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South Hills Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 46
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 46.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesPronghorn
Season TypeControlled Only
ZoneSouth Hills
Unit 46 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 46 (GMU 46) is a premier hunting destination located in the South Hills Elk Zone. Home to Pronghorn, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 46 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Landscape Analysis
Land Ownership
U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)70.04%
Private18.11%
U.S. Military6.75%
State of Idaho4.19%
U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (BOR)0.37%
Vegetation & Cover
Rangeland83.84%
Irrigated-Gravity Flow6.46%
Irrigated-Sprinkler6.04%
Riparian2.61%
Urban0.72%
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 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 46 typically begin in Sep 25.
PPronghorn Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled HuntEither SexSeason Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled HuntEither Sex; Motorized Hunting Rule Applies in Unit 47; Hunt Area 46-1Season Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled HuntEither Sex; Unlimited tags (1st choice only); Motorized Hunting Rule Applies in Unit 47; Hunt Area 46-1Season Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 46. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
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
South-Central Idaho — Twin Falls County
The South Hills sit south of Twin Falls — a smaller, quieter zone of pine and aspen rising above the Snake River Plain. Elk numbers are modest; the zone draws more deer and bird hunters than elk hunters.
Twin Falls is the closest supply. Roads stay drivable longer than in mountain zones.
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 has open seasons for multiple big-game species. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 46?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 46. 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). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
BLM70.04%
Private18.11%
Military6.75%
State4.19%
Other0.3%
NPS0.25%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the South Hills 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
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.