Unit 74X (74X)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Elk

Hunt 74X is a depredation-style elk hunt in southeastern Idaho's Unit 74 with extended seasons and higher tag counts to manage elk pressure on agricultural edges. We like this tag for meat hunters and late-season opportunities near the Palisades and Caribou Range. It is drawn through Idaho's pure random lottery.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 74X

Where to Find Elk in Hunt 74X

Elk in 74X concentrate along agricultural edges and in the timber pockets immediately adjacent to ranch country.

Agricultural Edges

Elk feed on alfalfa and winter wheat in the bottoms and retreat to nearby timber at sunrise.

Timber Pockets Near Private

Public-land timber pockets adjacent to private ag ground are the best access points — hunt the edges at first light.

Mid-Elevation Transition

Mid-elevation mountain mahogany and aspen belts hold herds mid-day.

How to Hunt 74X

Focus on the ag-timber interface and hunt the windows when elk cross between feed and cover.

Dawn Ambush

Set up on public land overlooking the timber edge before first light. Elk returning from ag will pass within range.

Access-Yes Properties

Many private ranches participate in Idaho's Access Yes program. Check the IDFG map and secure permission ahead of the hunt.

Late-Season Snow Push

A late snow storm pushes elk hard into lower winter range — be in position when that happens.

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Elk Success Rates

Hunt 74X rifle success routinely runs 40-60%, with antlerless opportunities skewing higher. Archery holders run 15-25%.

Elk Draw Odds

Season	Tags	Applicants	Draw %	Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled	196	348	56.3%	0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

Idaho uses a pure random draw with no preference or bonus points, and a 10% nonresident cap. Hunt 74X generally draws well for residents — often 60-80% — because of the high tag count relative to applicant pool.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

Planning Notes

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RV Sites

RV parks in Idaho Falls and Swan Valley provide full hookups.

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Camp Sites

Dispersed camping on Caribou-Targhee NF. Developed campgrounds near Palisades Reservoir.

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Trailer Access

Highway access is excellent. Spur roads near ag country are typically graded gravel.

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Water

Good along the Snake River and tributaries.

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Road Conditions

Mostly paved and graded gravel. 4WD useful for muddy late-season conditions.

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Terrain Difficulty

Easy to moderate. Rolling ranch country with some steeper timber pockets.

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Hunting Pressure

Moderate. Tag quotas are higher, but access windows are limited by private land.

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Weather

Late-season hunt — expect cold days and potential snow. Bring cold-weather gear.

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Cell Service

Good along main highways; drops off in the timber.

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Nearest Town

Idaho Falls for full services. Swan Valley, Irwin, and Ririe for basics.

Pro Members Only

Unlock logistics for Hunt 74X

Upgrade to Pro — $49/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Hunt 74X a depredation hunt?

Yes — 74X is a management hunt designed to reduce elk impacts on agricultural lands. Seasons and tag quotas are typically more generous than standard hunts.

Do I need private-land permission for Hunt 74X?

Not strictly — there is public land in the unit — but hunters who secure Access Yes or written permission on adjacent ranches significantly boost their success.

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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 Hunt Planner — Hunt 74X — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 74X dates, Tag quota, Weapon and area rules · accessed 2026-04-17
2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 74X rules, Depredation hunt structure · accessed 2026-04-17
IDFG Harvest Statistics — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Hunt 74X success rates, Harvest by season, Hunter days · accessed 2026-04-17