Hunters discussing Idaho's Unit 47 highlight a mixed outlook, noting discrepancies in harvest statistics between GOHUNT and IDFG's data, which may affect planning. While the unit was once highly regarded, recent experiences suggest it isn't as productive, especially for deer hunting, unless one targets does or utilizes local farming contacts. Reports of abundant wildlife, including elk, deer, and even predators like mountain lions, indicate diversity, but also emphasize the need for updated management to restore former glory. Hunters advise leveraging access to water sources near agriculture for elk, understanding property boundaries, and having offline maps due to the mix of private and public land.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 150"-170" | 180"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | Little-to-none | N/A |
| Elk | Raghorn-290" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
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Not one of the biggest units in Idaho, but a lot of this land in this area is public with land managed by the BLM and the state. Hunters can take mature elk, antelope and mule deer in this unit.
This unit produces some big elk and a few big antelope. Deer hunters can buy archery tags over-the-counter and all bull elk tags, rifle or archery, are limited and controlled.
A desert unit with some rough hills, this unit is in Owyhee and Twin Falls counties on the Nevada border and east of U.S. Highway 93. The northern edge of the unit is mainly flat desert land with some rolling foothills. Most of the land here is dry and brown in the fall except for irrigated fields.
A lot of this land in this area is public with land managed by the BLM and the state. Hunters have good access to public land in this unit on a network of gravel and dirt roads. The northeastern corner is private, as well as most of the land along Horse Creek and its forks, Cherry Creek, Taylor Canyon, Deadwood Creek, Big Flat Creek and Three Creek.
Sagebrush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, wild grasses and low shrubs and forbs and farm crops cover most of the area. Willows, a few trees and scattered junipers grow in some cuts and on some slopes. Cottonwoods can be found near some river bottoms. Cattails and bulrushes and low shrubs grow in and near marshes along the Snake River and the Bruneau River. A lot of the land is almost barren. Many acres have been cleared by brush and grass fires.
Roughly 346 square miles
74.2% public land
Elevations from 4,900-7,400 feet
Hunters cannot not drive ATVs, except on roads open to all vehicles
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. The BLM operates a campsite, Lud Drexler Park, just above the Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir dam. To reach it from Twin Falls, travel six miles west on Idaho Highway 30, then 30 miles south on U.S. Highway 93 to Rogerson, then 8 miles west on Three Creek Road. There is no nearby lodging, but hotels and motels can be found in Twin Falls.