Quick Tips
- Keep food and game out of reach of bears
- Be cautious; this is grizzly country
- Steelhead and trout fishing on the North Fork
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | Raghorn-290" | 290"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
A popular unit north of Salmon and east of the North Fork of the Salmon River, this area is home to elk, mule deer and a growing number of whitetail.
Hunters can buy over-the-counter tags to hunt deer or elk during general seasons. Late muzzleloader season offers the best chance for big bucks. There is good hunting for representative pronghorn bucks.
Terrain
North of Salmon and tucked between Montana and the North Fork of the Salmon River, this area is made up of of timbered mountains and barren foothills. Entirely in Lemhi County, the land is divided into mountains in the east and north and foothills in the south and west. Most mountains are 6,000 to 9,000 feet above sea level in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, while the foothills are between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. Below 4,000 feet agricultural fields line the North Fork near Carmen and Carmen Creek in the south.
Roughly 249 square miles
89.7% public land
Elevations from 3,800-10,000 feet
Vegetation
Lowlands are made up of hay, alfalfa fields, sagebrush, grass pastures, cottonwoods and willows growing in creek and river bottoms. Foothills are mostly covered with wild grasses and low brush with conifers, cottonwoods, aspens and other trees and bushes in draws and on some slopes. The forests start at about 6,000 feet and are made up of pines, firs and spruces. Timberline is at about 9,000 feet, but many open areas are below that level, especially where the ground is steep. Lichens, mosses, various shrubs and stunted trees grow on the rocks.
Access
The main road is U.S. Highway 93. Several roads open to all vehicles start at U.S. 93, including Gibbonsville Road up Dahlonega Creek, Lick Creek Road, Dry Sheep Creek Road, Fourth of July Creek Road and Carmen Creek Road. Forest roads lead to several motorcycle trails such as those north and east of Gibbonsville, along Sheep Creek at its north and south forks and between Lick and Sheep creeks.
Get a vehicle use map online
ATVs are good for driving on forest roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended on dirt roads
Camping and Lodging
Hunters can camp in the backcountry or along dirt roads on public land. Twin Creek Campground is just outside the unit along the North Fork of the Salmon River and has 30 sites. Morgan Bar Campground is maintained by the BLM at Carmen. Broken Arrow RV Park is at Gibbonsville on the North Fork.
Lodging options in Salmon: Sacajawea Inn Syringa LodgeStagecoach Inn
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