Quick Tips
- Keep food out of reach of bears
- Buy a wolf tag
- Horses are helpful for access and meat hauling
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 310"-310" | 310"+ |
On The Ground
Mule deer, whitetail and elk are hunted in this area that borders Wyoming and Palisades Reservoir. Hunters can buy tags for general deer and elk seasons from license agents, but have to draw tags to hunt in special deer and elk seasons.
Trophy size deer and elk can be found here and hunting is best during a late rifle season. Hunters must ride horses or backpack to reach some of the more remote areas.
Terrain
Near the Snake River is some mild terrain with rolling hills and farmland. Most of the unit is made up of steep and rugged mountains with deep canyons and high, rocky peaks with steep chutes and basins that are easy to glass. Canyons are mostly covered in dense conifer forests.
Roughly 412 square miles
83.9% public land
Elevations from 5,000-10,025 feet
Vegetation
Private grain and alfalfa fields with some rolling sagebrush-covered hills are along the South Fork of the Snake River. Middle elevations are covered in dense lodgepole pines, Douglas fir, and aspens with an occasional grassy meadow. Few trees grow above 8,000 feet. Above that level are rocky peaks with grass and wildflower-covered slopes and saddles with an occasional patch of pines.
Access
The north end is reached from Highways 31 and 26, Pine Creek Bench Road and Forest Road 206 from Heise. The south end can be accessed from Highways 31, 33 and 26, Rainey Creek Road and Roads 281, 268, 260, 255 and 257. No motors are allowed south of Highway 31. Plan to use horses or hike to reach hunting areas on both sides of the road.
Snow and rain can make travel difficult or impossible
Horses are recommended for access
A GPS is recommended
Camping and Lodging
Some hunters camp in tents or travel trailers at trailheads. Many hunters day hike from Forest Service campgrounds, such as Big Elk, Mike Harris, Palisades Creek and Pine Creek campgrounds.
Cowboy Roadhouse Lodge is in Victor
Sleepy J rental cabins are in Swan Valley
Primitive camping via horseback or backpack is necessary to hunt remote backcountry
Historical Temperatures
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