Idaho GMU 52
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 52.
Unit 52 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 52 (GMU 52) is in the Smoky - Bennett 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 68.3% of Unit 52 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 52 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2033 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlerless · Area Units 44, 45 and 52Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 2115 · 25 permitsSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlered · Hunt 1078 · 10 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1041 · 75 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 1091 · 25 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1176 · 1 permitsSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4016 · 25 permits · Area 52-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Landowner Permission Required Extra Doe or FawnDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4602 · 25 permits · Area Units 52 and 45Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 52
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 52 Boundary
Those portions of BLAINE, CAMAS, GOODING, AND LINCOLN COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at Gooding, then north on State Highway 46 to U.S. 20, then east on U.S. 20 to Carey, then southwest on U.S. 93 to Shoshone, then west on U.S. 26 to the point of beginning.
Smoky - Bennett Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Smoky Mountains
The Smoky-Bennett zone groups Units 43, 44, 45, 48, and 52 in south-central Idaho. This is a separate elk zone from Sawtooth and Pioneer. Use the unit pages to check which boundaries and season records match a Fairfield-area or mountain-road plan.
Consider Fairfield when arranging supplies, according to your route. Check road length, current condition, and legal motorized use before relying on a mountain approach for a day hunt.
See all units in the Smoky - Bennett ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 52
Where is Idaho GMU 52?
Unit 52 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 52?
Unit 52 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 52?
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 52 mostly public land?
Unit 52 is approximately 68.3% 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 Smoky - Bennett Zone
Before hunting Unit 52
- 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 52. 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.