At a Glance
Quick Tips
- Trout fishing is good in Ririe Reservoir
- Bowhunters: Buy an elk tag
- Contact landowners and leaseholders for trespass permits
- Carry a GPS unit land ownership data
Terrain
Access
Historical Temperatures
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Moose in this unit live on a mixture of public, tribal and private land between Blackfoot Reservoir and Idaho Falls.
Some big moose are taken in the mountains south and southeast of Idaho Falls. Moose average about 38” in antler spread. Occasionally a hunter takes an exceptional bull in the range of 45-50”
This area stretches between Blackfoot Reservoir and Idaho Falls and includes Blackfoot Mountain, Paradise Valley, Cranes Flat, Sheep Mountain and part of the Fort Hall Indian Reservation. Flat land and rolling hills make up a lot of the terrain. Most moose are found in mountains such as the Birch Creek Mountain/Blue Ridge Area. A few other high ridges rise above the grassy flats.
Most public property is composed of scattered state and BLM parts that are surrounded by private land. This unit is west of the Grays Lake-Long Valley-Bone-Iona Road which provides access to some land. Hunters who have horses can reach some mountainous terrain like on Blue Ridge, and other parts of the unit can be reached from public roads.
Ridges and mountains are covered with a mixture of brush and trees. Brush includes sagebrush, bigtooth maple, serviceberry and chokecherries. Trees are mostly aspens and conifers such as pines, firs and junipers. Mahoganies cover some slopes. The flats and low foothills are a blend of wild grasses, sagebrush, bitterbrush and forbs. Willows and birches grow along creek beds.
A lot of lodging options are in nearby towns and cities, including Idaho Falls. The Hotel on the Falls is on the west bank of the Snake River near the falls. Camping is allowed at Juniper Campground near Ririe Reservoir. Six campgrounds are on the Tex Creek Wildlife Management Area.
Roughly 971 square miles
19.8% public land
Elevations from 4,600-7,500 feet
Hunters can drive ATVs only on roads built for full-size vehicles
The Fort Hall Indian Reservation is closed to public hunting
Four-wheel drive is recommended