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Bear River Elk Zone
Idaho GMU 78
Strategic hunting data, boundary maps, and 2026 season dates for Game Management Unit 78.
Updated for 2026 Season
TerrainForest/Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneBear River
Unit 78 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 78 (GMU 78) is a premier hunting destination located in the Bear River 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 78 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
Application Strategy
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2026 Regular Schedule
Seasons in Unit 78 typically begin in Aug 30.
There are 13 confirmed seasons in Unit 78.
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We're currently digitizing 2023-2025 harvest reports and draw odds for Unit 78. Check back shortly for deep-dive analytics.
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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. ownload our Go Outdoors Idaho app nd submit your Online Mandatory Hunter eport in less than 2 minutes. ave multiple tags to report? The app akes it easy to submit your report for ach tag purchased. SCAN ME! orn. While hunting, a physical tag must be in your possession, even substitute for your hunting tag(s) at this time. o.gov
Bear River Zone Context
Southeastern Idaho — Bear River Range
The Bear River zone covers the range straddling the Idaho-Utah border. Mixed conifer and aspen at elevation, sage benches below. Elk presence is migratory and tied to weather.
Preston and Montpelier are the staging towns. Cross-border travel is common — check both states' rules if you'll cross.
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 has open seasons for Deer, Elk, Black Bear, Mountain Lion. Confirm season dates and weapon legality with Idaho Fish and Game before applying or buying tags.
Are offline maps useful in GMU 78?
Yes. Cell service is often limited or non-existent in the core hunting areas of Unit 78. Having saved offline maps is critical for safety and staying on legal ground.
Is Unit 78 mostly public land?
Unit 78 is approximately 72.4% public (mostly public). That gives DIY hunters meaningful range for scouting and stalking without trespass risk.
Land Ownership Breakdown
USFS67.74%
Private27.54%
BLM3.44%
State1.21%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho.
Other Units in the Bear River Zone
Season and regulatory information sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Land ownership data compiled from public records. Maps generated by Roam Idaho.
Upcoming Deadline 2 Days Left
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Terrain Breakdown
Key Insight
Predominantly Forest/Mountains
Prepare for steep elevation and spot-and-stalk tactics.
See terrain map
Land Access
Access Intel
Mostly Public
Great for DIY roaming.
Land Ownership Map
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Pro Tip
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