The Big Desert Zone is found in south-central Idaho and just north of Twin Falls. This area is very open and generally flat. Good public access here but a large portion of unit 52A is comprised of the Craters of the Moon. Hunting is not permitted in the Craters of the Moon monument areas but is allowed within the preserve- although very little of this area will hold elk. Agricultural areas will be found along the southern end of 52A and the eastern edge of 68 which will generally provide the best opportunities for elk but private access will need to be granted.
Overall, the terrain in these units is very open with the predominant makeup being low lying flatlands. Sagebrush grows in great abundance here and can hinder glassing efforts at times. Physically traversing the area will not be difficult for the most part but physical conditioning will still be important when covering long distances. Very little in the way of tree cover will be found in either unit.
Public access is good in both units but hunts will need to watch the boundaries of the Craters of the Moon National Monument in 52A. County and farm roads can be found throughout both units will provide the best access options into more remote areas. When targeting herds around or in agricultural areas hunters will need to first seek private permissions.