Quick Tips
- Carry a GPS with land ownership data to stay on land open to hunting
- Visit nearby Craters of the Moon National Monument
- Carry plenty of water
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-170" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | Raghorn-300" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
On The Ground
Antelope, mule deer and elk are hunted here, which is mostly high desert terrain covered by sagebrush, wild grasses, junipers and lava rock. Arco, Minidoka and Shoshone surround this area.
Because this unit is mostly flat and includes a lot of private land, elk and deer seasons are restricted to hunters with short-range weapons. Elk are found in small groups. The elk season is long, allowing hunting during the rut. Antelope hunting produces many mature bucks.
Terrain
This unit is on the north side of the Snake River from the east end of the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge to halfway between Gooding and Glenn’s Ferry and includes an area on the south side of the river near the refuge. Unit 53 includes parts of seven counties: Gooding, Lincoln, Jerome, Minidoka, Blaine, Twin Falls and Cassia. Terrain is mostly flat farmland and rangeland or rolling hills in the high desert.
Roughly 1,840 square miles
35.9% public land
Elevations from 3,600-4,550 feet
Vegetation
Sagebrush, grass and low shrubs cover most of the rangeland, while farmland is mostly planted in grass or alfalfa hay, grain or potatoes. Bitterbrush and other browse plants that are liked by deer, along with forbs, grow on the edges of fields along dry and flowing stream beds and on hills, ridges and buttes.
Access
Most land is private, but there is a good amount of BLM land, a big chunk of state ground and scattered small parcels of BLM and state land. Hunting is allowed on Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, which has about 80 miles of shoreline around Lake Walcott from Minidoka Dam upstream about 25 miles. From Rupert take Highway 24 northeast about 6 miles and turn right on Minidoka Dam Road.
Carry a GPS unit with land ownership data
Four-wheel-drive is recommended in bad weather
ATVs are helpful in some areas
ATVs may be used only on roads used by full-size vehicles
Camping and Lodging
Campers may hunt almost anywhere on BLM land. Camping is permitted year round at Lake Walcott State Park in the southeastern corner of Unit 53. It’s 11 miles northeast of Rupert and has a couple of cabins available for rent as well as 22 campsites, including shelters for groups. Lodging is available in Jerome, Twin Falls and American Falls, which is about 20 miles east of the unit. Indian Springs Resort & RV Park in American Falls has a large hot pool. Bingham County provides RV sites and tent sites at Sportsmans Park near American Falls Reservoir. Twin Falls, which is just a few miles south of unit boundaries has about a dozen motels, including several connected to national chains, like Motel 6 and Holiday Inn. La Quinta Inn & Suites have good reviews.
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