Unit 18 in Idaho offers a rugged hunting experience with steep terrain and challenging access, particularly influenced by forest fires and road gating during the archery season to manage hunting pressure. Hunters emphasize the need for thorough planning and flexibility, given the unpredictable weather and smoke conditions that can significantly impact visibility and air quality. For those considering applying, the unit operates under Idaho's unpredictable draw system, where patience could be essential due to random selection processes. Successful hunts appear to demand deep navigation into the wilderness away from crowded areas, often rewarding those who endure the challenging landscapes with encounters with elk and other wildlife like bear and mule deer, though awareness of potential competition from bear hunters using dogs and baiting is advised.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 280"-320" | 320"+ |
High
Low
This unit contains the Idaho part of the Hells Canyon Wilderness and many other steep, mountainous terrain that has quality elk and mule deer hunting. Hunters take a few whitetails every year.
This is one of the better units in Idaho for hunting mature mule deer. Hunters should expect physically difficult hunting, which is best away from roads.
This is the Hells Canyon big game management unit that is mostly public land in the Idaho and Adams counties. This unit contains part of the Salmon River drainage near Riggins and some high, rugged, rocky terrain known as the Seven Devils Mountains, topped by the twin He Devil and She Devil peaks, both reaching 9,420 feet above sea level. A lot of the terrain is composed of cliffs or steep, rugged mountains.
Roads are limited due to the steep terrain and the Hells Canyon Wilderness. No vehicles of any kind, including mountain bikes and deer carts are allowed in Hells Canyon Wilderness. U.S. Highway 95 runs along the eastern boundary of the unit. Toward the northern tip of the unit, U.S. 95 crosses the Salmon River into the unit and intersects Robinson Lane. Farther south, Race Creek Road leaves U.S. 95 at Race Creek and forks up the creek’s west and south forks. Hunters can reach Seven Devils Road off U.S. 95 at the mouth of Squaw Creek. Rapid River Road also leaves U.S. 95 farther south.
Most land above and below 3,500 feet is forested except for steep south and west-facing slopes, which are covered with grass or low brush. Common trees include conifers such as ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, larch, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Riparian plants grow along streams, creeks and rivers including willows, birches, hackberry bushes and alders. Some areas are covered with grasses and low brush such as snowberry, wild rose and bitterbrush. Some grasses are Idaho fescue, cheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. Mountains above 8,500 feet are open and rocky with scattered pines, firs and shrubs.
Roughly 282 square miles
76.4% public land
Elevations from 2,000-9,400 feet
Four-wheel drive is recommended in bad weather
ATVs are helpful but can not leave main roads
Plan on tough hikes or horseback rides to reach remote terrain
Some hunters float the Salmon or Snake rivers and hike up to hunt
Pittsburg Landing on the Snake River has 28 campsites. Hoots Motel and Café and Swiftwater RV Park & Store are near White Bird just outside the north end of the unit. Some primitive campgrounds are high in the mountains, such as Seven Devils Campground at the end of Seven Devils just outside the unit. Short Bar Campground is just east of Riggins on Big Salmon Road. Lodging available in Riggins includes Big Iron Motel, Riggins Motel, Salmon River Motel and Salmon Rapids Lodge.