At a Glance
2,055Square Miles
95.7%Public Land
2,800 - 7,500Elevation Range
Quick Tips
- Bring a shotgun to hunt upland game
- Carry spare tires, extra water and supplies
- Watch for rattlesnakes in warm weather
Hunters discussing Idaho's Unit 42 generally emphasize its challenging terrain and recommend being physically prepared to tackle steep areas and cover large distances. Many note that game, particularly mule deer, tend to inhabit higher elevations, with success often depending on pre-scouting the unit before the season starts. While some users mention the difficulty of drawing tags due to high demand, those who invest the time to study the unit experience rewarding hunts. Overall, experienced hunters advise patience and persistence, suggesting a thorough understanding of deer behavior and seasonal movement patterns as key to success in this region.
California bighorn sheep have expanded in this area from more than the 100 sheep released. Sheep in this area can be found living in the rough terrain along the South Fork Owyhee and Owyhee Rivers and their tributaries.
This is a great place for hunters to take sheep, but be prepared for remote desert terrain. Hunters consistently take mature rams because sheep can be found throughout the small parts of the unit, where they spend most of their time.