Idaho Mule Deer Elk Moose

Unit 44 (South Boise)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk, Moose

Unit 44 covers the mountains south of Boise, stretching into the high desert transition zone between the Boise foothills and the Snake River Plain. This is productive mule deer country with a mix of sage-covered slopes, juniper ridges, and mountain mahogany draws. The unit benefits from less timber than units to the north, creating excellent glassing conditions. Unit 44 is a popular general-season mule deer destination that produces consistent harvests with manageable terrain.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 44

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 44

Mule deer in Unit 44 are spread across the sage-steppe and mountain terrain south of Boise. The open terrain makes them findable with good optics.

Sage-Covered Foothills (4,500–6,500 ft)

The sage and bitterbrush foothills south of Boise hold the highest mule deer density. These rolling hills provide browse, bedding, and good visibility for hunters. Focus on the draws and creek bottoms that cut through the sage hills — deer use these for travel and water access.

Juniper and Mountain Mahogany Ridges

Higher in the unit, juniper woodlands and mountain mahogany stands provide excellent mule deer habitat. Bucks bed in the juniper during midday and feed on mahogany browse. These ridges are highly glassable and produce quality bucks that use the broken terrain for security.

Creek Bottom Corridors

The creek drainages crossing the unit funnel deer movement and provide reliable water. Cottonwood and willow corridors along these creeks hold deer year-round. These are particularly productive during the rut when bucks cruise between doe groups along the creek corridors.

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 44

Unit 44 is classic western mule deer hunting — open country, spot-and-stalk, and rewarding for hunters with good glassing skills.

Sage-Country Glassing

The open sage terrain is ideal for long-range glassing. Set up on a hill or ridge overlooking a basin of sage-covered slopes and methodically glass every draw, ridge, and flat. In good conditions, you can evaluate deer at 1-2 miles. The key is patience — spend the first two hours of light behind the glass before making any moves.

Juniper Ridge Spot-and-Stalk

Locate a buck bedded in the juniper from across a drainage, then plan a stalk using the terrain features. Approach from above when possible, using the junipers themselves for cover. These stalks often require crawling the final 100-200 yards through the sage — wear knee pads.

Rut Movement Hunting

During the November rut, bucks in Unit 44 become more visible as they cruise between doe groups. Set up on a high point overlooking known doe areas and glass for bucks moving through the sage in the mid-morning hours. The rut significantly increases daylight buck movement and creates the best trophy opportunities of the season.

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule deer success in Unit 44 averages 25-33% for rifle hunters — among the higher rates in the Boise-area units. Archery success runs 10-14%. The open terrain and good glassing conditions allow hunters to locate deer more efficiently than in timbered units. Most bucks are 3x3 to 4x4 class with occasional larger specimens. The rut-timed rifle season produces the best quality bucks.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	444	5,239	8.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

General season deer tags are OTC for residents. Non-resident tags available. Controlled hunts for premium zones draw with 1-4 points for residents. The unit's proximity to Boise drives moderate demand, but the expansive terrain absorbs hunter pressure well. Non-resident odds are reasonable for controlled hunts.

Elk Hunting in Unit 44

Elk in Unit 44 occupy the timbered mountain terrain at the northern end of the unit where the Boise foothills gain enough elevation and tree cover to support a resident herd. While not a premier elk unit, Unit 44 offers a legitimate opportunity for Boise-area hunters to pursue elk close to home. The elk concentrate in the forested zones above 6,000 feet where Douglas fir and lodgepole provide the cover and feed they need.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 44

Elk in Unit 44 are concentrated in the timbered zones at higher elevations. The sage-country lower portions of the unit hold mule deer, not elk.

Timbered Drainages Above 6,000 Feet

The forested drainages in the northern and eastern portions of Unit 44 hold the resident elk herd. Douglas fir stands on north-facing slopes between 6,000 and 8,000 feet provide bedding cover. Elk move to small meadows and burn openings within the timber to feed. Focus on the transition zones where timber meets clearings.

