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Planning guide for Game Management Unit 5, with sourced terrain, public-land percentages, published schedules, and links to the connected Pro map.

Pro includes the interactive GMU map, BLM surface-management context, terrain tools, and current wildfire overlays for Unit 5.
See Pro pricingIdaho 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.
Official Regulation Feed
Success in Unit 5 requires understanding the dense forest terrain and public land boundaries. Use Roam Idaho for connected trip planning, then carry an official offline map before leaving service.
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.
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 ZoneAlways 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.