At a Glance
611Square Miles
25.8%Public Land
4,800 - 9,100Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- GPS with land ownership memory cards are recommended
- Hunt pockets away from public roads to find elk
- Some of the more remote areas can be physically challenging
Hunters in Unit 74, Idaho, report that understanding the terrain and timing of the season is crucial for success in this challenging area. The unit's steep and rugged landscape requires considerable physical preparation, which many find rewarding due to the quality of game present. Recent comments emphasize the importance of scouting, particularly to locate food sources and patterns of animal movement, which can change with the seasons. Moreover, hunters suggest that patience and persistence pay off, recommending that those new to the unit spend additional time familiarizing themselves with its specific characteristics and potential game behavior.
Largely private, this unit offers good numbers of mule deer and fair numbers of elk in the Fish Creek Range and part of the Portneuf Range. Much of the Fish Creek Range is BLM land, while a good percentage of the Portneuf Range is state land.
Mule deer thrive in this unit and are recovering from reductions caused by drought, severe winters, predation, overhunting and other factors. Elk hunters can buy archery tags over-the-counter or draw rifle tags.