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Idaho Pronghorn Mule Deer

Unit 38-1 (Big Desert)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Pronghorn, Mule Deer

Hunt 38-1 covers pronghorn in Unit 38, the Big Desert region of eastern Idaho between the Snake River Plain and the Lost River ranges. This is classic sage-steppe pronghorn country with wide-open BLM terrain — the kind of place where you can see for 10 miles. With 788 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years, the draw is tighter than most Idaho pronghorn hunts but the country and buck quality justify the application.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 38-1

Hunt 38-1 covers pronghorn in Unit 38, the Big Desert region of eastern Idaho between the Snake River Plain and the Lost River ranges. This is classic sage-steppe pronghorn country with wide-open BLM terrain — the kind of place where you can see for 10 miles. With 788 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years, the draw is tighter than most Idaho pronghorn hunts but the country and buck quality justify the application.

Where to Find Pronghorn in Unit 38-1

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How to Hunt Pronghorn in Unit 38-1

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Big Desert pronghorn success runs 55-75% per IDFG harvest data — solid for sage-country buck hunts. Buck quality is modest; mid-70s to low-80s bucks are the realistic target.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled92074.3% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Pure random draw. Hunt 38-1 pulls about 788 applicants for 30 tags across 3 years, giving ~4% raw odds. Nonresident odds are tighter still under the 10% NR quota.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Big Desert accessible year-round?
The paved routes yes; BLM two-tracks no. Wet conditions turn the clay impassable. Time your trip around weather forecasts.
How far do pronghorn travel daily?
5-10 miles is normal in the Big Desert. Bucks follow forage and water conditions. Don't expect to find them in the same spot two days running.
Is 38-1 a rifle or archery hunt?
Check the current Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules for the specific weapon designation — 38-1 has historically been a rifle hunt but season structure can change annually.
Do I earn points by losing the 38-1 draw?
No. Idaho does not use preference or bonus points. Every applicant has the same chance every year under the pure random draw.

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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 38 — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 38 boundary in Big Desert, Pronghorn hunt 38-1 structure, Species distribution · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 38-1 dates, Tag quota, Weapon restrictions · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. BLM Idaho Falls District — Big Desert — Bureau of Land Management · supports: BLM land in Unit 38, Road access, Wilderness Study Areas · accessed 2026-04-17
  4. IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Draw odds, Applicants · accessed 2026-04-17
  5. IDFG Hunt Planner — Hunt Statistics — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Harvest, Success rates · accessed 2026-04-17