Idaho GMU 49
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 49.
Unit 49 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 49 (GMU 49) is in the Pioneer Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list Black Bear, 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 65.4% of Unit 49 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.
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 49 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2028 · 20 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlerless · Hunt 2159 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 2196 · 9 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2029 · 175 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2138 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1039 · 10 permitsSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryBucks Only · Hunt 4035 · 99999 permits · Area 49-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4013 · 25 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 49
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 49 Boundary
That portion of BLAINE COUNTY with the following boundary: beginning at Ketchum, then south on State Highway 75 to U.S. 20, then east on U.S. 20 to mile post 221.2, which is the watershed divide between the Copper Creek and Cottonwood Creek watershed, and then north along the watershed divide to, and then north along the watershed divide between the Little Wood and Big Lost Rivers, to and then north along the divide to the watershed divide between the Big Wood and Big Lost Rivers, then along the divide to the Trail Creek Road, then southwest on Trail Creek Road to the point of beginning.
Pioneer Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Pioneer Mountains
The Pioneer zone groups Units 36A, 49, and 50 in south-central Idaho. If planning around Trail Creek or Copper Basin, compare the exact unit boundary and the legal entry route. A named road or basin can include more than one ownership or management area.
Consider Ketchum, Mackay, or Carey when arranging supplies, according to your approach. Confirm road condition and vehicle suitability with the land manager before choosing a trailhead.
See all units in the Pioneer ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 49
Where is Idaho GMU 49?
Unit 49 sits in the Pioneer Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly sage steppe/mountain, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 49?
Unit 49 season records list Black Bear, 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 49?
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 49 mostly public land?
Unit 49 is approximately 65.4% public (mixed public/private). Public-land share is not parcel-level access permission; verify ownership boundaries, legal routes, and closures before entering.
Other Units in the Pioneer Zone
Before hunting Unit 49
- 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 49. 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.