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Idaho
Unit 5.
Strategic hunting guide for Game Management Unit 5. 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 5.
Unlock Field MapsTerrainDense Forest
OwnershipLand breakdown unavailable
Access DifficultySee IDFG
Key SpeciesBlack Bear
Season TypeGeneral & Controlled
ZonePanhandle
Unit 5 Overview
Idaho Game Management Unit 5 (GMU 5) is a premier hunting destination located in the Panhandle Elk Zone. Home to Black Bear, Deer, Elk, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, White-tailed Deer, this unit features dense conifer and timber country, where still-hunting and short-range glassing dominate. Public-land breakdown for Unit 5 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 24 confirmed seasons in Unit 5.
View Full SchedulePrepare for the Hunt
Success in Unit 5 requires understanding the dense forest 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 5?
Located in the Panhandle Zone with dense forest terrain.
Is it public land?
Unit 5 is approximately 11.9% public. See full breakdown below.
Land Ownership
Private75.67%
Tribal12.41%
Other6.16%
State4.85%
USFS0.51%
BLM0.34%
Source: IDFG Hunt Planner · Inside Idaho
Unit 5 Boundary
Those portions of BENEWAH and KOOTENAI COUNTIES within the following boundary: beginning at the intersection of the Idaho-Washington State line and the Spokane River, then east along the southern bank of the Spokane River to U.S. 95 at Coeur d'Alene Lake, then southeast along the eastern shoreline of Coeur d'Alene and Round Lakes to Mission Point, then upstream along the northern bank of the St. Joe River to the mouth of St. Maries River, then upstream along the St. Maries River to the intersection of the St. Maries River and State Highway 3 near Mashburn, then south on State Highway 3 to the intersection of State Highway 6, then southwest on State Highway 6 to the watershed divide between the St. Maries and Palouse Rivers, then northwest along the divide to West Dennis Peak, then west along the watershed divide between Hangman Creek and Palouse River to the Idaho-Washington State line, then north along the state line to the point of beginning.
Panhandle Zone Context
Northern Idaho
The Panhandle covers Idaho's northernmost units — heavy cedar and hemlock forest, abundant whitetail, and a more diverse big-game mix than most of the state. Elk densities here are lower than central Idaho, but tag draws are easier and access is comparatively forgiving.
Wet weather is constant; waterproof boots and rain gear matter more here than almost anywhere in Idaho. Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, and St. Maries are the primary supply points.
See all units in the Panhandle ZonePlanning
Primary Region
Panhandle
Nearest Supplies
Hunters typically basecamp or resupply in Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, Coeur d'Alene.
Climate Outlook
Moist, heavy mountainous timber. Expect significant snowfall in late season.
Authorities
Always verify regulations with official government entities before heading into the backcountry.
Season dates and tag rules sourced from Idaho Fish and Game proclamations. Original IDFG entry for Unit 5: view source.