Idaho GMU 43
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 43.
Unit 43 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 43 (GMU 43) is in the Smoky - Bennett 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 96.2% of Unit 43 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 99.25%; 0.75% 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 43 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 43, 48Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2019 · 20 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2020 · 125 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 2192 · 4 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2085 · 100 permits · Area 43-1Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1075 · 50 permits · Area 43-1Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1088 · 125 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Landowner Permission Required Extra Doe or FawnDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4601 · 25 permits · Area Portion of units 43, 44 and 45Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 43
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 43 Boundary
Those portions of CAMAS and ELMORE COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the confluence of the South Fork of the Boise River and Fall Creek (center of Anderson Ranch Reservoir), 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 CreekTrinity Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 128), to and then north northeast on Trinity Mountain/Ridge 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 watershed divide between the Middle and South Forks of the Boise River to the intersection of the Camas, Blaine, and Elmore County lines, then southeast along the Camas-Blaine County line to, and then southwest 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.
Smoky - Bennett Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Smoky Mountains
The Smoky-Bennett zone groups Units 43, 44, 45, 48, and 52 in south-central Idaho. This is a separate elk zone from Sawtooth and Pioneer. Use the unit pages to check which boundaries and season records match a Fairfield-area or mountain-road plan.
Consider Fairfield when arranging supplies, according to your route. Check road length, current condition, and legal motorized use before relying on a mountain approach for a day hunt.
See all units in the Smoky - Bennett ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 43
Where is Idaho GMU 43?
Unit 43 sits in the Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly sage steppe/mountain, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 43?
Unit 43 season records list Black Bear, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 43?
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 43 mostly public land?
Unit 43 is approximately 96.2% 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 Smoky - Bennett Zone
Before hunting Unit 43
- 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 43. 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.