The hunters' conversations convey a mix of confusion and insight about Idaho's Unit 41, with some pointing out discrepancies between regulation books and on-the-ground realities. Key takeaways include the importance of e-scouting and understanding private land boundaries, as accessing public lands can be challenging despite the high percentage of public territory. While some sections may feel crowded during hunting seasons like the second archery for antelope, there are still opportunities to find game through strategic planning and persistence. The dialogue also emphasizes the need for up-to-date information, such as the correct hunting dates and tags, underscoring the importance of verifying official sources like the Idaho Fish and Game website for the most accurate regulations and draw odds.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | 300"-320" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
This area is part of the famed Owyhee desert country of southwestern Idaho and surrounds the Duck Valley Indian Reservation. This unit has limited numbers of elk, pronghorn antelope, whitetails and a healthy number of mule deer.
This area holds trophy size elk, mule deer, whitetails and antelope for hunters who draw special tags. General deer tag holders are restricted to bucks with no more than two points on an antler. Whitetails can be found along the Snake and Bruneau rivers.
This area is made up of flat and hilly desert terrain cut with ravines, washes and rugged canyons. A lot of the land is dry and brown in the fall except for the irrigated fields in the north, the hills and marshes in the reservation, the northern and eastern sides of mesas or tables and the greenery along waterways such as Bruneau River, Owyhee River, the Snake River and Sheep Creek. The highest terrain is along the Nevada line on the reservation where some high flats and hills exceed 7,000 feet with a small area over 7,500 feet.
Sagebrush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, wild grasses and low shrubs and forbs cover most of the unit. Junipers, maple brush and aspens growing on some of the higher hills above 6,000 feet in elevation, the north sides of mesas and the sides of river gorges. Cottonwoods and willows grow along some river bottoms. Cattails, bulrushes and some low shrubs grow in and near marshes. Farm lands in the north are planted in alfalfa, grass hay, dry farm grains and other crops.
Roughly 2,409 square miles
81.7% public land
Elevations from 2,700-7,800 feet
Some hunters camp along dirt roads, which is allowed almost anywhere on public land in the unit. Wilderness hunters usually stay in backpack tents. Campgrounds are in Duck Valley Indian Reservation and near the Snake River in the north. Mountain View Reservoir Campground offers RV and tent sites at low fees in the reservation. Three fee campgrounds are in Bruneau Dunes State Park east of CJ Strike. Several motels are in Mountain Home, including Mountain Home Inn.
Hunters have good access to public land in this unit on a network of gravel and dirt roads. Motor vehicles are not allowed in wilderness areas or in some remote sections outside the wilderness. Most private land is in the north near the Snake River and CJ Strike Reservoir. The main road in the interior is Idaho Highway 51.
A map of Little Jacks Creek Wilderness is available online
Many roads and trails are ideal for ATVs
Carry a GPS