The Salmon elk zone is found in eastern Idaho and along the Montana state line. This entire zone is very mountainous and steep. Terrain varies from open and sage-covered hillsides to heavily timbered slopes. Good populations of elk can be found here but hunting competition can be tight at times. Hunters will find that most of the zone is public land and access is generally not an issue.
This area is very steep and features ridgelines that climb for several thousand feet. Most of the country around the main Salmon River drainage is fairly open in terms of vegetation with small pockets of timber providing some cover for herds. Here, glassing will play a pivotal role in locating elk. In units 28 and 36B hunters will find a much higher density of timbered slopes and, in general, better early season elk habitat. Outfitters work heavily in this area but hunters on foot will still find little trouble in distancing themselves from crowds and competition. Physically traversing some of this area can be tough due to steepness and cliffs bands but overall is pretty straight forward.
Public land is in high supply here and hunters will find little trouble in locating huntable areas. Road access is decent but much of this area is roadless and remote. Foot travel or the use of livestock will provide the best options for accessing more remote country.