Idaho Elk Mule Deer Moose

Unit 48

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk, Mule Deer, Moose

Idaho Unit 48 elk hunts are managed by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) through the state's controlled hunt system. Tags are issued by random draw, with applicants selecting a first and second choice hunt during the May application window. Review the IDFG big-game regulations and Hunt Planner for current season dates, weapon types, and historical draw odds specific to this unit.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 48

Where to Find Elk in Unit 48

Elk distribution in this unit follows the seasonal pattern typical of southeast Idaho's mountain-and-farmland interface. Focus on timbered north-facing slopes, aspen stringers, and ag-edge feeding areas. Early season hunters should work higher timbered country, while later hunts may concentrate on migration corridors.

Use the IDFG Hunt Planner map layer to identify public-land boundaries and access points before the season.

How to Hunt Unit 48

Plan your hunt around the controlled-hunt season dates and weapon type on your tag. Scout the unit ahead of opening day using onX or similar mapping tools to pre-mark glassing knobs, water sources, and access trails. Bugle and cold-call during the rut, then transition to still-hunting timber and ambush setups as pressure builds.

Be prepared for steep terrain and weather shifts.

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle0%

Archery11%

Controlled-hunt success rates in Idaho vary widely by unit, hunt number, and weapon. Check IDFG Hunt Planner statistics for the specific hunt code on your tag to see five-year trends. Weather and herd dynamics move success numbers substantially year to year.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	182	827	22.0%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 48 is a controlled-hunt tag drawn through IDFG's random selection process. Odds depend on resident vs. nonresident applicant pools, first- vs. second-choice preferences, and the annual tag quota. Run historical odds for your target hunt number on the IDFG Hunt Planner before building your application strategy.

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 48

Idaho GMU 48 covers the Palisades and Big Hole Mountain country along the Wyoming border. IDFG manages mule deer here under general-season tags and targeted controlled hunts. Controlled tags are drawn pure-random with a 10% nonresident quota. Season dates and weapon classes come from the current Idaho Big Game Seasons and Rules.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 48

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How to Hunt Unit 48

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Mule Deer Success Rates

IDFG harvest data for Unit 48 mule deer rifle tags typically shows 25% to 40% success. Tex Creek Zone mule deer herds are well-studied — we recommend pulling the most recent IDFG herd status report before applying.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	10	226	4.4%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Idaho runs a pure-random drawing — no bonus points. With about 652 applicants and 30 Unit 48 controlled-hunt tags over three years, resident odds sit near 5-8%. Nonresidents are capped at 10% of the pool. Confirm current odds with IDFG each spring.

Moose Hunting in Unit 48

Idaho GMU 48 covers the Salmon River country south of Salmon. Moose inhabit the willow drainages, beaver-pond complexes, and aspen bottoms across the unit. Moose are once-in-a-lifetime (OIAL) in Idaho — a successful applicant is permanently removed from the moose pool. IDFG allocates tags pure-random with a 10% nonresident quota.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 48

Unit 48 moose hold in the willow drainages along the Pahsimeroi and Lemhi tributaries, plus beaver-pond complexes in the Salmon NF country. We glass willow bottoms at first and last light and work wet meadow edges midday. Bulls wander wider during the rut.

How to Hunt Unit 48

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Moose Success Rates

Idaho moose controlled-hunt success runs 70% to 95% statewide. Pull the current IDFG harvest summary for Unit 48 before applying.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	3	69	4.3%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Moose are OIAL — drawn-and-issued tags remove you from the pool permanently. With roughly 172 applicants and 8 tags over three years, resident odds sit near 4-6%. Nonresidents face the 10% cap. Pure-random means no point-saving — apply every eligible year.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for an Idaho Unit 48 elk tag?

Apply through the Idaho Department of Fish and Game controlled-hunt application system during the posted May window. Choose a first and second choice hunt on your application.

Is Unit 48 an OTC or controlled hunt for elk?

Unit 48 is a controlled-hunt designation, so tags are issued by random draw rather than sold over the counter. Check the current IDFG big-game seasons and rules for exact hunt codes.

Does Unit 48 offer a general mule deer tag?

Yes — Idaho sells general-season mule deer tags for Unit 48 under the statewide framework. The 30-tag controlled hunt is a separate, more restrictive opportunity drawn pure-random.

Is the Tex Creek WMA open to hunting?

Yes, with seasonal access and vehicle rules set by IDFG. Review current WMA regulations before hunting.

How do wolves affect Unit 48 moose hunts?

Wolves are well-established across the Salmon River country. They influence moose distribution and can push cow-calf groups to thicker cover, but do not block productive hunts.

Is Idaho moose once-in-a-lifetime?

Yes. A successful moose tag permanently removes you from the Idaho moose applicant pool.

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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: Season structure, Weapon types, Unit-level regulations · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Controlled Hunts — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Controlled hunt application, Draw timeline, Tag quotas · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Hunt Planner — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Historical draw odds, Harvest statistics, Unit selection · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Season dates, Tag quotas, Nonresident 10% quota · accessed 2026-04-17
Caribou-Targhee National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Public-land holdings, Road access, Tex Creek WMA boundary · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Controlled Hunt Odds — Moose — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Moose applicant counts, Tag allocations, Pure-random draw outcomes · accessed 2026-04-17