Idaho Mule Deer Moose

Unit 70

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer, Moose

Unit 70 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 70

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 70

Mule Deer in Unit 70 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 70

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Check IDFG Hunt Planner harvest statistics for the most recent success rates in Unit 70 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	184	1,947	9.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Unit 70 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.

Moose Hunting in Unit 70

Unit 70 in southeast Idaho's Caribou Range offers one of the state's premier Shiras moose hunts. We treat this tag as a true once-in-a-lifetime (OIAL) opportunity under Idaho law — if drawn, a hunter cannot reapply for moose. The unit has solid public access through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and holds mature bulls in willow-lined drainages.

Where to Find Moose in Unit 70

Shiras moose in Unit 70 concentrate along willow-bottomed creek drainages and in the aspen-fir mosaic of the Caribou Range.

Willow Bottoms

Creek bottoms with dense willow growth are prime feeding areas for bulls. Glass at dawn and dusk.

Aspen-Fir Transition

Mid-elevation aspen pockets between 6,500 and 8,000 feet hold cows and bulls during the rut.

Beaver Ponds

Active beaver ponds create ideal moose habitat — both feed and water in one package. Prioritize these on the map.

How to Hunt Moose in Unit 70

Moose hunting is slow, methodical, and rewarding. Spend pre-season time finding bulls and build a short list of backup plans.

Scout in August

Drive the logging roads and glass willow bottoms at first and last light. Log every bull you see with coordinates.

Sit the Feed

Set up on willow bottoms and sit patiently. Moose move little and feed for hours — a mature bull may bed in the same quarter-mile stretch for days.

Cow Calls in the Rut

During the rut (mid-to-late September), soft cow calls from downwind can pull a satellite bull into range.

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Moose Success Rates

Unit 70 moose success routinely runs 85-95% — the combination of limited tags, quality habitat, and moose behavior makes this one of Idaho's most productive moose hunts.

Moose Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	9	86	10.5%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Moose in Idaho are a once-in-a-lifetime (OIAL) tag — once drawn, a hunter cannot reapply. Idaho uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points, and nonresidents are capped at 10%. Unit 70 draw odds typically run 5-12% for residents and much tighter for nonresidents.

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 70, 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 70.

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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 70?

Controlled mule deer tags in Unit 70 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 70 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.

Is Idaho moose a once-in-a-lifetime tag?

Yes. If a hunter successfully draws any Idaho moose tag, they may not apply for moose again. Idaho treats moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep as OIAL species.

How do I plan meat pack-out on a moose hunt?

Plan multiple trips. A mature bull yields 500-700 pounds of boneless meat. Arrange game bags, pack frames, and potentially an outfitter or game cart in advance.

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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
IDFG Hunt Planner — Unit 70 Moose — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 70 moose hunt dates, Tag quota, OIAL rules · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 70 moose quota and season, OIAL restrictions · accessed 2026-04-17
Caribou-Targhee National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Access roads and trailheads, Wilderness area regulations, Campground listings · accessed 2026-04-17