Unit 45 in Idaho presents significant challenges for hunters due to the prevalence of private and agricultural land, which limits access to game, particularly for archery hunts. Hunters often report pressure from high tag numbers and difficulty in securing landowner permission, with many deer and elk taking refuge in private areas. The unit's arid and hot conditions exacerbate these issues, as game tends to stay near agricultural lands for resources, making hunts on public land less fruitful. Those considering this unit are advised to prepare for limited access and potentially low success rates and may wish to explore other units for a more traditional hunting experience or seek local contacts to improve access prospects.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 160"-180" | 190"+ |
| Elk | 290"-320" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Hunters have the opportunity to take a mature bull elk in this area, big mule deer and trophy-size antelope can also be found in this unit, which encompasses the Mount Bennett Hills and several wilderness study areas.
This unit is best known for producing big mule deer that get a chance to grow big because of limited hunting pressure.
Mostly public land is managed by the BLM, this unit is north of the Snake River from south of Mountain Home to Bliss and is west and north of Gooding. Mount Bennett Hills, McKinney Butte Area of Critical Environmental Concern, Camas Prairie and Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area are in this unit. The BLM manages a number of wilderness study areas, including Little City of Rocks, Black Canyon, Gooding City of Rocks East, Gooding City of Rocks West, Deer Creek and King Hill Creek.
Most of this land is private, especially farms near towns and pastures near the farm land. A lot of this unit is composed of BLM land served by a network of roads that are open to all motor vehicles. No driving is allowed in wilderness study areas.
Most of the land is covered with grass or sagebrush. Farms are mainly planted in alfalfa and grass hay. The high parts of the Mount Bennett Hills are timbered with pines and firs with willows and mountain maple and alders can be found in some areas of the unit. Some lower ridges and draws have junipers and mahoganies. Cottonwoods grow along waterways.
Roughly 1,300 square miles
64.7% public land
Elevations from 3,000-7,800 feet
Hunters can drive ATVs only on roads built for full-size vehicles
Four-wheel-drive is recommended in wet weather
Hunters have to use short-range weapons on CJ Strike Wildlife Management Area
A lot of hunters camp along dirt roads on public land, which is allowed. The BLM has nine semi developed campsites at Magic Reservoir in the bordering Unit 52. No drinking water is provided. However, Gooding has several lodging options like Gooding Hotel Bed & Breakfast and University Inn and Resort. Mountain Home has a KOA campground and several motels, including Mountain Home Inn.