Idaho Elk Mule Deer Mountain Goat Moose

Unit 43

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Mountain Goat, Moose

Elk in Idaho Unit 43 are managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Tag numbers, season dates, and weapon structure are set each year in the IDFG big game rules. Applicants should verify current hunt numbers and quotas in the IDFG Hunt Planner before applying.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 43

Where to Find Elk in Unit 43

Elk distribution in Unit 43 follows the mix of timbered drainages, mountain basins, and transition habitat typical of the hunt area. Glassing at first and last light and paying attention to thermals are key. Cross-reference the IDFG Hunt Planner boundary viewer with public-land layers before committing to an access plan.

How to Hunt Unit 43 Elk

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle7%

Archery7%

Harvest totals, hunter days, and success percentages for Unit 43 elk hunts are published in the IDFG Hunt Planner statistics tool. Results vary by weapon type, season, and year — review the most recent stats before the draw.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	131	1,286	10.2%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 43 elk tags are allocated through the IDFG controlled hunt draw. Resident and nonresident odds can be reviewed by year and hunt number in the IDFG Hunt Planner. Check multiple weapon seasons before applying — odds can vary significantly between rifle, muzzleloader, and archery hunts.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 43

Unit 43 covers portions of the Middle Fork Salmon River country on the Salmon-Challis and Payette national forests in central Idaho — deep canyon breaks, timbered benches, and remote high-country habitat. With roughly 514 three-year applicants against 375 tags, Unit 43 offers workable controlled mule deer draw odds. We recommend checking IDFG Hunt Planner for precise hunt boundaries.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 43

Mule deer in Unit 43 use steep canyon-break country of the Middle Fork Salmon drainages. Access requires either road-accessible trailheads or packing in from the boundary of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

Canyon Breaks

Steep south-facing benches between timber stringers hold bucks through the early season. We glass from opposing slopes for better light and distance.

High Country Summer Range

Subalpine basins and ridgetops near 8,500-9,500 feet hold summer bucks. Animals shift to lower winter range as snow arrives.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 43

Unit 43 rewards hunters who commit to backcountry effort. We plan multi-day trips with backpack or packstock support away from road access.

Glass from Opposing Slopes

In canyon country, we glass across a drainage from an opposing ridge. This gives better light angles and keeps wind and scent away from bedded bucks.

Backcountry Commitment

Day-hunting from roads limits effective range. A drop camp or horse packing opens country that rarely sees hunters.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Per-hunt success for Unit 43 mule deer is published in the IDFG Hunt Planner statistics tool. We recommend reviewing the most recent 3-year average by weapon type before applying.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	113	137	82.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Idaho mule deer draws are pure random — no preference or bonus points. Unit 43 with roughly 514 three-year applicants against 375 tags offers favorable odds for a central Idaho controlled mule deer hunt. Nonresidents compete for a 10% quota slice.

Mountain Goat Hunting in Unit 43

Unit 43 mountain goat tags in Idaho are once-in-a-lifetime (OIAL) and awarded through IDFG's pure random controlled-hunt draw. A drawn tag ends future goat eligibility. Three-year applicant counts near 328 against ~17 tags keep this a long-odds draw, and there are no preference points in the Idaho system.

Where to Find Goats in Unit 43

Mountain goats in Unit 43 occupy the high rock and cliff country above timberline. We scout for bedding ledges, mineral licks, and the greenest alpine patches within jumping distance of escape terrain. Pre-season glassing with a spotter from a ridge across the basin is the most reliable way to find goats before the hunt.

How to Hunt Unit 43 Goats

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Mountain Goat Success Rates

Idaho goat hunts run very high success for hunters who can physically reach the animals. IDFG Hunt Planner shows Unit 43 per-hunt rates; the binding constraint is fitness and terrain, not game availability.

Mountain Goat Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	6	109	5.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 43 goat is OIAL and drawn through the pure random controlled-hunt system. No points accrue. A drawn tag ends Idaho goat eligibility. Nonresidents are capped at 10% of the tag pool.

Moose Hunting in Unit 43

Unit 43 sits in central Idaho's lost river country between the Pioneer Mountains and the Lost River Range, covering sagebrush valleys, creek drainages, and the foothills habitat that moose use as they move between elevation zones. It is a transitional unit where moose from the high Sawtooth and Pioneer country filter into lower drainages during the late season. Tags are controlled and limited; hunters who draw should expect a challenging but productive hunt in relatively open terrain compared to Unit 44's higher basins.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 43

Moose in Unit 43 use the drainage bottoms and mid-elevation willow zones between the Lost River Range and Pioneer Mountains.

Big Lost River Tributary Willows

The smaller tributaries draining into the Big Lost River from the Pioneers and Lost River Range support dense willow growth that moose rely on year-round. Focus on side drainages between 5,500 and 7,500 feet where willows are thick and undisturbed. These areas can be glassed from the tributary road systems during pre-season scouting.

Seep and Spring-Fed Pockets

Isolated spring-fed seeps in the otherwise semi-arid Lost River country create localized willow and sedge habitat that act as moose magnets. These pockets are often not obvious on maps — scout via topo and aerial imagery for unexpected green patches in the drainages.

