GOHUNT's Unit 36A in Idaho offers a varied and information-rich hunting experience, revealing insights based on hunter discussion. There is an interest in tracking antlerless harvest statistics to gauge impacts on draw odds and hunt quality. Hunters need clarity on regulation nuances such as weapon use and boundary restrictions, as well as equipment requirements, particularly for archery. The unit presents challenges with high hunter density and competition, especially during popular hunting times, indicating the importance of strategic planning and location scouting. Additionally, the discourse reveals that the area can be pressured, potentially leading hunters to private lands or less accessible areas, while drought conditions have reportedly impacted game numbers. For those planning a hunt, engaging with local hunters or utilizing guides could offer invaluable insights and improve success rates.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-130" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
South of Challis, this unit varies greatly from low desert flats and foothills, to deep canyons and some of the highest peaks in Idaho. This area holds pronghorn antelope, elk, mule deer and a few whitetail deer.
Hunters in this unit are usually within sight of some of Idaho's tallest mountains, all of which are more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
The northern tip of this unit is just south of Challis and has terrain varying from flat desert lowlands to some of the highest, rockiest and most rugged mountains in the state. Some high points exceed 10,000 feet in elevation. The mountains contrast with Antelope Flats, farm fields, river bottoms and barren foothills in the northern and eastern parts of the area, where elevations are as low as 5,000 feet. Between these extremes are countless ridges, foothills, draws and mountains that are mostly between 6,000 and 8,000 feet above sea level.
Road access starts from U.S. Highway 93 south east of Challis and Idaho Route 75 southwest of town. Many interior roads intersect the main routes, including Bradbury Flat Road, Spar Canyon Road and East Fork Road, which in turn lead to many other public roads, some of which lead toward high mountains. Beaver Creek Road outside the unit gives access to Boulder Peak, which is near Silver Peak, saving hikers a lot of climbing.
The western and northern parts of the unit are covered with sagebrush and wild grasses. Willows and cottonwoods line much of the Salmon River. Fields planted in grass hay, alfalfa and other crops are along the river and Warm Springs Creek. Pines and firs grow on north and east-facing slopes above 7,000 feet. Above 8,000 feet and below timberline spruces, pines and subalpine firs grow. Lichens, grasses, mosses, willows, wildflowers, forbs and shrubs grow above timberline among rock formations, talus slopes, cliffs and rock slides.
Roughly 772 square miles
97.2% public land
Elevations from 5,000-10,500 feet
Good road access to almost all public land except for wilderness
Hunters may drive ATVs only on roads used by full-size vehicles
Four-wheel-drive is recommended on dirt roads
Some hunters camp along dirt roads. Several primitive campgrounds are along Idaho Route 75 along with a couple of private facilities: Old Sawmill Station in Clayton and nearby May Family Ranch. The BLM has a primitive Herd Lake campsite and overlook below Herd Lake. Lodging is available in Challis, Stanley and Ketchum/Sun Valley.
Lodging in Challis
Lodging in Stanley
Lodging in Ketchum and Sun Valley
Pioneer Motel and RV Park
Watermark Inn
Northgate Inn Motel
Sawtooth Hotel
Stanley High Country Inn
Mountain Village Resort
Knob Hill Inn
Tamarack Lodge