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Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 43
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 43.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSmoky - Bennett
Unit 43 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 43 (GMU 43) is a premier hunting destination located in the Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, White-tailed Deer, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 43 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 43 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 13 confirmed seasons in Unit 43.
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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 o.gov Creek-South Fork of the Boise River watershed divide, then north, east, and south around the headwaters of the Big Wood River to Trail Creek Road, then southwest on Trail Creek Road to Ketchum, the point of beginning.
Smoky - Bennett Zone Context
Idaho
An Idaho elk zone made up of one or more Game Management Units. Use the unit list below to drill into season dates, public-land access, and terrain detail for each individual unit.
Season dates and weapon legality vary by unit within this zone. Confirm tag rules with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying a tag.
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 has open seasons for Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 43?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 43. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 43 mostly public land?
Unit 43 is approximately 96.2% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS94.51%
Private3.01%
BLM1.29%
Other0.23%
State0.21%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Smoky - Bennett Zone
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 Sage Steppe/Mountain
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
Sign in to see public/private breakdown
Species Guides
Hunted in Unit 43. Tap a species for full strategy.
Pro Tip
Save this unit to your dashboard to get offline maps and real-time fire updates.