At a Glance
1,517Square Miles
100%Public Land
3,800 - 8,700Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Fish for steelhead and trout in the Middle Fork of the Clearwater River
- Bring a GPS and extra batteries
- No cell phone service
The feedback regarding Unit 17 in Idaho suggests hunters find it challenging but rewarding. Many highlight its rugged and steep terrain, which demands physical fitness and preparation. Despite these challenges, the unit is noted for its healthy population of elk and deer, making it a worthwhile pursuit for those seeking a formidable yet fruitful hunting experience. Hunters emphasize the importance of understanding the seasonal movements and behaviors of game in this area, offering advice to plan hunts accordingly for better success.
This is the largest unit in the Selway Elk Management Zone and includes hundreds of square miles of two wilderness areas famous for elk hunting — Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return. Mule and whitetail deer also live here.
This is one of the few places in the West where hunters who buy over-the-counter rifle tags can hunt bull elk during the rut and also in October and November. Hunters rarely take a trophy size mule deer or whitetail deer, but can enjoy a long season. Hunting on main trails can be crowded, especially in September. Slightly more than half of bucks taken by hunters are whitetail deer. Most of the unit is so remote that pack animals are necessary.