Hunters familiar with Idaho's Unit 11A are highlighting a few key issues, notably the limited elk trophy potential. Reports suggest that the unit produces mostly raghorn bulls, with very few exceeding 300, indicating a need to adjust expectations on harvesting mature bulls. The area also experienced significant setbacks during the 2021 EHD outbreak, which severely impacted the whitetail deer population, leading to changes in hunting seasons; this underlines the importance of understanding current conditions and regulatory adjustments when planning a hunt. The unit's transition to draw-only for mule deer tags and the demand for updated, accurate information in hunting resources like GOHUNT underscore the essential nature of staying informed and confirming details before a hunt.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-320" | 320"+ |
High
Low
This mostly private unit is composed of prairie fields and pastures separated by deep creek drainages that are full of brush and trees. Hunters take whitetail bucks every year along with limited numbers of mule deer and elk.
Hunters with permission to hunt on private land can do well in this unit. Elk live in rough canyons and roam across the Camas Prairie. Hunters can harvest some mature whitetail bucks with over-the-counter tags. The youth mule deer season takes place during the rut and early winter.
Inside parts of Clearwater, Nez Perce, Lewis and Idaho counties this unit is mostly flat prairie land, but contains steep canyons that drain into the Clearwater River, like lower Cottonwood, Big and Little canyons, as well as some steep drainages near Kamiah and Kooskia, such as Lawyer Creek, Sevenmile Creek and Red Rock Creek.
Coulees full of brush and trees cut below the level of most of the fields and pastures. Wild grasses include various bunchgrass and Idaho fescue, as well as Asiatic cheatgrass on steep south and west-facing slopes. Wheat, lentils, peas, barley, oats, alfalfa and other crops are grown on farms. Timbered draws and canyons have pines, firs, cedars, birches, cedars, cottonwoods, hackberries and wild roses.
Roughly 826 square miles
2% public land
Elevations from 1,100-3,300 feet
Because most of the land is private, hunters should plan to get permission from private landowners. The Nez Perce Indian Reservation also has many scattered parcels of land here. Hunters have to have an Idaho hunting license and tag to hunt on private property inside the reservation. The largest piece of state land is only about 400 acres. There are some scattered parcels of BLM and state land, but some of them are landlocked by deeded ground that hunters need permission to cross.
Get landowners’ permission before bringing an ATV
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Public campgrounds can be found at Dworshak Reservoir, just off the northeastern corner of the unit. Canyon Creek and Freeman Creek campgrounds are nearest. Canyon Creek has 17 primitive sites and is free. Freeman Creek has more than 100 developed sites for a fee. Private RV parks and/or campgrounds are found in Kooskia, Granger, Craigmont and near Kamiah. Kooskia has several lodging options, including a couple of bed and breakfasts, Western Motor Inn and River Junction RV Park. River Dance Lodge, east of Kooskia on Highway 12, has rooms as well as cabins and luxury tents. Some lodging options in Kamiah include Heathstone Elegant Lodge, Clearwater 12 Motel and Kamiah Inn Motel. Motels in Grangeville include the Gateway Inn and the Evergreen Suites.