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Idaho Mule Deer

Unit 25 (Middle Fork)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

Unit 25 covers the Middle Fork Salmon River country in central Idaho — rugged wilderness-adjacent terrain within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Mule deer live high on ridgelines and benches above the Middle Fork drainage. With 713 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years, this is a low-odds trophy draw with bucks that live in genuinely remote country — 4% raw odds reflect the quality of hunt available.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 25

Unit 25 covers the Middle Fork Salmon River country in central Idaho — rugged wilderness-adjacent terrain within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Mule deer live high on ridgelines and benches above the Middle Fork drainage. With 713 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years, this is a low-odds trophy draw with bucks that live in genuinely remote country — 4% raw odds reflect the quality of hunt available.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 25

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 25

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Unit 25 controlled mule deer hunts run 50-70% per IDFG harvest stats — high for a wilderness unit, reflecting quality management and dedicated hunters. Mature 4x4 bucks are realistic.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled92923.1% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Pure random draw. Unit 25 mule deer pulls ~713 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years (~4% raw odds). Nonresidents tighter under 10% NR quota.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an outfitter for Unit 25?
Nonresidents hunting in designated wilderness in Idaho are required to use a licensed outfitter or be accompanied by a resident. Check current rules in the IDFG Big Game Seasons & Rules.
How do I access Unit 25?
Three options: backcountry aircraft to USFS airstrips, permitted float trips down the Middle Fork, or outfitter-supplied pack stock from road ends. All require significant advance planning.

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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. IDFG Big Game Hunt Planner — Unit 25 — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 25 boundary, Middle Fork mule deer hunt structure, Wilderness context · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 25 mule deer dates, Tag quota, Wilderness hunting rules · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Salmon-Challis National Forest / Frank Church Wilderness — USDA Forest Service · supports: Unit 25 public land, Wilderness access rules, Outfitter information · accessed 2026-04-17