Unit YNP, Idaho

Unit 61 encompasses 507,046 acres with elevations ranging from approximately 5,850 to 10,420 feet. Terrain is highly varied: high volcanic plateaus dominate the Island Park caldera basin, with rugged mountains along the Continental Divide on the Montana border. The unit includes timbered ridges, deep drainages, rolling forested hills, wetlands and the Island Park Reservoir basin in the south, and open grasslands near Henry's Lake. The eastern margin is defined by the Yellowstone National Park boundary.

The unit is managed primarily by the Caribou-Targhee National Forest (Ashton/Island Park Ranger District). USFS land covers approximately 70.9% of Unit 61, with state land (5.7%), BLM (5.0%), and private (17.4%) comprising the remainder — approximately 81.6% public land total. US Highway 20 runs north-south as the primary corridor through the unit, connecting Ashton to Island Park and continuing toward West Yellowstone, Montana. State Highway 47 cuts southeast toward the Yellowstone Park boundary. The Spencer-Kilgore Road and Shotgun Valley Road provide access from Interstate 15 on the west. No federally designated Wilderness exists within Unit 61. The Nez Perce National Historic Trail crosses the unit. Grizzly bear presence is documented throughout — hunters are advised to prepare accordingly.

The unit is predominantly forested (approximately 76%), with forest cover consisting of lodgepole pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, and subalpine fir. Aspen stands appear along drainages and foothills. Sagebrush flats and grasslands occur near Henry's Lake and along lower elevation sections. Bark beetle mortality has opened significant stands of lodgepole, creating patchwork of standing snags, blowdown, and regenerating vegetation. Riparian corridors follow creeks and drainages. Rangeland comprises approximately 13% of the unit, irrigated agriculture approximately 7%.

Unit 61 supports a robust Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem wildlife community. Rocky Mountain elk are the primary big game species; the Island Park Zone elk population supports significant hunter opportunity, with Unit 61 recording 166 elk harvested at 16% archery A-tag success in 2025. Bulls from Yellowstone migrate into the unit during late season. Mule deer and white-tailed deer occupy the unit. Pronghorn occur near Henry's Lake flats. Mountain goat are present. Shiras moose are present in riparian and forested areas. Black bear are huntable. Mountain lion are present. Gray wolves have established packs and affect elk distribution. Grizzly bears are present throughout the unit. Upland birds including turkey, forest grouse, and sage-grouse occur in appropriate habitats.