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Idaho Pronghorn

Unit 31-1 (Middle Fork Salmon)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Pronghorn

Unit 31 spans the Middle Fork Salmon wilderness country, with pronghorn use concentrated on the limited open sagebrush benches outside the main canyon corridors. The 31-1 hunt is highly selective — only 40 tags against 947 three-year applicants. Pronghorn numbers in this unit are modest; the hunt suits applicants willing to scout remote open-park country in an otherwise canyon-and-timber landscape.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 31-1

Unit 31 spans the Middle Fork Salmon wilderness country, with pronghorn use concentrated on the limited open sagebrush benches outside the main canyon corridors. The 31-1 hunt is highly selective — only 40 tags against 947 three-year applicants. Pronghorn numbers in this unit are modest; the hunt suits applicants willing to scout remote open-park country in an otherwise canyon-and-timber landscape.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 31-1

Terrain

Pronghorn in Unit 31 are not the high-density plains herds of southern Idaho. They use scattered open sagebrush parks and grasslands on benches above the Middle Fork drainage and in the broader basins surrounding Big Creek. Key areas: Bernard Plateau, Chamberlain Basin, and the Long Valley rim country.

Elevation

6,000-7,500 ft. Most pronghorn ground is open park between timbered ridge systems.

Water

Named creeks run through most parks. Pronghorn rely on creek-edge water since standing stock tanks are rare in this remote country.

How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 31-1

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Unit 31-1 success rates are variable — 40-65% rifle when hunters locate one of the active parks, much lower for hunters who cannot confirm pronghorn presence before the trip. Buck quality is unremarkable (12-14 inch class typical); the hunt is about remote backcountry experience more than trophy score.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled204464.5% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Idaho controlled pronghorn hunts are a pure random draw — no preference or bonus points. Unit 31-1 with 947 three-year applicants against 40 tags delivers tight odds — mid-single-digit percent for residents and low single digits for nonresidents. Apply every year; randomness means there's no way to build priority.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are there really pronghorn in the Frank Church?
Yes, in scattered open parks like Chamberlain Basin and Bernard Plateau. Densities are low and hunting is an exploration exercise rather than a confident-opportunity hunt.
How do I reach Unit 31-1?
The practical options are driving rough Forest Service roads to Big Creek Ranger Station (approximately 60 miles past Cascade) and hiking or packing in, or chartering a bush plane to Chamberlain Basin airstrip.

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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 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 31 pronghorn structure, 31-1 hunt dates · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. IDFG Hunt Planner — Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 31-1 pronghorn applicant and tag history · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Salmon-Challis National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Frank Church Wilderness boundaries, Big Creek and open park access · accessed 2026-04-17
  4. Boise National Forest — Cascade Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: Yellow Pine and Big Creek approach roads · accessed 2026-04-17