Idaho Mule Deer Elk

Unit 45

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Elk

Unit 45 mule deer 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

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 45

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 45

Mule Deer in Unit 45 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 Mule Deer in Unit 45

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Check IDFG Hunt Planner harvest statistics for the most recent success rates in Unit 45 by weapon type. Success varies year to year with weather, habitat conditions, and hunting pressure.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	113	2,270	5.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 45 controlled mule deer 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.

Elk Hunting in Unit 45

Elk in Idaho Unit 45 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.

Where to Find Elk in Unit 45

Elk distribution in Unit 45 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 45 Elk

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle11%

Harvest totals, hunter days, and success percentages for Unit 45 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	113	1,072	10.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 45 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.

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 45, 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 45.

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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 mule deer tag in Idaho Unit 45?

Controlled mule deer tags in Unit 45 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 45 mule deer?

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 I get a elk tag for Idaho Unit 45?

Unit 45 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 45?

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.

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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