Idaho Elk Mule Deer Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 20A (Selway)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep

Unit 20A encompasses the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness — the most remote elk hunting in the lower 48 states. No motorized access is allowed. You are on foot or horseback, period. This is where Idaho elk hunting reaches its purest form. The wilderness holds a healthy elk herd in some of the most rugged terrain in North America. Controlled hunt tags are required, and the unit rewards only the most prepared and physically capable hunters.

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Elk Hunting in Unit 20A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 20A

Elk in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness are distributed across vast, roadless terrain. Finding them requires understanding seasonal movement and terrain features.

Selway River Corridor

The Selway River and its major tributaries form the backbone of elk habitat in Unit 20A. Elk use the timbered benches above the river between 4,000 and 6,000 feet. The south-facing slopes along the river warm earliest in spring and hold elk into the fall. Focus on the benches one to two miles from the river where feed meets cover.

Alpine Basins (7,000–8,500 ft)

During early archery season, bulls push high into the alpine basins at the heads of major drainages. These grassy basins above treeline provide summer forage and escape from insects. As the rut begins in September, bulls drop down toward the timber but remain at elevation. Glass these basins from opposing ridges.

Burn Mosaics

The Selway has experienced numerous wildfires that created a mosaic of burned and unburned timber. The regeneration zones in 5-20 year old burns hold the best elk forage in the wilderness. Elk concentrate at the edges of these burns where they can feed in the open and retreat to standing timber for security.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 20A

Hunting the Selway Wilderness is a full expedition. Everything you need goes in on your back or on a pack animal. Here is how to make it count.

Base Camp Strategy

Establish a base camp at 5,000-6,000 feet near water and a trail junction that gives access to multiple drainages. Plan on packing 8-12 miles in from the nearest trailhead. Use day hunts from base camp to cover surrounding ridges and drainages. Having a central camp with multiple hunting options is more efficient than moving camp daily.

Bugling the Selway During the Rut

September in the Selway is magical. Bull elk bugle aggressively in the wilderness because they rarely encounter humans. Set up on a ridge point overlooking a known elk drainage and bugle at dawn. Multiple bulls may respond. Choose the nearest bull, close distance through the timber, and switch to cow calls at 200 yards to pull him in. The wilderness bulls are far less call-shy than their roadside counterparts.

Ambush at Creek Crossings

Elk in the Selway cross major creeks at specific points. Find well-worn crossings with tracks from multiple animals and set up nearby. These crossings are especially productive during morning and evening movement patterns when elk travel between bedding ridges and feeding slopes.

Weather-Driven Movement

The first major storm of the fall pushes elk off the highest ridges and concentrates them in the mid-elevation timber. Monitor weather and position yourself along known migration corridors when a front approaches. The 24 hours after a storm are the most productive hunting window of the season.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle25%

Controlled hunt success rates in Unit 20A average 20-30% for rifle hunters and 10-15% for archery. The wilderness setting means hunters who make it deep into the unit encounter elk regularly. Success is heavily tied to physical preparation and wilderness experience. Guided hunters on horseback typically see the highest success rates, often exceeding 40%. Self-guided backpack hunters should plan for a minimum 7-10 day trip to maximize opportunities.

Elk Draw Odds

Draw odds data not available for this specific unit/species combination in our database.

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Unit 20A is a controlled hunt only — no OTC tags. Resident draw odds have tightened, typically requiring 4-8 points depending on the specific hunt code and weapon type. Non-resident odds are significantly more competitive, often requiring 8-15+ points. The unit's reputation as premier wilderness elk hunting drives high application rates. Archery hunts during the September rut are the most competitive draws.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 20A

Mule deer in the Selway Wilderness occupy the high ridgelines and alpine basins above the primary elk habitat. The remote, roadless nature of Unit 20A means these deer see almost zero hunting pressure, allowing bucks to reach mature age classes. This is a true wilderness mule deer hunt — physically demanding with no shortcuts, but the quality of the experience and the caliber of bucks you encounter makes it worth every step.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 20A

Mule deer in the Selway are spread thinly across the high country. Finding them requires glassing big terrain from the ridgetops.

Alpine Basins and Ridgetops (6,500–8,500 ft)

The grassy alpine basins at the heads of major drainages hold mule deer from late summer through early fall. Bucks feed in the open basins during low-light periods and bed in the scattered subalpine timber during the day. Glass these basins from opposing ridges at dawn and dusk.

South-Facing Rockslide and Talus Areas

Mature bucks favor rocky south-facing slopes with broken terrain and escape routes. Rockslide areas provide bedding cover and thermal advantage. The broken terrain makes approaching these deer on foot difficult, which is exactly why the bucks choose these spots.

