Idaho Unit 70 Elk Hunting Guide

Idaho Unit 70 represents one of the state's most accessible elk hunting opportunities for both residents and nonresidents. Located in southeastern Idaho, this 242,878-acre unit offers a balanced mix of public and private land with 61% public access, making it an attractive destination for DIY hunters seeking elk hunting without the barriers of wilderness restrictions or extremely competitive draws.

The unit spans elevations from 4,387 to 8,703 feet, providing diverse habitat from lower elevation sagebrush country to higher timbered ridges. This elevation range creates varied hunting conditions and allows elk to move between different habitat types throughout the season. With zero wilderness designation, hunters can access all areas without guide requirements, making Unit 70 particularly appealing to nonresident hunters planning self-guided adventures.

HuntPilot Analysis

Unit 70 presents a solid opportunity for elk hunters, particularly those seeking consistent action over trophy potential. The harvest data from HuntPilot reveals encouraging success rates, with 2023 showing 25% success among 866 hunters, 2024 posting 22% success with 953 hunters, and 2025 dropping to 18% success with 1,262 hunters. The declining success rate correlates with increased hunter participation, suggesting the unit's growing popularity may be impacting harvest rates.

The unit shows moderate trophy potential based on historical records from counties overlapping this area. While trophy-class bulls have been taken from this region, hunters should approach Unit 70 with realistic expectations focused on hunting experience and meat harvest rather than wall-hanger aspirations. The combination of accessible terrain, decent elk populations, and manageable hunting pressure makes this unit worth considering for hunters prioritizing opportunity over trophy size.

For residents, Unit 70 offers an affordable elk hunting option with relatively straightforward access. The $37 tag fee represents excellent value for a controlled hunt experience. Nonresidents face steeper costs at $652 for the tag plus associated fees, but the unit's accessibility and consistent elk populations provide reasonable value for an out-of-state elk adventure.

The 61% public land percentage ensures adequate access for DIY hunters, though success often depends on hunter effort and willingness to explore beyond easily accessed areas. The lack of wilderness restrictions means hunters can use motorized vehicles on appropriate roads and trails throughout the unit, reducing the physical demands compared to wilderness elk units.

Harvest Success Rates

Recent harvest statistics from Unit 70 demonstrate the unit's elk hunting potential while revealing important trends. In 2023, 866 hunters harvested 217 elk for a 25% success rate. The 2024 season saw increased participation with 953 hunters taking 205 elk, resulting in a 22% success rate. The most recent 2025 data shows continued growth in hunter numbers to 1,262, but with only 221 elk harvested for an 18% success rate.

This three-year trend indicates rising hunter pressure is impacting success rates. The 32% increase in hunter participation from 2023 to 2024, followed by another 33% jump in 2025, suggests Unit 70's reputation for elk opportunity is attracting more applicants. However, the corresponding decline in success rates from 25% to 18% over this period demonstrates how increased hunting pressure can affect harvest outcomes.

The total harvest numbers remain relatively stable despite fluctuating hunter participation, with 217 elk in 2023, 205 in 2024, and 221 in 2025. This consistency suggests the elk population can support current harvest levels, but the declining per-hunter success rate indicates hunters may need to work harder for opportunities as competition increases.

For hunters evaluating Unit 70, these statistics suggest reasonable elk encounters are likely, but success increasingly depends on hunter skill, effort, and strategy. The unit continues to produce elk harvests, but hunters should prepare for potentially more challenging conditions due to increased hunting pressure.

Trophy Quality

Unit 70 demonstrates moderate trophy potential based on historical trophy records from counties within the unit boundaries. While the area has produced trophy-class elk over the years, hunters should approach this unit with measured expectations regarding trophy size.

The trophy history indicates consistent but not exceptional production of large bulls. Trophy-class animals have been documented from this region across multiple decades, showing the area's capability to produce mature bulls under the right conditions. However, the moderate assessment suggests these opportunities are limited compared to Idaho's premier trophy units.

Hunters focused primarily on trophy hunting might find better opportunities in Idaho's more restrictive limited-entry units. Unit 70 appears better suited for hunters seeking a balance of reasonable elk encounters and the possibility of a mature bull, rather than those exclusively targeting record-book animals.

The accessible nature of Unit 70, with its significant public land percentage and lack of wilderness restrictions, means trophy-class bulls likely experience consistent hunting pressure. Mature bulls in easily accessible units typically exhibit more cautious behavior and may require specialized hunting strategies to encounter successfully.

