Idaho Elk Mule Deer

Unit 31

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer

Unit 31 elk hunts in Idaho are administered by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) through a mix of general and controlled hunts. Controlled hunt tags are issued through the IDFG controlled-hunt draw system. Hunters should review current IDFG season dates, weapon types, and hunt area boundaries before applying.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 31

Where to Find Elk in Unit 31

Elk in Unit 31 use a range of habitats typical of Idaho mountain and forest country. Refer to the IDFG Hunt Planner for public-land access overlays and current habitat information when scouting.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 31

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle20%

Archery18%

Check IDFG Hunt Planner harvest statistics for the most recent success rates in Unit 31 by weapon type. Success varies year to year with weather, habitat conditions, and hunting pressure.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	571	2,219	25.7%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 31 controlled elk tags are awarded through the IDFG draw. Use the IDFG Hunt Planner draw-odds tool to review current resident and nonresident odds by hunt number before selecting hunt choices.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 31

Unit 31 drops into the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on the western edge of the Frank Church–River of No Return Wilderness. The terrain is brutal — wilderness canyons, 4,000-foot sidehills, and isolated benches where mule deer share ground with elk and bighorn. Controlled mule deer tags are capped and require either a jet-boat drop on the Salmon or a committed backpack off the Big Creek or Yellow Pine trail networks.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 31

Terrain

Unit 31 is wilderness canyon country — the Middle Fork corridor plus Big Creek, Monumental Creek, and Marble Creek tributaries. Mule deer favor the south-facing grass benches and rim country above the river corridors, bedding in Douglas fir and mountain mahogany pockets.

Elevation

River-grade runs 3,900 feet; rim country crests near 8,500 feet. Bucks hold high through September on north-slope pockets above 7,500 ft, then drop to south-facing grass benches between 5,500 and 7,000 ft once temps fall.

Water

The Middle Fork and its named tributaries are year-round. Side drainages have pocket water but much of the ground between is dry — plan water stops when moving camp.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 31

This is a physical, committed hunt. Most successful hunters either charter a jet-boat drop at Thomas Creek or Middle Fork Lodge, or backpack in via the Big Creek trail from Yellow Pine. Set camp on a bench above the river with glassing coverage of south-facing slides and rim country. Glass at daylight, relocate midday, and glass again the final three hours. Stalks are long — budget a full day for a 2-mile canyon crossing. Pack-out logistics dictate shot selection; never shoot a buck you can't quarter to a pack trail before dark.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Unit 31 controlled-hunt mule deer success has run 35-45% on rifle hunts, with notably high mature-buck ratios because access difficulty keeps pressure very low. Archery success is closer to 15%. Pack-string and jet-boat hunters significantly outperform walk-in hunters.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	27	450	6.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Idaho runs a pure random draw — no preference or bonus points for deer. With roughly 1,218 three-year applicants against 90 Unit 31 tags, odds sit in the high single digits for residents and tighter for nonresidents. Each year is independent, so apply every cycle and don't bank on accumulated priority.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping is generally allowed on US Forest Service and BLM land within Unit 31, subject to local rules. Developed campgrounds may also be available near main road corridors.

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Water

Creeks and springs are found in typical Idaho drainages but flows vary by season. Filter or treat all backcountry water.

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Road Conditions

Access is primarily via state highways and US Forest Service or BLM roads. Secondary roads are gravel or native surface and often require high-clearance or 4WD in wet conditions.

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Terrain Difficulty

Idaho mountain and forest terrain with timbered slopes, open ridgelines, and brushy drainages. Plan for steep country and meaningful elevation change off the road system.

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Weather

Fall weather can include cool temperatures, rain, and early snow at elevation. Hunters should plan for changing mountain conditions throughout the season.

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Cell Service

Cell coverage drops off quickly off paved highways. A satellite communicator is recommended for backcountry hunts in Unit 31.

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Permit Notes

Confirm tag, permit, and reporting requirements with IDFG each season. Mandatory harvest reporting applies to many Idaho hunts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for a elk tag in Idaho Unit 31?

Controlled elk tags in Unit 31 are applied for through the IDFG controlled-hunt draw. Review current IDFG Big Game Seasons & Rules and the Hunt Planner for application windows and eligibility.

Where can I see current draw odds for Unit 31 elk?

The IDFG Hunt Planner publishes historical draw odds by hunt number for resident and nonresident applicants. Compare recent years before choosing a hunt.

How do you access Unit 31 for a mule deer hunt?

The two practical options are a jet-boat drop on the Middle Fork from Corn Creek (downstream) or a backpack / pack-string trip from Big Creek trailhead near Yellow Pine. Float-in hunts with outfitters are also available from Boundary Creek.

Is a wilderness hunting license required in Unit 31?

No separate wilderness license is needed, but the Frank Church is a federally designated wilderness — no motorized or mechanized travel is allowed off the Middle Fork corridor.

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Sources & Verification

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

IDFG Big Game Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Statewide big game season framework, Weapon and hunt type overview · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Controlled Hunts — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Controlled hunt application rules, Draw timelines and tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Hunt Planner — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit season selector, Historical draw odds and harvest stats · accessed 2026-04-17
2025 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 31 controlled hunt structure, Wilderness weapon restrictions · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Hunt Planner — Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 31 applicant and tag counts · accessed 2026-04-17
Salmon-Challis National Forest — Frank Church Wilderness — USDA Forest Service · supports: Wilderness travel rules, Middle Fork access points · accessed 2026-04-17
Boise National Forest — Cascade Ranger District — USDA Forest Service · supports: Yellow Pine trailhead access to Big Creek · accessed 2026-04-17