Loading intel...
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.
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 43 typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonSmoky-Bennett Zone; Any elkSeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlerless; Youth hunt onlySeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered & AntlerlessSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered & AntlerlessSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered & AntlerlessSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFallSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpringSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29, Oct 1-Nov 30, Apr 1-June 30Season Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: General hunting rules applySeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: Expanded hunting methods allowedSeason Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares AllowedSeason Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares AllowedSeason Dates
Harvest Statistics & Draw Odds
Sign in to view the available 5-year harvest trend and a representative draw-odds snapshot for Unit 43.
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
South-Central Idaho — Smoky Mountains
Smoky-Bennett covers the country between Fairfield and the Sawtooths — a quieter, less-visited block of national forest. Elk densities are moderate but pressure is much lower than the adjoining Sawtooth zone.
Fairfield is the closest supply. Many of the high basins are accessible only by long forest roads.
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, Gray Wolf. 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 Unit 43. 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). 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 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 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.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
Species Guides
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.