Idaho GMU 72
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 72.
Unit 72 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 72 (GMU 72) is in the Bannock Elk Zone. Season records in this guide list Black Bear, Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer. This unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. About 32.9% of Unit 72 is mapped as public land. This is not parcel-level access authorization; verify boundaries, closures, and legal access before entering.
Landscape Analysis
Surface Management
Agency shares from IDFG Hunt Planner; this is not parcel-level access authorization.
2026 season dates, from Idaho Fish and Game
Pulled from the IDFG Hunt Planner API (2026). Idaho re-issues seasons each year and corrects its own systems between editions, so Idaho Fish and Game remains the sole authority for legal dates, tags and restrictions. Confirm before you hunt.
Check the IDFG Hunt PlannerPublished Season Schedule
The earliest opening in our Unit 72 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A and 74Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A and 74Season Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A and 74Season Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntleredSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt ArcheryAntlered · Hunt 1082 · 99999 permits · Area 72-1Season Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 72
Seven seasons of hunter counts, harvest totals and success rates, broken out by weapon — straight from Idaho Fish and Game.
Controlled Hunt Draw Odds
Draw odds for every hunt in this unit
Resident and nonresident draw odds, permits offered, and applicant counts for the 2026 Idaho controlled hunt drawings.
Unit 72 Boundary
Those portions of BINGHAM and CARIBOU COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at State Highway 34 on the Blackfoot River, then west along the east and north shore of the Blackfoot River and Reservoir to Government Dam Road, then west on Government Dam-Fort Hall Road to the Portneuf River, then downstream to Chesterfield Dam, then south on ChesterfieldBancroft Road to Bancroft, then east on Pebble-Bancroft county road (old U.S. 30N) to U.S. 30N-State Highway 34, then northeast on State Highway 34 to the point of beginning.
Bannock Zone Context
Southeastern Idaho — Bannock Range
The Bannock zone groups Units 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, and 74 in southeastern Idaho. Compare the included unit guides before choosing a Pocatello-area approach; terrain, ownership, and hunt-area restrictions need to be checked at the individual-unit level.
Consider Pocatello or Lava Hot Springs when arranging supplies, according to your route. Check legal entry, landowner permission, and the current road condition before choosing a trailhead.
See all units in the Bannock ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 72
Where is Idaho GMU 72?
Unit 72 sits in the Bannock Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly forest/mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 72?
Unit 72 season records list Black Bear, Mule Deer, Elk. Confirm current dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 72?
Plan for gaps in cell service. 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 72 mostly public land?
Unit 72 is approximately 32.9% public (mostly private). Public-land share is not parcel-level access permission; verify ownership boundaries, legal routes, and closures before entering.
Other Units in the Bannock Zone
Before hunting Unit 72
- Compare Idaho season and tag planning information against the specific hunt number and species you intend to pursue.
- Review public-land access and land-manager resources to check entry routes, road restrictions, and closures.
- Use the backcountry hunting preparation guide to plan navigation, weather protection, and the trip back out.
Terrain Breakdown
Included with Roam Pro — $3/month, 7-day free trial.
Land Access
Species associated with Unit 72. 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.