Idaho GMU 51
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 51.
Unit 51 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 51 (GMU 51) is in the Lemhi 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 91.5% of Unit 51 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 99.69%; 0.31% is not itemized in this breakdown.
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 51 records is Jan 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Extra AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2253 · 25 permits · Area 51-1XSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Portion of Unit 51Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2114 · 25 permits · Area 51-1Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 29, 37, 37A and 51Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2031 · 10 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2090 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2032 · 125 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 29, 37, 37A and 51Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2091 · 75 permitsSeason 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
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 1090 · 50 permits · Area 51-1Season Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryBucks Only · Hunt 4036 · 99999 permits · Area 51-2Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4015 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 51
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 51 Boundary
Those portions of BUTTE, CUSTER, and LEMHI COUNTIES within the Little Lost River drainage north and west of State Highway 33.
Lemhi Zone Context
East-Central Idaho — Lemhi Range
The Lemhi zone groups Units 29, 37, 37A, and 51 in east-central Idaho. Valley and mountain approaches can lead into different units. Check the boundary description and ownership at your intended entry point before treating a route as part of a Lemhi-zone hunt.
Choose supplies and fuel stops after identifying your unit and route. Review BLM and private-property boundaries, then verify that your planned road or trail provides legal entry.
See all units in the Lemhi ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 51
Where is Idaho GMU 51?
Unit 51 sits in the Lemhi Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly sage steppe/mountain, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 51?
Unit 51 season records list Elk, Black Bear, White-tailed Deer, Mule Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 51?
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 51 mostly public land?
Unit 51 is approximately 91.5% 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 Lemhi Zone
Before hunting Unit 51
- 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 51. 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.