Loading intel...
Idaho
Unit 17.
Strategic hunting guide for Game Management Unit 17. Real-time fire updates, public land boundaries, and confirmed season dates.
Boundary Map Locked
Join Roam Idaho to view the 3D boundary map, private land ownership, and live wildfire layers for Unit 17.
Unlock Field MapsTerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSelway
Unit 17 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 17 (GMU 17) is a premier hunting destination located in the Selway 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 17 is not yet integrated into our database — verify acreage with Idaho Fish and Game's Hunt Planner before scouting.
2025 Regular Schedule
Official Regulation Feed
Species
Weapon
Tag
Dates
Restricted
Any Weapon
Regular Tag
Oct 10 - Closed
Restricted
Any Weapon
Regular Tag
Oct 10 - Closed
Restricted
Any Weapon
Regular Tag
Oct 10 - Closed
Restricted
Any Weapon
Regular Tag
Oct 10 - Closed
Restricted
Any Weapon
Regular Tag
Oct 10 - Closed
There are 12 confirmed seasons in Unit 17.
View Full SchedulePrepare for the Hunt
Success in Unit 17 requires understanding the rugged mountains terrain and public land boundaries. Roam Idaho Members get access to offline maps, allowing you to navigate confidently without cell service.
- Offline Boundary Maps
- Real-time Fire Closures
- Private Land Ownership
- Access Point Coordinates
Common Questions
Where is Unit 17?
Located in the Selway Zone with rugged mountains terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 17 is approximately 99.9% public. See full breakdown below.
Unit 17 Boundary
That portion of IDAHO COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Fog Mountain Road (Forest Service Road 319) on the Selway River, then north along Fog Mountain Road to Big Fog Saddle, then north along Forest Service Trail 343 to Big Fog Mountain, then north along the watershed divide between Gedney and Three Links Creeks to the watershed divide between the Lochsa and Selway Rivers, then northeast along the divide over McConnell Mountain and Diablo Mountain to the Idaho-Montana State line, then south along the state line to the watershed divide between the Selway and Salmon Rivers, then west along the divide over Square 88 Idaho Big Game 2026 Seasons & Rules idfg.idaho then upstream to the town of North Fork, then north on U.S. 93 to the point of beginning.
Selway Zone Context
Central Idaho — Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness
The Selway is wilderness elk hunting in the strictest sense — limited motorized access, dense old-growth timber, and miles between bulls. Tags are hard to draw and harvest rates are modest, but the experience is the closest thing in the Lower 48 to backcountry elk hunting at scale.
Pack-in camps, stock support, or floatplane access are the realistic options. Plan minimum 7-day trips. Permits required for wilderness use.
See all units in the Selway 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 Selway Zone Units
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 17: view source.