Hunters discussing Idaho's Unit 11 and surrounding areas are focused on acquiring the most accurate and detailed maps for effective scouting and planning, highlighting resources like the Idaho Hunt Planner, MyTopo.com, and OnX for updates on ownership boundaries. There's a genuine concern about access restrictions potentially requiring an outfitter, though this isn't widely confirmed. Insights shared reveal hunters' successes and challenges, such as the variability in ram size and the rarity of Class IV rams in Unit 11, with anecdotes about impressive but rare larger harvests by auction tag and native hunters. Overall, the sentiment is positive with experienced hunters offering to share valuable insights with newcomers, fostering a collaborative community focused on informed and respectful hunting practices.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep | 165"-175" | 180"+ |
High
Low
Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep were reintroduced to this area, located along the Snake River, in 1983. The area now supports limited hunting with one tag issued yearly.
Hunters fishing and floating the Snake River usually see bighorn sheep and some big rams live in the area. The unit is known for producing some great rams, but has extremely low drawing odds.
This area includes land that drains into the Snake River from the Salmon River north. Hells Canyon is steep and rugged and gives way to the Snake River breaks in this area. The unit contains federal, state and private land, and much of it is inside the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Area.
Most of this hunting unit is inside the Craig Mountain Wildlife Management Unit, which consists of 115,000 acres of federal, state and tribal land. Although , most of the WMA is state-owned land, there is also BLM land, private inholdings and tribal land owned by the Nez Perce tribe. Hunters can hunt on Nez Perce land within the Craig Mountain WMA. Some roads are closed during winter or other seasons, and others are closed to motor vehicles. The main roads usually open to motor vehicles are Zaza, Eagle Creek and Deer Creek roads. Short Canyon, Redbird Creek and the Snake River breaks near them are all privately owned.
Some north slopes and the top parts of some ridges are forested with conifer species like ponderosa pine, grand fir, lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, western larch, Engelmann spruce and subalpine fir. Riparian plants like willows, birches, hackberry bushes and alders grow along streams, creeks and rivers. Many areas are covered with grasses and low brush, such as snowberry, wild rose and bitterbrush. The main grasses are Idaho fescue, cheatgrass and bluebunch wheatgrass. Most of the west and south-facing slopes are steep above the major rivers are open and grassy. Some of the northern slopes in Snake River Canyon are covered with brush or trees, mostly conifers. There are many cliffs and exposed rock ledges within this area.
Roughly 124 square miles
76.5% public land
Elevations from 1,300-5,300 feet
Four-wheel-drive recommended
ATVs are not necessary but could be helpful
Get permission to use ATVs on private land
Camping is available in Hells Gate State Park just four miles south of Lewiston. Lewiston has several hotels available, including national chains. Cedars Inns and Suites and Guesthouse Inn & Suites can also be found near this area. The Dog Bark Inn is located in Cottonwood. Hunters with RVs are welcome at Aht'wy RV Park in Lewiston.