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Idaho
Unit 16.
Planning guide for Game Management Unit 16, with sourced terrain, public-land percentages, published schedules, and links to the connected Pro map.
Boundary Map Locked
Pro includes the interactive GMU map, BLM surface-management context, terrain tools, and current wildfire overlays for Unit 16.
See Pro pricingTerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneElk City
Unit 16 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 16 (GMU 16) is a premier hunting destination located in the Elk City Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, White-tailed Deer, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 16 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
2026 Regular Schedule
Official Regulation Feed
Species
Weapon
Tag
Dates
Deer
Any Weapon • Regular Deer Tag
Any Weapon
Regular Deer Tag
Oct 10 - Nov 3
White-tailed Deer
Any Weapon • White-tailed Deer Tag
Any Weapon
White-tailed Deer Tag
Oct 10 - Nov 20
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader • White-tailed Deer Tag
Muzzleloader
White-tailed Deer Tag
Nov 21 - Dec 9
Elk
Archery • A Tag
Archery
A Tag
Aug 30 - Sep 30
Elk
Muzzleloader • A Tag
Muzzleloader
A Tag
Nov 21 - Dec 5
Elk
Any Weapon • B Tag
Any Weapon
B Tag
Oct 10 - Oct 24
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Aug 30 - Oct 31
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Apr 15 - June 30
Mountain Lion
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
July 1 - June 30
Gray Wolf
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
July 1 - June 30
Gray Wolf
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Apr 1 - Nov 14
Gray Wolf
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Nov 15 - Mar 31
Gray Wolf
Trapping • General
Trapping
General
Dec 1 - Feb 28
Prepare for the Hunt
Success in Unit 16 requires understanding the rugged mountains terrain and public land boundaries. Use Roam Idaho for connected trip planning, then carry an official offline map before leaving service.
- GMU Boundary Overlay
- BLM Surface-management Context
- Current Wildfire Overlay
- Slope, Road, and Wind Tools
Common Questions
Where is Unit 16?
Located in the Elk City Zone with rugged mountains terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 16 is approximately 80.3% public. See full breakdown below.
Land Ownership
USFS78.3%
Private18.73%
State1.47%
Tribal0.93%
Other0.48%
BLM0.05%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho
Unit 16 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River, then upstream to the confluence of the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, then east along the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Selway Rivers to the watershed divide between Gedney and Three Links Creeks, then south along the divide to Big Fog Mountain, then along Forest Service Trail 343 to Big Fog Saddle, then south along Fog Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 319) to the Selway River, then upstream to Meadow Creek, then up Meadow Creek-Falls Point Road (Forest Service Road 443) to Forest Service Road 464, then west along Forest Service Road 464 to Forest Service Road 284, then along Forest Service Road 284 to the town of Clearwater, then west along the road down Sally Ann Creek to State Highway 13, then downstream on the South Fork of the Clearwater River to the point of beginning.
Elk City Zone Context
North-Central Idaho — Clearwater National Forest
Elk City sits at the confluence of historic mining country and dense Clearwater timber. The zone holds a strong general elk population and reasonable road access compared to its wilderness neighbors. The Magruder Corridor and the upper Selway River define its eastern edge.
Elk City itself is the only meaningful supply point. Fuel is limited; bring what you need. Most roads open by late June.
See all units in the Elk City ZonePlanning
Primary Region
Clearwater & Nez Perce
Nearest Supplies
Hunters typically basecamp or resupply in Lewiston, Orofino, Grangeville.
Climate Outlook
Steep, rugged canyons and dense forests. River valleys are mild, high country is severe.
Authorities
Always verify regulations with official government entities before heading into the backcountry.
Explore Elk City Zone Units
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 16: view source.