.29%
Military0.17%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Season and regulatory information sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Mountain/Foothill
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Public
Great for DIY roaming.
Land Ownership Map
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Pro Tip
Save this unit to your dashboard to get offline maps and real-time fire updates.