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Palisades Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 65
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 65.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainHigh Desert/Basin
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZonePalisades
Unit 65 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 65 (GMU 65) is a premier hunting destination located in the Palisades Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, White-tailed Deer, this unit features open sagebrush steppe, where stalking prowess and early morning glassing are critical. Public-land breakdown for Unit 65 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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2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 65 typically begin in Oct 10.
There are 15 confirmed seasons in Unit 65.
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We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 65. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 65 Boundary
Those portions of BONNEVILLE, MADISON, and TETON COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning on Leigh Creek Road at the Idaho-Wyoming State line east of Tetonia, west to State Highway 33, then west on State Highway 33 to Milk Creek Road, then south on Milk Creek Road to Grandview Point, then south along the watershed divide between Canyon Creek and Teton River to Garns Mountain, then southeast along the watershed divide between Pine Creek and Teton River over Red Mountain to Pine Creek Pass, then east on State Highway 31 to Victor, then southeast on State Highway 33 to the state line, then north to the point of beginning.
Palisades Zone Context
Eastern Idaho — Palisades Reservoir
The Palisades zone wraps the reservoir of the same name and the Big Hole Mountains. It's one of the more productive eastern Idaho elk zones, with good summer-to-winter migration patterns and consistent harvest data.
Driggs, Victor, and Swan Valley are the staging towns. Watch for late-season grizzly activity along the Wyoming border.
See all units in the Palisades ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 65
Where is Idaho GMU 65?
Unit 65 sits in the Palisades Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly high desert/basin, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 65?
Unit 65 has open seasons for Deer, White-tailed 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 65?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 65. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 65 mostly public land?
Unit 65 is approximately 28% public (mostly private). Map study and boundary awareness are essential to avoid trespass.
Land Ownership Breakdown
Private71.97%
USFS23.71%
BLM3.92%
State0.33%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Palisades Zone
Season and regulatory information sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
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Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly High Desert/Basin
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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Species Guides
Hunted in Unit 65. Tap a species for full strategy.
Pro Tip
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