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Idaho
Unit 17.
Planning guide for Game Management Unit 17, 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 17.
See Pro pricingTerrainRugged 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.
2026 Regular Schedule
Official Regulation Feed
Species
Weapon
Tag
Dates
Deer
Any Weapon • Regular Deer Tag
Any Weapon
Regular Deer Tag
Sep 15 - Nov 20
White-tailed Deer
Any Weapon • White-tailed Deer Tag
Any Weapon
White-tailed Deer Tag
Sep 15 - Nov 20
Elk
Any Weapon • A Tag
Any Weapon
A Tag
Oct 1 - Oct 31
Elk
Any Weapon • B Tag
Any Weapon
B Tag
Sep 15 - Sep 30
Elk
Any Weapon • B Tag
Any Weapon
B Tag
Nov 1 - Nov 11
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Aug 30 - Nov 30
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Apr 1 - 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 17 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 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.