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Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 48
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 48.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSmoky - Bennett
Unit 48 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 48 (GMU 48) is a premier hunting destination located in the Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 48 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 48 typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonSmoky-Bennett Zone; Any elkSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSmoky-Bennett Zone; Antlered onlySeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntleredSeason 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 SeasonPrivate Land: Expanded hunting methods allowedSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: General hunting rules applySeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 48. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 48 Boundary
That portion of BLAINE COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Ketchum, then south on State Highway 75 to U.S. 20, then west on U.S. 20 then west on U.S. 20 to the County Line Road, then north on County Line Road, to and then northeast on Camp Creek Road, to and then northeast on Croy Creek Road to Kelly Gulch Creek, then up Kelly Gulch Creek to the Big Wood River-Camas Idah
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 48
Where is Idaho GMU 48?
Unit 48 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 48?
Unit 48 has open seasons for 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 48?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 48. 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 48 mostly public land?
Unit 48 is approximately 83.3% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS69.39%
Private16.72%
BLM11.81%
State2.09%
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 48. 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.