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Bannock Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 72
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 72.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainForest/Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneBannock
Unit 72 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 72 (GMU 72) 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 72 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 72 typically begin in Oct 10.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Any elk; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Antlerless only; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral SeasonBannock Zone; Antlerless only; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
DDeer Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonAntlered; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral SeasonAntlered; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonFall; Bait prohibited; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonSpring; Bait prohibited; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
MMountain Lion Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonDogs prohibited July 1-Aug 29, Oct 1-Nov 30, Apr 1-June 30; Motorized Hunting Rule AppliesSeason Dates
GGray Wolf Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: General hunting rules apply; Motorized Hunting Rule Applies Aug 30 - Nov 14Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral SeasonPublic Land: Expanded hunting methods allowed; Motorized Hunting Rule Applies through Dec 31Season 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 72. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
Data Pipeline Active
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 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 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 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 72?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in Unit 72. 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). Map study and boundary awareness are essential to avoid trespass.
Land Ownership Breakdown
Private56.84%
State21.85%
Tribal10.22%
BLM9.3%
Other1.78%
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 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.