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Idaho
Unit 20A.
Planning guide for Game Management Unit 20A, 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 20A.
See Pro pricingTerrainRugged Mountains
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneMiddle Fork
Unit 20A Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 20A (GMU 20A) is a premier hunting destination located in the Middle Fork 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 20A 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 - Oct 31
White-tailed Deer
Any Weapon • White-tailed Deer Tag
Any Weapon
White-tailed Deer Tag
Sep 15 - Nov 18
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 18
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 20A 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 20A?
Located in the Middle Fork Zone with rugged mountains terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 20A is approximately 99.8% public. See full breakdown below.
Unit 20A Boundary
Those portions of IDAHO and VALLEY COUNTIES within the drainage of the south side of the Salmon River from the mouth of the South Fork of the Salmon River upstream to the mouth of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River; the drainage of the east side of the South Fork of the Salmon River from its mouth upstream to and including Hall Creek drainage, and the drainage of the west side of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River from its mouth upstream to but excluding the Big Creek drainage.
Middle Fork Zone Context
Central Idaho — Middle Fork Salmon Drainage
The Middle Fork zone is wilderness elk hunting via the Middle Fork of the Salmon River — much of it accessible only by raft, jet boat, pack stock, or floatplane. Elk numbers are moderate but pressure is minimal, and the experience is exceptional for those committed to the logistics.
Float-in camps and outfitted trips dominate. DIY non-stock-supported hunts are uncommon for good reason. Stanley and Salmon are launch points.
See all units in the Middle Fork 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 Middle Fork Zone Units
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 20A: view source.