Burn Edges at Higher Elevations

Where burns reach up to the ridgeline areas, the regenerating browse attracts mule deer. These burn edges are the most productive spots to find mule deer feeding in groups. Glass the upper edges of burns where they transition to alpine terrain.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 20A

Mule deer hunting in the Selway is a high-effort, high-reward spot-and-stalk game in wilderness terrain.

Ridge-to-Ridge Glassing

The most effective tactic is to camp on a high ridge and glass across drainages to the opposing slopes. The Selway's steep terrain makes cross-canyon glassing highly efficient — you can evaluate bucks at 1-2 miles and plan your stalk before committing. A quality spotting scope is essential for judging antlers at these distances.

Morning Thermal Stalks

Locate a buck feeding in an alpine basin at dawn. As morning thermals begin rising uphill, approach from above using the ridgeline for cover. Drop down to the buck's elevation only when you are within 300-400 yards. The thermals will carry your scent uphill and away from the deer as long as you stay above them.

Storm Front Hunting

When a weather front pushes through the high country, mule deer concentrate on south-facing slopes and sheltered basins. The 24-48 hours around a weather event are the most productive window. Deer that were scattered across miles of alpine terrain compress into smaller areas, making them easier to locate.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer success in Unit 20A is harder to pin down due to lower tag numbers, but controlled hunt success averages 25-35% for rifle hunters. The near-zero hunting pressure means bucks reach 4-5 years old regularly. Archery success is lower at 10-15%, limited by the difficulty of closing distance in open alpine terrain. Trophy potential is real — mature 4x4 and 4x5 bucks are encountered more frequently here than in road-accessible units.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	57	57	100.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Unit 20A mule deer tags are controlled hunt only. Resident draw odds are moderate, requiring 2-5 points for most hunt codes. Non-resident odds are tighter at 5-10+ points. Demand is lower than for elk tags in the same unit, making this one of the more accessible ways to experience the Selway Wilderness through the draw system.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 20A

Unit 20A covers the southern Lemhi Mountains of east-central Idaho, an arid and rugged range that rises dramatically from the Lemhi and Pahsimeroi valleys. Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep occupy the rocky ridgelines and cliff-edged drainages of this remote terrain. Access from the Pahsimeroi Valley on the east provides a practical entry point for hunters, though the sheep country is still demanding and remote. Rams in the southern Lemhi can carry exceptional horn mass due to the unit's mineral-rich geology.

Where to Find Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20A

The southern Lemhi Mountains form a compact but rugged range with sheep concentrated on the rocky west face above the Lemhi Valley and the east face above the Pahsimeroi drainage.

Pahsimeroi Valley Access

Glass the east-facing escarpment of the Lemhi Range from the Pahsimeroi Valley road. The rugged upper drainages and rocky ridgelines above the valley floor hold sheep year-round. Focus on talus fields and cliff bands between 7,000 and 9,500 feet.

Rocky Drainage Heads

The heads of the short, steep canyons draining both flanks of the southern Lemhi hold sheep that move between valley feeding areas and high rocky escape terrain. These canyon heads can be glassed efficiently from ridgelines above.

How to Hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20A

Unit 20A's relatively compact geography makes it possible to glass most of the prime sheep range from valley-level roads, then plan precise approaches once a legal ram is located.

Valley Road Glassing Circuit

Drive the Pahsimeroi Valley road and the Lemhi Valley highway systematically, stopping at high-visibility points to glass the adjacent mountain faces. Cover both sides of the range before hiking in. A quality 80mm spotting scope is essential at the distances involved.

Committing to the Approach

Once a legal ram is confirmed, plan a predawn departure to approach from above. Sheep in the southern Lemhi tend to be on the move at first light — positioning above their expected travel route gives you the best intercept opportunity.

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Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Success rates for Unit 20A tags are strong — typically 65–80% for dedicated hunters who scout thoroughly pre-season. The valley road access allows for efficient pre-season and in-season glassing compared to deeper wilderness units.

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	4	30	13.3%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 20A tags are issued in very limited quantities and draw odds are under 1% for residents annually. Most applicants accumulate 15–25 bonus points before drawing. This is effectively a once-in-a-lifetime permit.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

No RV sites in the wilderness. RV camping available at trailhead staging areas along the Selway River Road and Highway 12.

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Camp Sites

Backcountry camping only within the wilderness — no developed sites. Pack in all supplies. Trailhead campgrounds available for staging the night before.

