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Big Desert Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 68
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 68.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainHigh Desert/Basin
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesPronghorn
Season TypeControlled Only
ZoneBig Desert
Unit 68 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 68 (GMU 68) is a premier hunting destination located in the Big Desert Elk Zone. Home to Pronghorn, this unit features open sagebrush steppe, where stalking prowess and early morning glassing are critical. Public-land breakdown for Unit 68 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 68 typically begin in Sep 25.
PPronghorn Seasons
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled HuntEither SexSeason Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled HuntBuck OnlySeason Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled HuntBuck OnlySeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 68. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 68 Boundary
Those portions of BINGHAM, BLAINE, BUTTE, CASSIA, MINIDOKA, and POWER COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at Arco, then southeast on U.S. 26 to Blackfoot, then southwest on State Highway 39 to American Falls, then southwest on Interstate 86 to the Cassia-Power County line east of Raft River, then north along the Cassia-Power county line to the north bank of the Snake River, then northwest along the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge northern boundary to the Minidoka-Blaine County line, then north along the Minidoka-Blaine County line to East Minidoka Road, then east on East Minidoka Road approximately one (1) mile to Arco-Minidoka Road, then north on Minidoka-Arco Road to U.S. 93 approximately two (2) miles southwest of Arco, then northeast approximately two (2) miles on U.S. 93 to the point of beginning.
Big Desert Zone Context
Eastern Idaho — INL/BLM
The Big Desert is exactly what its name suggests — a vast block of sage steppe between Arco and Idaho Falls, much of it bordering or inside the Idaho National Laboratory exclusion. Elk presence is concentrated near the timber fringes; most of the zone is mule-deer and antelope country.
Arco, Atomic City, and Idaho Falls are the practical resupply points. Read INL boundary maps before scouting.
See all units in the Big Desert ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 68
Where is Idaho GMU 68?
Unit 68 sits in the Big Desert Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly high desert/basin, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 68?
Unit 68 has open seasons for multiple big-game species. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 68?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 68. 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 68 mostly public land?
Unit 68 is approximately 63.6% public (mixed public/private). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
BLM54.56%
Private29.82%
NPS6.72%
State2.13%
Other0.21%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Big Desert Zone
Season and regulatory information is sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Unit-level public-land percentages come from the linked public dataset and are not parcel boundaries.
Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly High Desert/Basin
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mixed Public/Private
Great for DIY roaming.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
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.