Loading intel...
Owyhee Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 42
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 42.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainHigh Desert/Canyon
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesDeer
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneOwyhee
Unit 42 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 42 (GMU 42) is a premier hunting destination located in the Owyhee Elk Zone. Home to Deer, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, this unit features open sagebrush steppe, where stalking prowess and early morning glassing are critical. Public-land breakdown for Unit 42 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 42 typically begin in Oct 10.
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered 2-point onlySeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered 2-point onlySeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29, Oct 5-Nov 24; Second lion tag may be usedSeason Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic & Private Land: General hunting rules apply (Expanded methods not allowed)Season Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares AllowedSeason Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares AllowedSeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 42. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 42 Boundary
That portion of OWYHEE COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning on the North Fork of the Owyhee River at the Idaho-Oregon state line, south along the state line to the Idaho-Nevada state line, then east along the state line to the El Paso Natural Gas Pipeline, then north along the pipeline to the watershed divide between Battle and Jacks Creeks, then northwest along the divide between Battle, Shoofly, and Poison Creeks to the Mud Flat-Juniper Mountain Road, then west on Poison Creek-Mud Flat Road to the North Fork of the Owyhee River crossing, then downstream to the point of beginning.
Owyhee Zone Context
Southwest Idaho — Owyhee Canyonlands
Owyhee is high-desert hunting at scale — over a million acres of BLM canyon-and-rim country. Elk presence is limited and migration-driven; the zone is more associated with mule deer, antelope, and chukar.
Water sources are the strategic key. Marsing, Jordan Valley (Oregon), and Bruneau are the only meaningful resupply points.
See all units in the Owyhee ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 42
Where is Idaho GMU 42?
Unit 42 sits in the Owyhee Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly high desert/canyon, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 42?
Unit 42 has open seasons for Deer, Mountain Lion, Gray Wolf. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 42?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 42. 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 42 mostly public land?
Unit 42 is approximately 95.7% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Other Units in the Owyhee Zone
Season and regulatory information is sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Unit-level public-land percentages come from the linked public dataset and are not parcel boundaries.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly High Desert/Canyon
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Public
Great for DIY roaming.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
Species Guides
Species associated with Unit 42. 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.