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Idaho Mule Deer

Unit 16-1X (Selway)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

Hunt 16-1X is an extra-tag controlled mule deer hunt in Unit 16 covering the Selway River country on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in north-central Idaho. With roughly 497 three-year applicants for 450 tags, odds are favorable for a central Idaho controlled hunt. Extra tags allow additional hunt opportunity beyond a hunter's general or first-choice tag.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 16-1X

Hunt 16-1X is an extra-tag controlled mule deer hunt in Unit 16 covering the Selway River country on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest in north-central Idaho. With roughly 497 three-year applicants for 450 tags, odds are favorable for a central Idaho controlled hunt. Extra tags allow additional hunt opportunity beyond a hunter's general or first-choice tag.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Hunt 16-1X

Mule deer in Unit 16 use open ridgetops and south-facing slopes above the heavy Selway timber. Animals are scattered rather than concentrated.

Open Ridgelines Above the Selway

Subalpine ridges at 7,000-8,500 feet along the Selway country hold bucks in open bitterbrush and beargrass parks through the early season.

South-Facing Burns

Recent fire regrowth on south-facing aspects produces browse that mule deer use heavily. We cross-reference USFS fire history maps to find productive areas.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Hunt 16-1X

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Mule Deer Success Rates

IDFG Hunt Planner publishes per-hunt success rates for 16-1X by weapon type. Extra tag hunts can show variable success depending on weather and how late in the season the tag runs — we recommend reviewing recent years before applying.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled14918182.3% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
Idaho uses a pure random draw for mule deer — no preference or bonus points. Hunt 16-1X with roughly 497 three-year applicants against 450 tags offers favorable draw odds. Nonresidents compete for a 10% quota slice.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is an extra tag in Idaho?
Extra tags are additional controlled hunts (often suffixed -1X, -2X) a hunter can draw in addition to their primary tag. Rules are described in the IDFG Big Game Seasons & Rules.
Is Hunt 16-1X in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness?
Portions of Unit 16 border or include the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Verify the exact 16-1X hunt area boundaries in the IDFG Hunt Planner before planning access — wilderness travel typically requires pack-in by horse or multi-day backpacking.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. 2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 16-1X designation, Extra-tag rules, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 16-1X applicant and tag history · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest — Moose Creek Ranger District — USDA Forest Service — Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest · supports: Selway River corridor access, Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary · accessed 2026-04-17