Unit 61-3 in Idaho receives mixed reviews from hunters, with the challenging terrain often highlighted as a major consideration for planning. The area is known for its varying elevations and dense forests, which combine to create both obstacles and opportunities for spotting game. Experienced hunters suggest focusing on scouting trips to understand animal patterns and movements, especially given the seasonal changes that affect game behavior. While draw odds can be stiff, the potential for a rewarding hunt remains strong if preparation aligns with unit-specific insights and strategic planning.
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This unit borders Montana and Yellowstone National Park and offers moose hunting near and far from roads in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
Moose are scattered in this unit and some of them live in remote areas. Some bulls have antlers wider than 40”.
This long, narrow area includes many roaded and roadless mountains and valleys between Henry’s Lake and Island Park Reservoir and the Wyoming line. Most of the land is in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and includes Black Mountain, Black Canyon and Split Creek drainages that flow out of Yellowstone. Much of the land is made up of broad, flattened ridges at two different levels. Along the western edge flat valleys, including the mostly private Henry’s Lake Flats, a mixture of private and public land east of Island Park and public land east of Last Chance and Harriman State Park can be found.
Forest roads provide access to the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Most hunters start at U.S. Highway 20 on the western edge of the unit. In the south a main access road is Eccles Road. Black Canyon Loop Road is the best interior access road to get close to Yellowstone east of Island Park. The area enclosed by the Big Springs Loop Road and U.S. 191-20 is closed to moose hunting. Before hunting, get a travel restriction map from the U.S. Forest. Carry a GPS and good maps.
Valleys are covered with wild grasses and conifers on some low ground near Island Park. Some lowlands are marshy. A lot of high country is open. Trees there are scattered and the ground is covered with grass, wildflowers, forbs and short brush.
Click here for details on renting cabins or condos at Island Park. An RV park, cabin rentals and riverfront condos are available at Mack’s Inn Resort on Highway 20 on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. About 20 different motels are in West Yellowstone, Montana just outside the unit.
Roughly 282 square miles
91.2% public land
Elevations from 6,400-8,700 feet
Most hunters camp along gravel or dirt roads
Most Forest Service campgrounds close September 15