Idaho GMU 55
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 55.
Unit 55 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 55 (GMU 55) is in the South Hills Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list 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 52.4% of Unit 55 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 55 records is Aug 1. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 2093 · 50 permits · Area 55-2Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 55, 56 and 57Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 2036 · 50 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 2141 · 10 permits · Area 55-2Season Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1044 · 25 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlered · Hunt 1107 · 40 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Youth OnlyAntlerless · Hunt 1108 · 50 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 1181 · 1 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1045 · 320 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1180 · 2 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntlerlessAntlerless · Hunt 1062 · 100 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntlerless or AntleredSeason Dates
PPronghorn Antelope Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4039 · 10 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Landowner Permission Required Extra Doe or FawnDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4604 · 25 permits · Area Portion of Units 54, 55 and 57Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Landowner Permission Required Extra Doe or FawnDoe or Fawn · Hunt 4603 · 50 permits · Area Private land in Units 46, 47, 54, 55, 56 and 57Season Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Either SexAntlerless or Antlered · Hunt 4019 · 10 permits · Area 55-1Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 55
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 55 Boundary
That portion of CASSIA COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Burley, then south on State Highway 27 to Oakley, then south on the Oakley-Goose Creek Road to the Idaho-Utah State line, then east on the state line to the Strevell-Malta Road, then north on Strevell-Malta Road to Malta and State Highway 81, then northwest on State Highway 81 to the point of beginning.
South Hills Zone Context
Southern Idaho — South Hills
The South Hills zone groups Units 46, 47, 54, 55, 56, and 57 in southern Idaho. The elk zone includes more than a single recreation destination named South Hills. Compare the included unit boundaries before choosing a Twin Falls-area or other southern Idaho approach.
Choose your fuel and supplies after identifying the unit and route. Confirm current road and weather conditions instead of assuming southern Idaho roads remain passable for longer than mountain routes.
See all units in the South Hills ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 55
Where is Idaho GMU 55?
Unit 55 sits in the South Hills Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly sage steppe/mountain, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 55?
Unit 55 season records list Elk, Mule Deer. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 55?
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 55 mostly public land?
Unit 55 is approximately 52.4% 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 South Hills Zone
Before hunting Unit 55
- 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 55. 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.