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South Hills Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 57
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 57.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSouth Hills
Unit 57 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 57 (GMU 57) is a premier hunting destination located in the South Hills Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, 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 57 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
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2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 57 typically begin in Aug 30.
There are 8 confirmed seasons in Unit 57.
View Full ScheduleHarvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 57. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
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Unit 57 Boundary
Those portions of CASSIA and ONEIDA COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the junction of State Highway 81 and the Yale Road, then south on State Highway 81 to Malta, then south on the Strevell-Malta Road to the Idaho-Utah State line, then east to Interstate 84, then northwest on Interstate 84 to the junction of the Yale road, then west on Yale Road to State Highway 81, 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 57
Where is Idaho GMU 57?
Unit 57 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 57?
Unit 57 has open seasons for Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 57?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 57. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 57 mostly public land?
Unit 57 is approximately 55.3% public (mixed public/private). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS30.36%
Private30.36%
BLM23.67%
State1.25%
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.
Upcoming Deadline 2 Days Left
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Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Sage Steppe/Mountain
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mixed Public/Private
Great for DIY roaming.
Land Ownership Map
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Pro Tip
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