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Idaho Elk Mountain Goat

Unit 37A (Boise Front / Big Creek)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk, Mountain Goat

Unit 37A encompasses the Boise Front and Big Creek drainage area in the Boise National Forest — transitional country between the sagebrush foothills and mixed conifer mountains southwest of the Sawtooth range. The unit carries both general season tags for some areas and controlled hunt designations for specific zones. Proximity to the Boise metro means this unit can see higher pressure near the road system, but the Big Creek backcountry holds elk with less competition.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 37A

Unit 37A encompasses the Boise Front and Big Creek drainage area in the Boise National Forest — transitional country between the sagebrush foothills and mixed conifer mountains southwest of the Sawtooth range. The unit carries both general season tags for some areas and controlled hunt designations for specific zones. Proximity to the Boise metro means this unit can see higher pressure near the road system, but the Big Creek backcountry holds elk with less competition.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 37A

Elk in Unit 37A use the mixed conifer timber and open parks of the Boise National Forest. Animals shift elevation and drainage depending on hunting pressure and season phase.

Big Creek Drainage

The Big Creek drainage in the northern portion of Unit 37A offers elk habitat with lower pressure than the road-accessible Boise Front areas. Focus on the timbered benches and open parks along the main drainage and side creeks at 5,500–7,500 feet during the early season.

Timbered Ridgelines and Parks

Elk feed in the open parks at dawn and dusk, retreating to the timber edge for midday security. Glass from ridgeline saddles overlooking the parks during legal light. The Boise National Forest mixed conifer type creates a patchwork of openings where elk are visible from a distance.

South-Facing Slopes in Late Season

Once October snows hit the high country, elk move to lower elevation south-facing slopes with more thermal exposure and accessible food. These areas see more hunting pressure but can concentrate elk predictably. Check lower-elevation burns and recent clearcut edges for feeding activity.

How to Hunt Unit 37A Elk

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle15%
Archery18%
Muzzleloader15%
General season elk success in Unit 37A averages 10–18% for rifle hunters. Hunters accessing the Big Creek backcountry away from road pressure consistently outperform those working the Boise Front road system. Archery success runs 5–10%. Controlled hunt tags in specific zones within the unit carry higher success rates where IDFG limits hunter numbers.

Elk Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled13243130.6% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
General season elk tags for Unit 37A are available OTC. Controlled hunt designations within the unit — particularly for antlered-only or late-season hunts — require a draw application and are typically low-point draws. Check IDFG Hunt Planner for specific hunt numbers associated with Unit 37A and historical draw odds.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 37A close to Boise for a day hunt?
Parts of the Boise Front in Unit 37A are within 45–60 minutes of the Boise metro. However, hunting pressure is highest near the road system. Day hunters willing to hike 2+ miles off-road will find significantly better elk opportunity.
What is the Big Creek area of Unit 37A like?
The Big Creek drainage in Unit 37A is remote mixed conifer country in the Boise National Forest. Access requires a longer drive from Boise and a multi-mile hike, but the reduced pressure and quality elk habitat make it the unit's most productive backcountry elk zone.
Is Unit 37A OIAL?
Yes. All Idaho goat hunts are once-in-a-lifetime for the species.
Do I need alpine-climbing skills?
Class 3 scrambling is typical. We recommend hunters be comfortable on exposed rock and carry a rope for carcass retrieval.

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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 37A elk season structure, Hunt designations by weapon type, General vs. controlled season areas · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. IDFG Hunt Planner (Interactive) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 37A season selector, Hunt area boundary maps, Access overview · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Historical draw odds for Unit 37A elk controlled hunts · accessed 2026-04-17
  4. IDFG State of Deer and Elk (Annual Report) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Southwest Idaho elk population data, Herd trend and management objectives · accessed 2026-04-17
  5. Boise National Forest — USDA Forest Service — Boise National Forest · supports: Road access and conditions, Dispersed camping regulations, Wilderness and roadless area boundaries · accessed 2026-04-17
  6. IDFG — Mountain Goat Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: OIAL framework, Distribution · accessed 2026-04-17