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Trailer Access

No trailers in the wilderness. Selway River Road (FR 223) to trailheads accommodates horse trailers. The road is narrow and winding.

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Water

Excellent. The Selway River and tributaries provide abundant water. Many springs and seeps throughout the wilderness. Always filter — Giardia is present.

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Road Conditions

No roads in the wilderness. Selway River Road (FR 223) to trailheads is narrow, winding, and partially paved. No fuel or services along the road.

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Terrain Difficulty

Extreme. This is the most physically demanding elk hunting in Idaho. Steep canyons, dense timber, deadfall, creek crossings, and 4,000+ feet of elevation change. Only experienced backcountry hunters should attempt this unit without a guide.

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Hunting Pressure

Very low. The wilderness barrier eliminates casual hunters. Even during peak season, you may not see another hunter for days. This is the lowest-pressure elk hunting available in the lower 48.

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Weather

Highly variable. September is mild (40-65°F) but can turn cold quickly. October brings snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. Winter conditions possible any time after October 1. Prepare for worst-case scenarios — rescue is not quick in the Selway.

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Cell Service

None. No cell service anywhere in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Satellite communicator is mandatory, not optional.

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Nearest Town

Lowell (junction of Lochsa and Selway Rivers) has minimal services. Grangeville (2+ hours) is the nearest town with full services. Stock up before entering.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a guide for the Selway wilderness elk hunt?

Not required, but strongly recommended for first-time Selway hunters. The terrain is extreme, pack-out logistics are complex, and the wilderness has no roads or cell service. Experienced backcountry hunters can self-guide, but plan for a minimum 7-10 day trip and carry a satellite communicator.

Can I use horses in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness?

Yes. Horses and mules are allowed in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and are the traditional method for accessing deep country. Many outfitters run horse-supported camp hunts. If bringing your own stock, study the trail conditions — some trails are steep and require experienced stock.

How remote is Unit 20A really?

Extremely remote. The nearest road may be 10-20 miles from your hunting area. There is no cell service, no motorized access, and emergency evacuation can take 24+ hours. The Selway-Bitterroot is the largest contiguous wilderness area in the lower 48 states.

How good are the mule deer bucks in the Selway?

The Selway produces quality mule deer bucks because they face almost no hunting pressure and can mature to 4-5+ years. Mature 4x4 bucks are common, with occasional 4x5 and better. This is not a numbers hunt — expect to see fewer deer overall but better quality.

Can I combine an elk and mule deer hunt in Unit 20A?

Yes, with separate tags. Many hunters who draw the Selway carry both elk and deer tags. Hunt elk in the mid-elevation timber and mule deer on the ridgetops above. The terrain separation makes it a natural combo hunt.

Can I access sheep country in Unit 20A without a horse or aircraft?

Yes — the Pahsimeroi Valley road brings you within hiking distance of sheep habitat in the southern Lemhi Mountains. Foot hunters can access sheep terrain without horses or aircraft, though the terrain is steep and physically demanding.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

2025 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit-level season dates by weapon, Controlled hunt tag quotas, General hunt structure (OTC + zones), Mandatory reporting rules · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner (Interactive) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit season selector, Weapon, zone, hunt area filters, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Historical resident + nonresident draw odds, Odds by hunt number (year range selector), Applicant and quota counts · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner — Hunt Statistics — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit harvest totals (antlered + antlerless), Hunter days and effort, Success rates by hunt type · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG State of Deer and Elk (Annual Report) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Herd-level population estimates, Fawn:doe + calf:cow ratios, Winter weather impact · accessed 2026-04-16
Idaho Elk Unit 20A Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Draw odds / OTC availability, Public-access summary · accessed 2026-04-16
Idaho Mule Deer Unit 20A Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Draw odds / OTC availability, Public-access summary · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Big Game Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit boundaries, Season structure, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-18
IDFG Big Game Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Species info, Draw system, License requirements · accessed 2026-04-18

Unit 20A (Selway)

Elk Hunting in Unit 20A

Where to Find Elk in Unit 20A

Selway River Corridor

Alpine Basins (7,000–8,500 ft)

Burn Mosaics

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 20A

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 20A

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 20A

Alpine Basins and Ridgetops (6,500–8,500 ft)

South-Facing Rockslide and Talus Areas

Burn Edges at Higher Elevations

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 20A

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Unit 20A

Where to Find Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20A

Pahsimeroi Valley Access

Rocky Drainage Heads

How to Hunt Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep in Unit 20A

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Success Rates

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Explore Related Units

Unit 16A — Clearwater Elk

Unit 27 — Salmon River Elk

Unit 20A — Mule Deer

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources & Verification