Idaho GMU 50
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 50.
Unit 50 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 50 (GMU 50) 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 82.6% of Unit 50 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 50 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Portion of Unit 50Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2139 · 50 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2197 · 3 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 2198 · 4 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2030 · 60 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlerless · Area Units 36A, 49 and 50Season Dates
WWhite-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1142 · 40 permits · Area 50-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1142 · 40 permits · Area 50-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1040 · 10 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1175 · 1 permits · Area 50-1Season Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4014 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 50
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 50 Boundary
Those portions of BLAINE, BUTTE, and CUSTER COUNTIES within the Big Lost River drainage north of U.S. 2026 and State Highway 33, and the area east of the watershed divide between Copper Creek and Cottonwood Creek (intersecting U.S. 20-26 at milepost 221.2) and north of U.S. 20-26.
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 50
Where is Idaho GMU 50?
Unit 50 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 50?
Unit 50 season records list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 50?
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 50 mostly public land?
Unit 50 is approximately 82.6% 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 Pioneer Zone
Before hunting Unit 50
- 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 50. 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.