Unit 31 in Idaho remains accessible and popular for archery and rifle elk hunting, but high hunter pressure due to easy ATV access and centralized public land often pushes elk onto private properties. While some hunters have expressed frustration about over-hunting and game management practices affecting elk populations, others have highlighted the potential of less crowded, rewarding spots in the more challenging terrains, specifically the breaks. These areas require a commitment to hiking but offer solitude and abundant wildlife, suggesting a strategic approach to hunt planning is key for success. Given the mixed sentiments about hunting pressure and game management, it's advisable hunters thoroughly research specific areas within the unit and prepare for potentially difficult terrain and the logistics of handling game far from access points.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Elk | 290"-320" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
A lot of elk and mule deer and a small number of whitetail deer are tagged every year by hunters in this unit, which borders Oregon. The unit is about half public land and borders the Snake River between Weiser and Brownlee Dam, taking in the western shore of 57-mile long Brownlee Reservoir.
This is one of the better elk units in the state for high quality bulls. Mule deer are heavily hunted during a general season with over-the-counter tags. The state issues a limited number of mule deer tags that allow rifle hunting for more than three weeks in November. There are also over-the-counter archery elk tags.
This unit borders the Snake River from Weiser to the Oregon border and then north to Brownlee Dam and includes the Hitt Mountains and all of their foothills and breaks. The entire 57-mile-long eastern shore of Brownlee Reservoir is in the unit. The mountains and breaks into the Snake River are steep in some areas. The steepest places are the sides of gulches and canyons. The eastern and southern slopes of the Hitt Mountains are not as steep above the flat and agricultural Shoe Peg Valley near Midvale, and the flat fields on the Snake River Plain west and northwest of Weiser.
About half the unit is public land, and most large tracts have road access. A good route into the area is Jackson Creek Road above Mann Creek Reservoir. It branches into a network of roads and ATV trails. Another good road is West Pine Road which leaves the unit’s eastern boundary, State Highway 71, at West Pine Creek and climbs the creek to the west, passes a campground and then accesses the network of backcountry roads. Access to the west side of the unit is possible by boat from Brownlee Reservoir and the Snake River upstream from the reservoir. A lot of the southern half of the unit is private, but there are large pieces of BLM and state land as well. The foothills east of the Hitt Mountains are mostly private and much of them are on BLM land. The northern part of the unit is mainly national forest and state land.
The Hitt Mountains are timbered with ponderosa pines and firs, mostly on the north and east slopes and in the high valleys. The western and southern slopes are mainly open and covered with Idaho fescue, prairie Junegrass, wheatgrass and other grasses as well as brush. In creek bottoms grow willows, birches, alders and other brush.
Roughly 599 square miles
49.5% public land
Elevations from 2,200-7,500 feet
Hunters may drive ATVs on designated roads
Four-wheel-drive vehicles with tire chains are recommended
Much private land in foothills and lowland
Hunters can camp along roads on public ground. Mann Creek State Park offers camping on the shores of Mann Creek Reservoir north of Weiser and west of U.S. Highway 95. Along Mann Creek farther into the HItt Mountains are several other campgrounds, including Spring Creek Campground, which is shaded by ponderosas and firs. Hunters in the north part of the unit sometimes camp in Woodhead Park, the largest campground in the Hells Canyon region with more than 65 acres and lots of RV sites and tent campsites. Fees are reduced after October. Lodging is available in Weiser. Options include Indianhead Motel & RV Park, Galloway House Bed & Breakfast, State Street Motel and Colonial Motel.