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South Hills Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 56
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 56.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesDeer
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSouth Hills
Unit 56 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 56 (GMU 56) is a premier hunting destination located in the South Hills Elk Zone. Home to Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 56 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Application Strategy
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Maps
Tactics
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 56 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 9 confirmed seasons in Unit 56.
View Full ScheduleHarvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 56. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
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Unit 56 Boundary
Those portions of CASSIA, ONEIDA, and POWER COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the Yale Road-Interstate 84 junction, then northwest on Interstate 84 to Interstate 86, then east on Interstate 86 to State Highway 37, then south on State Highway 37 to Holbrook, then south on the HolbrookStone Road to the Idaho-Utah State line, then west on the state line to Interstate 84, then northwest on Interstate 84 to the point of beginning.
South Hills Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Twin Falls County
The South Hills sit south of Twin Falls — a smaller, quieter zone of pine and aspen rising above the Snake River Plain. Elk numbers are modest; the zone draws more deer and bird hunters than elk hunters.
Twin Falls is the closest supply. Roads stay drivable longer than in mountain zones.
See all units in the South Hills ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 56
Where is Idaho GMU 56?
Unit 56 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 56?
Unit 56 has open seasons for Deer, Elk, Mountain Lion. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 56?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 56. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 56 mostly public land?
Unit 56 is approximately 38.8% public (mostly private). Map study and boundary awareness are essential to avoid trespass.
Land Ownership Breakdown
Private51.21%
BLM23.85%
USFS13.61%
State1.31%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the South Hills Zone
Season and regulatory information sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Sage Steppe/Mountain
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Private
Requires map study.
Land Ownership Map
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Pro Tip
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