Late-Season Riparian Transition

As snow builds above 7,000 feet in October and November, moose migrate down into the lower Big Lost River valley riparian zone. Late-season controlled hunt timing is calibrated to catch this migration. Focus on the valley-floor willow patches and cottonwood groves in late October.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 43

Unit 43 moose hunting is well-suited to a combination of vehicle-based glassing and targeted stalk hunts in the accessible Lost River country.

Road-Based Glassing and Stalk

The Lost River valley road network provides multiple elevated glassing points. Drive slowly at dawn and post up on any rise that overlooks a willow drainage. A spotting scope is more valuable than binoculars alone in this open terrain. Once a bull is spotted, plan a stalk that uses the drainage topography to stay out of sight.

Decoy Calling Setup

Use a cow call decoy stake near an active wallow during the rut. Set up 30–40 yards downwind of the wallow with a clear shooting lane. A bull approaching into a calling setup in this relatively open terrain will often hang up at 60–100 yards before committing — have your rifle ready for a medium-range shot.

Snow Tracking

Fresh snow in mid-October turns Unit 43 into a tracking hunt. Moose tracks in willow and cottonwood drainages are unmistakable. Follow fresh tracks slowly — moose bed in thick willow tangles and can materialize within 20 yards. Move into the wind at all times.

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Moose Success Rates

Unit 43 moose success tracks the Idaho statewide average of 75–90% for controlled hunt tag holders. The more accessible terrain compared to the Pioneers and Sawtooths means that hunters without pack stock can still reach prime habitat on foot or with ATVs on forest roads. Hunters who draw in October when rut activity peaks and snow has pushed moose to lower elevations have the best success.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	1	26	3.8%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 43 moose tags are very limited — typically 2–4 tags per controlled hunt. Resident draw odds without preference points are 2–6%. Applicants building preference points over years of unsuccessful applications improve their odds significantly. This is a long-term commitment draw for most hunters.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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Road Conditions

Road conditions vary from paved highways to rough two-track. Verify current access conditions on federal and state land maps before the trip.

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Weather

Elk seasons in Idaho run from late August through December depending on weapon. Prepare for a wide range of conditions including early-season heat, fall rain, and late-season snow.

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Cell Service

Coverage is limited in backcountry terrain. Carry a satellite communicator or downloaded offline maps.

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Nearest Town

Use the IDFG Hunt Planner and mapping tools to identify the closest service town with fuel, lodging, and groceries before the hunt.

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Permit Notes

Tag is issued through the IDFG controlled hunt draw. Confirm hunt number, season dates, and weapon restrictions on your tag before heading out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a elk tag for Idaho Unit 43?

Unit 43 elk tags are issued through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game controlled hunt draw. Applications are submitted during the IDFG big game draw window each year.

Where can I verify current season dates and quotas for Unit 43?

Season dates, hunt numbers, and tag quotas are published annually by IDFG and can be looked up in the IDFG Hunt Planner and the current big game rules booklet.

Is Unit 43 in the Frank Church Wilderness?

Portions of Unit 43 border the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. Wilderness access typically requires pack-in via horse or multi-day backpacking. Check the IDFG Hunt Planner boundary viewer for the hunt area's exact relationship to wilderness boundaries.

How tough is Unit 43 mule deer physically?

Strenuous. Expect 2,000-5,000 ft elevation relief between drainage bottoms and ridgelines in the Middle Fork country. A backcountry-capable hunt plan improves success significantly.

How fit do I need to be for an Idaho goat hunt?

Very. Expect sustained climbing at elevation with a pack, plus alpine terrain that requires route judgment. Train for vertical gain under load in the months leading up to the hunt.

What is the best season timing for Unit 43 moose?

Late September through mid-October captures the rut peak. October hunts also benefit from early snow that concentrates moose in lower drainages.

Can I access Unit 43 moose habitat without horses?

Yes — much of the core moose habitat is within 2–3 miles of forest roads. A pack frame and a willing hunting partner can handle a moose pack-out from most accessible drainages. Horses are a luxury, not a requirement.

How does Unit 43 compare to Unit 44 for moose hunting?

Unit 43 is more accessible with less rugged terrain than Unit 44's Pioneer Mountain country. Unit 44 may hold larger bulls in higher-elevation habitat, but Unit 43 is more forgiving for hunters without pack stock.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-18.

IDFG Big Game Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Species overview, General season structure, Regulations entry point · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Controlled Hunts — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Controlled hunt draw rules, Application deadlines, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Hunt Planner — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit hunt numbers, Historical draw odds, Harvest statistics · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 43 mule deer controlled hunt designation, Season dates · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 43 mule deer applicant and tag history · accessed 2026-04-17
Salmon-Challis National Forest — USDA Forest Service — Salmon-Challis National Forest · supports: Middle Fork Salmon access, Frank Church Wilderness boundary · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Moose, Mountain Goat, and Sheep Hunts — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: OIAL eligibility, Pure random draw, Nonresident cap · accessed 2026-04-17