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Idaho
Unit 18.
Planning guide for Game Management Unit 18, 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 18.
See Pro pricingTerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneHells Canyon
Unit 18 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 18 (GMU 18) is a premier hunting destination located in the Hells Canyon Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, 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 18 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
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 5
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Aug 30 - Oct 31
Black Bear
Any Weapon • General
Any Weapon
General
Apr 15 - May 31
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 18 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 18?
Located in the Hells Canyon Zone with rugged mountains terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 18 is approximately 79.6% public. See full breakdown below.
Land Ownership
USFS75.98%
Private20.05%
BLM1.99%
State1.15%
Other0.52%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho
Unit 18 Boundary
Those portions of IDAHO and ADAMS COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at Riggins, up the Little Salmon River to Rapid River, then up Rapid River to and including the Shingle Creek drainage to the Snake River divide, then south along the divide to Purgatory Saddle at the head of Granite Creek, then down Granite Creek to the Snake River, then downstream to Pittsburg Landing, then east on Pittsburg Landing-White Bird Road to the Salmon River, then upstream to the point of beginning.
Hells Canyon Zone Context
West-Central Idaho — Snake River Border
Hells Canyon spans Idaho's western edge along the Snake River, with the deepest river gorge in North America cutting through the zone. Elk hunting is technical: steep rim-to-river drainages, summer-like heat in early seasons, and water access that changes the strategy entirely.
Riggins is the gateway. Boat access from the Snake or Hells Canyon Reservoir opens drainages otherwise inaccessible. Plan for extreme elevation gain on day hunts.
See all units in the Hells Canyon 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 Hells Canyon Zone Units
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 18: view source.