Idaho GMU 46
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 46.
Unit 46 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 46 (GMU 46) is in the South Hills Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list 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 81.5% of Unit 46 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 99.64%; 0.36% is not itemized in this breakdown.
Vegetation & Cover
Designated Wilderness Areas
Contains Bruneau-Jarbridge Rivers Wilderness (30,147 acres).No motorized access permitted.
Official Boundary Description
Those portions of ELMORE, OWYHEE, and TWIN FALLS COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the State Highway 51 bridge on the Snake River, then upstream (INCLUDING ALL ISLANDS) to the Gridley Bridge across the Snake River near Hagerman, then southeast on U.S. 30 to U.S. 93, then south on U.S. 93 to Rogerson, then southwest on the Rogerson-Three Creek-Jarbidge Road to the Jarbidge River, then downstream to the West Fork of the Bruneau River, then downstream to the Bruneau River, then downstream to State Highway 51, then north on State Highway 51 to the Snake River, the point of beginning. THREE ISLAND STATE PARK AND ALL SNAKE RIVER ISLANDS BETWEEN THE GLENNS FERRY BRIDGE AND THE SLICK BRIDGE-CLOSED.
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 46 records is Aug 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlered · Hunt 2126 · 5 permits · Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 2136 · 5 permits · Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2024 · 10 permits · Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2086 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2025 · 40 permitsSeason Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerlessSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4033 · 40 permits · Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Landowner Permission Required Extra Doe or FawnDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4603 · 50 permits · Area Private land in Units 46, 47, 54, 55, 56 and 57Season Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4034 · 99999 permits · Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4012 · 60 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 46
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 46 Boundary
Those portions of ELMORE, OWYHEE, and TWIN FALLS COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the State Highway 51 bridge on the Snake River, then upstream (including islands) to the Gridley Bridge across the Snake River near Hagerman, then southeast on U.S. 30 to U.S. 93, then south on U.S. 93 to Rogerson, then southwest on the Rogerson-Three Creek-Jarbidge Road to the Idaho-Nevada state line, then west on the state line to the Bruneau River, then downstream to State Highway 51, then north on State Highway 51 to the Snake River, the point of beginning.
South Hills Zone Context
Southern Idaho — South Hills
The South Hills zone groups Units 46, 47, 54, 55, 56, and 57 in southern Idaho. The elk zone includes more than a single recreation destination named South Hills. Compare the included unit boundaries before choosing a Twin Falls-area or other southern Idaho approach.
Choose your fuel and supplies after identifying the unit and route. Confirm current road and weather conditions instead of assuming southern Idaho roads remain passable for longer than mountain routes.
See all units in the South Hills ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 46
Where is Idaho GMU 46?
Unit 46 sits in the South Hills Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly sage steppe/mountain, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 46?
Unit 46 season records list White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 46?
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 46 mostly public land?
Unit 46 is approximately 81.5% 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 South Hills Zone
Before hunting Unit 46
- 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 46. 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.