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Bannock Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 71
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 71.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainForest/Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneBannock
Unit 71 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 71 (GMU 71) is a premier hunting destination located in the Bannock 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 71 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 71 typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Any elkSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Antlerless onlySeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Antlerless onlySeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntleredSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFall; Bait prohibitedSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpring; Bait prohibitedSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29, Oct 5-Nov 8, Apr 1-June 30Season Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic & Private Land: General hunting rules apply (Expanded methods not allowed)Season Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares ProhibitedSeason Dates
- GeneralTrappingTrappingFoothold Traps Allowed; Snares AllowedSeason Dates
Harvest Data Coming Soon
We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 71. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
Unit 71 Boundary
Those portions of BANNOCK, BINGHAM, and CARIBOU COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at Bancroft, then north on Bancroft-Chesterfield Road to Chesterfield Dam, then upstream on the Portneuf River to Government Dam-Fort Hall Road, then west to Fort Hall interchange, then south on Interstate 15 to U.S. 30, then east to Pebble-Bancroft county road (old U.S. 30N), then northeast on that road to the point of beginning. ho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho.gov 93
Bannock Zone Context
Southeastern Idaho — Bannock Range
The Bannock zone covers the range south of Pocatello — mixed sage and timber with good roads and a heavy mix of public and private. Elk presence is steady but not spectacular.
Pocatello and Lava Hot Springs are the obvious staging towns.
See all units in the Bannock ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 71
Where is Idaho GMU 71?
Unit 71 sits in the Bannock Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly forest/mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 71?
Unit 71 has open seasons for Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Gray Wolf. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 71?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 71. 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 71 mostly public land?
Unit 71 is approximately 33.8% public (mostly private). Map study and boundary awareness are essential to avoid trespass.
Land Ownership Breakdown
Private34.6%
Tribal31.56%
USFS21.19%
BLM10.48%
State2.17%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Bannock 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 Forest/Mountains
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Private
Requires map study.
Pro Hunting Map
GMU, BLM, terrain, weather, and wildfire layers
Species Guides
Species associated with Unit 71. 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.