Idaho GMU 78
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and published IDFG season dates for Game Management Unit 78.
Unit 78 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 78 (GMU 78) is in the Bear River 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 72.4% of Unit 78 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 78 records is Apr 15. Each species, tag, weapon, and hunt area has its own dates and restrictions below.
EElk Seasons
- GeneralArcheryGeneral B TagAntlerless or Spike · Area Units 75, 77 and 78Season Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral A TagAntlerless or Antlered · Area Units 75, 77 and 78Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral B TagAntlered · Area Units 75, 77 and 78Season Dates
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 75, 77 and 78Season Dates
- GeneralMuzzleloaderGeneral A TagAntlerless · Area Units 75, 77 and 78Season Dates
BBlack Bear Seasons
- GeneralAny WeaponGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
- GeneralDog TrainingGeneral Any WeaponEither-sexSeason Dates
MMule and White-tailed Deer Seasons
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1060 · 175 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledArcheryControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1188 · 7 permitsSeason Dates
- GeneralArcheryGeneral ArcheryAntleredSeason Dates
- ControlledMuzzleloaderControlled Hunt MuzzleloaderAntlered · Hunt 1099 · 50 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt Outfitter AllocatedAntlered · Hunt 1188 · 7 permitsSeason Dates
- ControlledAny WeaponControlled Hunt AntleredAntlered · Hunt 1060 · 175 permitsSeason Dates
Harvest Trends & Success
Harvest statistics for Unit 78
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 78 Boundary
Those portions of BEAR LAKE and FRANKLIN COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at U.S. 89 on the Idaho-Utah State line, then north to Ovid, then west on Emigration Canyon-Strawberry Canyon Road, then south on Highline Trail (Forest Service Trail 316) to Danish Pass (Forest Service Road 415), then west on (Forest Service Road 415), then south on Franklin Basin Road to the Idaho-Utah State line, then east on the state line to the point of beginning.
Bear River Zone Context
Southeastern Idaho — Bear River Range
The Bear River zone groups Units 75, 77, and 78 in southeastern Idaho near Utah. Check the Idaho unit boundaries when planning a mountain approach; an Idaho tag does not authorize hunting after crossing into another state.
Consider Preston or Montpelier when arranging supplies, according to your route. Check both states' travel and game-transport rules if your approach crosses the border.
See all units in the Bear River ZoneCommon Questions About Unit 78
Where is Idaho GMU 78?
Unit 78 sits in the Bear River Elk Zone. The landscape is predominantly forest/mountains, requiring appropriate gear and preparation.
What species can I hunt in Unit 78?
Unit 78 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 78?
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 78 mostly public land?
Unit 78 is approximately 72.4% public (mostly public). Public-land share is not parcel-level access permission; verify ownership boundaries, legal routes, and closures before entering.
Other Units in the Bear River Zone
Before hunting Unit 78
- 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 78. 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.