Burn Recovery Areas in the Timber

Wildfire burns within the timbered zone create the best elk habitat in Unit 44. The regenerating ground cover provides excellent forage, and the standing dead timber offers partial cover. Elk gravitate to these burns for feeding and the adjacent unburned timber for security.

Water Sources in the Timber

In the drier climate of southern Idaho, water concentrates elk movement more than in the wetter northern units. Springs, seeps, and creek headwaters in the timber zone are reliable indicators of elk presence. Find water, find elk — especially during warm early season conditions.

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 44

Elk hunting in Unit 44 requires targeting the limited timbered zones where elk concentrate. It is a smaller hunting area than sprawling wilderness units, which can work to your advantage.

Targeted Drainage Hunting

With a smaller elk range than larger units, you can thoroughly learn one or two drainages and hunt them effectively. Scout before the season to identify which timbered drainages hold elk. Focus your efforts on the productive drainages rather than covering excessive ground.

Water Source Ambush

Set up near reliable water sources in the timber zone during warm early-season conditions. Springs with fresh elk sign, muddy trails, and wallows are key indicators. Position yourself downwind within shooting range during the midday period when elk move to water.

Burn Edge Morning Sits

Identify burn openings in the timber with fresh elk sign. Set up on the downwind timber edge before dawn. Elk feed in these openings under low light and retreat to standing timber as the sun rises. Be in position early — the window of opportunity is short.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle24%

Elk success in Unit 44 averages 10-15% for general season rifle hunters. The limited elk habitat concentrates both elk and hunters, creating competitive conditions. Controlled hunt success is higher at 18-25% due to reduced hunter numbers. Archery success runs 5-8%. The unit is not a top-tier elk destination, but it provides a legitimate opportunity close to Boise.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	270	3,078	8.8%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Elk tags in Unit 44 are primarily controlled hunt. Resident draw odds are moderate, typically requiring 2-5 points. Non-resident odds are tighter. The unit's proximity to Boise drives higher application rates than its elk quality might otherwise warrant. Some general season zones may have OTC tags available — check current regulations.

Moose Hunting in Unit 44

Unit 44 moose is a controlled OIAL hunt in Idaho's Magic Valley-Sawtooth fringe. Small Shiras moose populations concentrate in willow drainages and aspen edges at moderate elevation. Pre-season scouting to locate a specific bull is the single biggest success factor.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 44

Moose in Unit 44 are scattered and tied to water.

Willow Drainages

Beaver-worked creeks with willow are the core habitat.

Aspen Edges

Aspen pockets offer mid-day bedding.

Subalpine Bogs

Small bogs near timberline pull bulls at dawn.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 44

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Moose Success Rates

Unit 44 moose success typically runs 65-85% — strong, with failures usually weather-related or tied to a lack of pre-season work.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	2	62	3.2%	0

Data from 2022 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Moose is an Idaho OIAL species. Idaho runs a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points. Nonresidents compete inside the statewide 10% quota cap.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

Limited developed RV sites. Some BLM campgrounds in the foothills. Boise has full RV park options.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on BLM and forest land. Limited developed campgrounds. Most hunters camp at dispersed sites along county roads.

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Trailer Access

Main county roads handle trailers. BLM roads are generally flat but can be rutted. Scout before bringing large rigs.

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Water

Limited in the sage country. Carry water from town. Creek bottoms have seasonal water. Plan water caches for multi-day hunts.

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Road Conditions

County roads are gravel and generally passable in 2WD during dry conditions. After rain, clay roads can become impassable. 4WD recommended. Some BLM roads are rough two-track.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. The sage hills and juniper ridges are rolling terrain with moderate grades. Physical demands are lower than mountain units. Good for hunters of all fitness levels.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate to high during opening weekend. Decreases through the season. The open terrain disperses hunters. Private land interspersed with public can complicate access.

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Weather

Drier and warmer than mountain units. October highs 45-65°F. November cools to 30-50°F. Snow possible but less frequent than mountain units. Wind can be significant on the open ridges.

