Unit 25, Idaho

The unit is characterized by steep and rugged mountain terrain with elevations ranging from approximately 3,900 feet along the South Fork Salmon River corridor to over 9,100 feet on high ridges and peaks above timberline. The South Fork Salmon River and its tributaries carve deep canyon corridors through the landscape. Warm Lake, near the southern boundary, sits at approximately 5,200 feet and is flanked by flat meadow benches. The unit totals 575,791 acres (approximately 900 square miles) with most huntable terrain concentrated between 5,500 and 8,000 feet.

Unit 25 is 99.23% U.S. Forest Service land managed primarily by the Payette National Forest (Krassel Ranger District, 500 N Mission St, McCall, ID 83638; 208-634-0600), with 0.54% private land and 0.09% state land. The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness covers 19,289 acres (3.35% of the unit) in the eastern portion, where motorized vehicle use is prohibited. Primary road access from McCall: Lick Creek Road (rough, narrow mountain road) travels approximately 35 miles east to the South Fork Salmon River confluence with the Secesh River; Forest Service Road 674 follows the South Fork upstream as the main interior corridor. Warm Lake Road from McCall travels 24 miles southeast before connecting to FS Road 674/474 for approximately 23 more miles to the Buckhorn Creek Trailhead (elevation 3,882 ft). Johnson Creek Road provides access from the south. Key trailheads include the South Fork Salmon River Trailhead (trails #076, #077, and Tailholt Trail #079) and Buckhorn Creek Trailhead. Trail #076 (South Fork Salmon River East Trail) extends 13.4 miles into the backcountry. Horse and motorcycle travel are the most effective means of reaching the unit interior. The road network within the unit is sparse; hunters are advised to use 4-wheel drive with chains for late-season access.

Vegetation transitions with elevation from ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir in lower river canyons, through mixed forests of larch, Engelmann spruce, lodgepole pine, and subalpine fir at mid elevations, to subalpine parkland and alpine shrub/grass communities above 8,000 feet. Extensive areas of past wildfire have regenerated into dense brush, high grass, and young timber stands that provide important forage and hiding cover for elk and deer. Riparian corridors along the South Fork and its tributaries support willows and other streamside vegetation.

Unit 25 supports elk (Rocky Mountain elk) and mule deer as primary big game. A small white-tailed deer population is present — IDFG harvest data shows whitetails represent roughly 1% of deer harvest. Black bear and mountain lion are present and huntable. Gray wolf is established and huntable. Moose are present in riparian habitat along the South Fork Salmon River and its tributaries, though no controlled moose hunts were listed for Unit 25 in the 2025-2026 Hunt Planner. Forest grouse (blue and ruffed grouse) occur throughout timbered portions. Elk and deer use high-elevation alpine and subalpine areas through summer and fall, moving to lower river drainages during winter snowpack. Burn areas across the unit concentrate deer and elk during early-season feeding periods.

1. Elk harvest statistics (119 total, 11% success) are from the 2025 general season per IDFG Hunt Planner stats; archery 13% success (49/366 hunters), any-weapon 10% success (70/679 hunters). 2. Deer harvest statistics (192 any-weapon harvest, 987 hunters, 19% success) are 2025 general season; all-weapons combined shows 249 harvested, 1,261 hunters, 20% success. 3. Controlled Hunt 1016 season is Oct 10 - Nov 24 (confirmed via Hunt Planner hunt ID 81952); the draft incorrectly stated Oct 10-24. 4. Moose removed from huntable species — no moose hunts found for Unit 25 in 2025 or 2026 Hunt Planner (Hunt Planner returned no hunts found). 5. NFS Road 50674 closure (Poverty Overlook to Poverty Campground) not confirmed on current USFS Payette National Forest alerts page — removed from access notes. 6. Land ownership confirmed: 99.23% USFS, 0.54% private, 0.09% state. 7. Season dates reflect 2026 Hunt Planner data (current as of June 2026). 8. Bear spring season confirmed via Hunt Planner; fall bear season follows statewide general bear tag — verify at idfg.idaho.gov. 9. White-tailed deer general season for Unit 25 runs Oct 10-31 per Hunt Planner (Hunt 80112).