Hunters in Idaho's Unit 7 are expressing concerns about the challenging conditions for elk hunting, citing low success rates and thick terrain that make encounters and harvests difficult. The elk population has been struggling with little signs of recovery, impacting hunter success despite the presence of potentially productive clear cuts. Information on spring bear harvests remains outdated, as updates hinge on state data release. For those considering hunting in Unit 7 during the October rifle season, connecting with outfitters offering pack-in services or investing extra effort into navigating the difficult terrain may yield better results.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 270"-300" | 300"+ |
Elk, whitetails and mule deer can be found in this unit, which borders Montana and is in the St. Joe River drainage.
This is a good destination for elk hunters who buy general season tags and want to find a mature bull. The roads and trails provide good access to public land. Some elk retreat to roadless canyons while some whitetails and muleys get big because there is so much escape cover.
Bordering Montana for about 50 miles and south of Interstate 90, this unit is in the Bitterroot Mountains. The St. Joe Wild and Scenic River bisects the unit from southeast to northwest, dropping in altitude about 2,500 feet until it runs past Avery at 2,487 feet above sea level. Most terrain is steep, especially right along the St. Joe River and along the Montana line. Along the Montana divide are some peaks that are more than 7,300 feet above sea level.
This unit is divided by the St. Joe National Wild and Scenic River. North and east of the river is entirely in the St. Joe National Forest. South and west of the river is a mixture of public and private timber land with much of it arranged in a checkerboard pattern. Much acreage on both sides of the river has been logged and has many logging roads and skid trails. Hunters can expect to be able to drive full-size vehicles on good roads. Some primitive roads will be restricted to ATVs or motorcycles. Other roads will be closed to all motor vehicles. Pick up a travel map at the Avery office of the St. Joe National Forest (phone: 208-245-4517). A good number of roadless canyons and the heavy timber cover in much of the area allow some bull elk to survive several hunting seasons.
Pines, firs, cedars, hemlocks and spruces cover the land except for some burns, meadows, brushy river bottoms and rocky areas. Some of the south slopes have been burned in forest fires, but most of the burned areas already have trees growing. Much of the private land has been logged recently enough that large areas are devoid of tall trees except for a few left behind by timber cutters. Some of these logged areas are full of grass for elk and moose, along with browse for deer.
Roughly 562 square miles
87.9% public land
Elevations from 2,500-7,800 feet
ATVs are handy on some roads
Some trails are restricted to motorcycles
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
More than a dozen campgrounds are in the St. Joe River area. The Forest Service provides details online. Many campgrounds are subject to closure in bad weather after Labor Day. Most hunters camp along roads on public land. Cabins by the Joe and RV Park, formerly Swiftwater Lodge, offers cabins and RV parking (phone: 425-773-3724).