For hunters willing to invest significant effort in scouting and hunting the unit's more remote areas, trophy potential improves. The elevation range and diverse habitat provide areas where mature bulls can find refuge, particularly in the higher elevation timber during periods of hunting pressure.

Access & Terrain

Unit 70's 61% public land percentage provides solid access opportunities for DIY hunters, though success requires strategic planning and effort. The remaining 39% private land means hunters must carefully research access points and respect property boundaries. The absence of wilderness designation eliminates guide requirements and allows motorized access on appropriate roads and trails throughout the unit.

The elevation range from 4,387 to 8,703 feet creates diverse hunting terrain spanning nearly 4,300 vertical feet. Lower elevations typically feature sagebrush, grasslands, and scattered timber, while higher elevations transition into denser coniferous forests. This elevation diversity allows elk to move between different habitat types based on weather, hunting pressure, and seasonal patterns.

Hunters can expect terrain varying from rolling hills and open parks to steep timbered ridges and draws. The mid-elevation zones often provide the best balance of elk habitat and hunting access, featuring a mix of timber and openings that create ideal elk country. Higher elevation areas may hold elk during warm weather or periods of heavy hunting pressure in more accessible zones.

Road access varies throughout the unit, with some areas accessible by standard vehicles while others require higher-clearance or four-wheel-drive capability. Hunters should research current road conditions and restrictions before arrival, as seasonal closures and weather conditions can impact access to certain areas.

The combination of varied terrain and elevation provides multiple hunting strategies. Hunters can focus on glassing open areas from vantage points, still-hunting through timber, or positioning themselves along travel corridors between feeding and bedding areas. The terrain's diversity means successful hunters often need to adapt their approach based on elk movement patterns and weather conditions.

How to Apply

For 2026, Idaho elk applications open May 1 with a deadline of June 5. Both residents and nonresidents must submit applications by the same deadline, with results announced July 1, 2026.

Resident hunters pay a $6 application fee, $37 tag fee, and must hold a $14.75 hunting license (required to apply) before submitting their application. The total cost for resident hunters is $57.75 if drawn.

Nonresident hunters face higher costs with an $18 application fee, $652 tag fee, and must purchase a $185 nonresident hunting license (required to apply) before applying. The total cost for nonresidents reaches $855 if drawn.

Idaho requires hunters to hold a valid hunting license before applying for controlled hunts. This license must be purchased before the application deadline, not after being drawn. Hunters who apply without a proper license will have their applications rejected.

The application process occurs entirely online through Idaho Fish and Game's licensing system. Hunters must create an account, purchase the required license, then submit their controlled hunt applications before the June 5 deadline. Applications submitted after the deadline are not accepted regardless of circumstances.

Results are published July 1, giving successful applicants time to plan their hunts. Unsuccessful applicants receive refunds for tag fees but forfeit application fees. Idaho's draw system awards tags based on a combination of preference points and random selection for most hunts.

Dates and fees are subject to change. Always verify current application details at the state wildlife agency website before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idaho Unit 70 worth applying for? Unit 70 offers solid elk hunting opportunities for hunters prioritizing experience over trophy potential. The moderate trophy quality, accessible terrain, and consistent elk populations make it worthwhile for hunters seeking a DIY elk adventure. Recent success rates ranging from 18-25% indicate reasonable chances of elk encounters, though increasing hunter pressure may require more effort for success.

What is the terrain like in Unit 70? The unit spans 4,387 to 8,703 feet elevation, creating diverse terrain from lower sagebrush country to higher timbered ridges. Hunters encounter rolling hills, steep draws, dense timber, and open parks. The varied elevation allows for multiple hunting strategies and provides elk with diverse habitat options throughout the unit.

How big are the elk in Unit 70? Unit 70 demonstrates moderate trophy potential with consistent production of mature bulls over multiple decades. While trophy-class elk have been taken from the area, hunters should expect average-sized bulls rather than record-book animals. The accessible nature of the unit means mature bulls experience regular hunting pressure, making encounters with large bulls less common than in more restrictive units.

What is the harvest success rate in Unit 70? Recent data shows declining success rates from 25% in 2023 to 18% in 2025, correlating with increased hunter participation. In 2025, 1,262 hunters harvested 221 elk for the 18% success rate. The trend suggests growing popularity is creating more competition, requiring greater hunter effort for success.

How much public land access does Unit 70 provide? Unit 70 contains 61% public land across its 242,878 acres, providing substantial access for DIY hunters. The remaining 39% private land requires careful planning around property boundaries. With zero wilderness designation, hunters can use motorized access on appropriate roads and trails throughout all areas of the unit.