Hunters in Idaho's Unit 46 express mixed experiences, with some significant changes noted due to new regulations and recent hunts affecting game sightings and success rates. The introduction of over-the-counter (OTC) hunts near private land since 2019 seems to have increased hunting pressure, making it challenging to spot elk and deer, especially during later dates. Experienced hunters suggest that scouting the unit, particularly around river bottoms, agricultural fields, and private land edges, is crucial for maximizing opportunities. Additionally, hunters should be prepared for variable success rates, as some reported difficulty spotting deer and elk, while others found antelope hunting particularly rewarding when drawing the correct tags. It's vital to stay informed on regulations and potential fluctuations in animal presence from year to year.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 120"+ |
| Elk | 300"-330" | 340"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Hunters can take mature elk, antelope and mule deer in this unit, which is on the south side of the Snake River and stretches east from the Bruneau River to U.S. Highway 93 west of Twin Falls.
This unit produces some big elk and a few big antelope. Deer hunters can buy tags over-the-counter and all bull elk tags, rifle or archery, are limited and controlled.
This is a big desert unit that stretches all the way from the Snake River to a mile from the Nevada line. Bruneau Valley and the deep, rugged gorges known as Bruneau Canyon and Jarbidge River Canyon are on the western edge, and the eastern edge is past Buhl. The land here is flat and hilly desert terrain cut with ravines, washes and rugged canyons and is in Twin Falls, Owyhee and Elmore counties.
Hunters have good access to public land in this area on a network of gravel and dirt roads. Motor vehicles are not allowed in Bruneau-Jarbidge Rivers Wilderness on the western edge. No hunting is allowed in Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument or on a central 12,200-acre sector of the 110,000-acre Saylor Creek Air Force Range. Most private land is in the north near the Snake River and along the eastern boundary of the unit.
Sagebrush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, wild grasses and low shrubs and forbs along with farm crops cover most of the unit. Cottonwoods grow along some river bottoms. Cattails and bulrushes and some low shrubs grow in and near marshes along the Snake River and the Bruneau River in some places. A lot of the land here is nearly barren. A lot of acres have been cleared by brush fires and grass fires.
Roughly 2,657 square miles
81.7% public land
Elevations from 2,400-5,800 feet
Most roads and trails are ideal for ATVs
Carry a GPS with land ownership data
Carry plenty of water, fuel and spare tires
Some hunters camp along dirt roads, which is allowed almost anywhere on public land in the unit. Three fee campgrounds are in Bruneau Dunes State Park in the northwestern corner. Lodging is available in towns on the edges of the unit or just outside the unit. Some options include Oregon Trail Inn in Buhl, 1000 Springs Resort in Hagerman and Trail Break RV Park in Glenns Ferry. A lot of hotels and motels can be found in Twin Falls.