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Cell Service

Decent service in the foothills closer to Boise. Spotty in the more remote southern portions of the unit.

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Nearest Town

Boise (30-60 minutes to most hunting areas). Mountain Home to the south offers additional services.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 44 good for a first mule deer hunt?

Yes. Unit 44 is one of the best units in Idaho for a first mule deer hunt. The open terrain makes deer findable, the sage country is classic western hunting, OTC tags are available, and Boise is nearby for lodging and supplies. The moderate terrain suits hunters of all fitness levels.

What is the land ownership pattern in Unit 44?

Unit 44 has a checkerboard of public and private land typical of Idaho's southern foothills. BLM and state land provide public access, but private ranches are interspersed. Use a GPS mapping app with land ownership layers to identify ownership before your hunt. Some areas require landowner permission to access public parcels beyond.

When is the mule deer rut in Unit 44?

The rut typically peaks in mid to late November. Bucks become significantly more visible and active during daylight as they cruise for does. The November rifle season in Unit 44 is timed to overlap with pre-rut and peak rut activity, providing the best opportunities for mature bucks.

Is Unit 44 a good elk unit?

Unit 44 is not a premier elk destination. The elk habitat is limited compared to the Clearwater, Selway, or Sawtooth units. However, it provides a legitimate elk hunting opportunity close to Boise. If your priority is convenience and you have reasonable expectations, Unit 44 delivers a solid experience.

Where exactly are the elk in Unit 44?

Elk concentrate in the timbered drainages above 6,000 feet in the northern and eastern portions of the unit. The sage-covered foothills below 6,000 feet do not hold elk. Use satellite imagery to identify the forested zones and focus your scouting there.

Can I hunt elk and mule deer in Unit 44 on the same trip?

Yes, with separate tags. The elk timber and mule deer sage are in different elevation zones within the same unit. Hunt elk in the morning in the high timber and mule deer in the evening on the sage ridges. This combo approach is popular with Boise-area hunters.

Is Unit 44 moose OIAL?

Yes. All Idaho moose hunts are once-in-a-lifetime for the species.

Do I need 4WD?

Yes, strongly recommended. Many of the productive drainages are off rough forest spur roads.

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Sources & Verification

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

2025 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit-level season dates by weapon, Controlled hunt tag quotas, General hunt structure (OTC + zones), Mandatory reporting rules · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner (Interactive) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit season selector, Weapon, zone, hunt area filters, Public-land access overview · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner — Controlled Hunt Draw Odds — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Historical resident + nonresident draw odds, Odds by hunt number (year range selector), Applicant and quota counts · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG Hunt Planner — Hunt Statistics — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Per-unit harvest totals (antlered + antlerless), Hunter days and effort, Success rates by hunt type · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG State of Deer and Elk (Annual Report) — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Herd-level population estimates, Fawn:doe + calf:cow ratios, Winter weather impact · accessed 2026-04-16
Idaho Mule Deer Unit 44 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Draw odds / OTC availability, Public-access summary · accessed 2026-04-16
Idaho Elk Unit 44 Profile — GOHunt · supports: Hunter-community unit profile, Draw odds / OTC availability, Public-access summary · accessed 2026-04-16
IDFG — Moose Hunting — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: OIAL framework, Distribution · accessed 2026-04-17

Unit 44 (South Boise)

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 44

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 44

Sage-Covered Foothills (4,500–6,500 ft)

Juniper and Mountain Mahogany Ridges

Creek Bottom Corridors

How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 44

Mule Deer Success Rates

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Elk Hunting in Unit 44

Where to Find Elk in Unit 44

Timbered Drainages Above 6,000 Feet

Burn Recovery Areas in the Timber

Water Sources in the Timber

How to Hunt Elk in Unit 44

Elk Success Rates

Elk Draw Odds

Moose Hunting in Unit 44

Where to Find Moose in Unit 44

Willow Drainages

Aspen Edges

Subalpine Bogs

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 44

Moose Success Rates

Moose Draw Odds

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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