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Idaho
Unit 48.
Planning guide for Game Management Unit 48, 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 48.
See Pro pricingTerrainSage Steppe/Mountain
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZoneSmoky - Bennett
Unit 48 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 48 (GMU 48) is a premier hunting destination located in the Smoky - Bennett Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, this unit features high-elevation rugged terrain, requiring physical preparation and optics for cross-canyon spotting. Public-land breakdown for Unit 48 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 - Oct 31
Deer
Archery • Regular Deer Tag
Archery
Regular Deer Tag
Aug 30 - Sep 30
Elk
Archery • A Tag
Archery
A Tag
Aug 30 - Sep 30
Elk
Any Weapon • B Tag
Any Weapon
B Tag
Oct 15 - 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 15
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
July 1 - June 30
Prepare for the Hunt
Success in Unit 48 requires understanding the sage steppe/mountain 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 48?
Located in the Smoky - Bennett Zone with sage steppe/mountain terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 48 is approximately 83.3% public. See full breakdown below.
Unit 48 Boundary
That portion of BLAINE COUNTY within the following boundary: beginning at Ketchum, then south on State Highway 75 to U.S. 20, then west on U.S. 20 then west on U.S. 20 to the County Line Road, then north on County Line Road, to and then northeast on Camp Creek Road, to and then northeast on Croy Creek Road to Kelly Gulch Creek, then up Kelly Gulch Creek to the Big Wood River-Camas Idah
Smoky - Bennett Zone Context
South-Central Idaho — Smoky Mountains
Smoky-Bennett covers the country between Fairfield and the Sawtooths — a quieter, less-visited block of national forest. Elk densities are moderate but pressure is much lower than the adjoining Sawtooth zone.
Fairfield is the closest supply. Many of the high basins are accessible only by long forest roads.
See all units in the Smoky - Bennett ZonePlanning
Primary Region
Magic Valley & Sawtooths
Nearest Supplies
Hunters typically basecamp or resupply in Twin Falls, Hailey, Gooding.
Climate Outlook
Iconic jagged peaks and high valleys. Early winters and cold nights.
Authorities
Always verify regulations with official government entities before heading into the backcountry.
Explore Smoky - Bennett Zone Units
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 48: view source.