Hunters report mixed experiences in Idaho's Unit 56, citing the terrain's beauty and ruggedness, but expressing frustration with the low visibility of game, particularly bucks, which seem pressured and move to private lands during the season. While some find the deer on public land highly pressured and mostly nocturnal, others see an opportunity in pushing through the dense cover with a partner. A couple of hunters noted that Kossman Canyon could be a productive area to spot deer and moose, despite the overall scarcity. For those planning a hunt here, it's crucial to be prepared for strenuous hikes and the possibility of encountering few deer, with suggested strategies including early glassing on eastern slopes and exploring less accessible areas.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | Little-to-none | N/A |
| Elk | 290"-320" | 320"+ |
| Antelope | 65"-75" | 75"+ |
High
Low
Elk and mule deer live on public and private land in this unit with the low Sublett Range and the Raft River and Rockland valleys in the area.
There are a lot of mule deer and limited numbers of elk in this unit. Big bucks are rare, but taken occasionally and mainly on private land. This is not a good unit to hunt whitetail deer because numbers are extremely low. Hunters have to draw rifle elk tags.
The Sublett Range, a few isolated mountains and the Raft River and Rockland valleys can be found in this unit. The Sublett Range is steep in some places, but not rugged. Most of the Sublett Range is in the Sawtooth National Forest. This area has parts of three counties: Cassia, Power and Oneida. A big piece of this land is in the Curlew National Grasslands.
The main part of the Sublett Range is public land with the Sawtooth National Forest managing the central portion and the BLM managing most of the southern end and some of the northern end, which is largely private. A lot of the southern part of the unit is in Curlew National Grasslands. Part of the Sublett Range has been designated the Minidoka Forest State Bird Sanctuary, which is open to hunting. Most land below 5,500 feet in elevation is private, but the BLM manages part of Raft River Valley. Roads provide access to the largest pieces of public land. Hunters cannot drive in Unit 56 except on roads that are designed for and open to full-size vehicles. This rule applies east of Interstate 84. Most roads are accessible to two-wheel-drive vehicles until snow falls.
Sagebrush, greasewood, rabbitbrush, wild grasses and low shrubs and forbs grow on lowlands and foothills along with junipers. Cottonwoods, willows, birches and alders and other riparian brush grow along creeks and in some washes. South slopes in the mountains are mostly open, covered with grass and various shrubs with stands of mahoganies, junipers and aspens. Brush species include bitterbrush, chokecherry and serviceberry. Most north slopes above 6,500 feet are forested with Douglas firs, spruces, pines and aspens. Alfalfa, grass hay and grains are the main crops grown in private farm fields, which are common in the valleys. Most irrigated fields are in the northwestern, northeastern and southern corners of the unit.
Roughly 904 square miles
49% public land
Elevations from 4,400-7,500 feet
Carry a GPS with land ownership data
ATVs are not necessary
Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended
Some hunters camp along dirt roads, which is allowed almost anywhere on public land in the unit. American Falls is a few miles northeast of the unit and has Indian Springs Resort & RV Park, which has a large hot pool. Bingham County provides RV sites and tent sites at Sportsmans Park near American Falls Reservoir. Several motels are in American Falls. The Forest Service maintains Curlew Campground about 10 miles south and west of Holbrook. The campground is usually open through November. Sublett Campground is a few miles east of Sublett Reservoir. Mill Flat Campground has seven sites that are usually open through October. The campground is on Haigler Canyon Road about 16 miles east of Yale Road.