Unit 37A in Idaho presents both challenging and rewarding hunting experiences, particularly for those targeting elk or mule deer. Hunters frequently highlight the steep and rugged terrain, suggesting that success often comes to those willing to venture far from roads and endure physical demands, resulting in encounters with quality game amidst low density. Access can be constrained due to the many roads crossing private property, necessitating careful planning for entry points, particularly using roads from the north via Highway 28. Successful hunting strategies often involve focusing efforts around vegetation near streams and understanding the variable pressure from neighboring Unit 29, urging hunters to consider locations further north where access is more limited and pressure potentially reduced.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 160"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 110"-120" | 130"+ |
| Elk | 280"-310" | 310"+ |
| Antelope | 60"-70" | 70"+ |
High
Low
Mule deer, elk and antelope can be found in this area. This unit is the west side of the Lemhi Range for about 45 miles and parts of the Pahsimeroi Valley below. Whitetails are uncommon.
Elk hunters must draw tags to hunt during a rifle season that starts during the rut. The chances of taking a six-point or bigger bull are good.
Starting about 20 miles south of Salmon, this unit covers about 45 miles of the west side of the Lemhi Range and part of the Pahsimeroi Valley. The valley is mostly flat land between 5,000 and 6,250 feet above sea level. The Salmon River runs from about 4,630 feet in elevation at Ellis down to less than 4,400 feet near Elk Bend. Above the Salmon River are steep breaks with rock outcroppings and some fields and barren foothills. The foothills rise to mountains that rise to peaks and ridges that are higher than 9,000 feet with the highest points exceeding 11,000 feet.
Land is largely public with good road access to trailheads in the high country, which is mostly roadless. Private holdings are minimal and do not interfere with access to most hunting sites. Many public roads lead into the mountains, most of them up canyon bottoms. Hunters must hike or ride horses to reach most mountains above 9,000 feet. ATVs are allowed on roads, but are not allowed off road or on any trail that is not designed for full-size vehicles.
Willows, cottonwoods and riparian brush grow along the Salmon River and on lowlands along tributaries of the Pahsimeroi River, such as Mill Creek. Above the fields are thousands of acres of sagebrush and wild grass pastures and foothills. Aspens, junipers, mahoganies, Douglas firs and other conifers grow in draws and higher parts of foothills. Higher still are spruce, fir and pine forests, some of them sparse and some of them dense. Few trees grow above 9,500 feet. Above trees are bushes, shrubs, forbs and wild grasses or barren rock. Stable rock formations support lichens and mosses.
Roughly 349 square miles
93.9% public land
Elevations from 4,400-11,000 feet
ATVs are helpful on some rough roads
Four-wheel-drive is needed on some canyon roads
Consult the Salmon-Challis National Forest for vehicle maps
Some hunters camp along roads, while some hunters backpack or ride horses into the backcountry and sleep in small backpack tents or wall tents. Royal Gorge Resort offers rustic cabins and RV camping at the northwest edge of the unit (phone: 208-876-4130). Forest Service campgrounds are on Morse and Big creeks inside the area. Many lodging options are in Salmon, which is about 20 miles from the northern end of the unit. Some options include:
Sacajawea Inn is hunter-friendly
Syringa Lodge (phone: 208-756-4424)
Stagecoach Inn is next to the Salmon River
Williams Lake Campground, which has a boat ramp and offers trout fishing
Heald’s Haven RV Campground east of Williams Lake
Shoup Bridge Campground on Williams Creek Road near Lemhi
Cougar Point Campground on the North Fork of Williams Creek