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Idaho Mule Deer

Unit 28 (Lemhi)

Idaho Hunting Guide — Mule Deer

Unit 28 covers the Lemhi River valley and adjacent ranges in east-central Idaho — rugged country between the Beaverhead and Lemhi mountains within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Mule deer here live in a mix of sage benches, timbered draws, and high-country basins. With 780 applicants for 15 controlled tags across 3 years, this is a trophy-caliber draw with 2% odds — one of Idaho's most selective mule deer hunts.

View Draw Odds Idaho Hunting Guide

Mule Deer Hunting in Unit 28

Unit 28 covers the Lemhi River valley and adjacent ranges in east-central Idaho — rugged country between the Beaverhead and Lemhi mountains within the Salmon-Challis National Forest. Mule deer here live in a mix of sage benches, timbered draws, and high-country basins. With 780 applicants for 15 controlled tags across 3 years, this is a trophy-caliber draw with 2% odds — one of Idaho's most selective mule deer hunts.

Where to Find Mule Deer in Unit 28

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How to Hunt Mule Deer in Unit 28

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Mule Deer Success Rates

Unit 28 controlled mule deer hunts run 55-75% success per IDFG harvest data — very high, reflecting quality-managed tag caps. Mature 4x4 bucks are realistic targets.

Mule Deer Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— Controlled52412.1% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

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Pure random draw. Unit 28 mule deer pulls ~780 applicants for 15 tags across 3 years (~2% raw odds). Nonresident odds tighter under 10% NR quota. Apply every year.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Unit 28 a trophy mule deer unit?
Yes. Tight tag caps and high-country habitat combine to produce mature 4x4 bucks consistently. Success rates reflect the quality management.
Can I combine with elk?
Unit 28 has elk opportunity but separate tags and often separate hunt numbers. Plan both through the IDFG Hunt Planner.

Free Hunt Planning Tools

🎰 Idaho Draw Odds Unit-level tag success rates 📅 Application Timeline Deadlines for all 9 states 🦌 Rut Forecast Peak rut timing by species 💰 Hunt Cost Calculator Budget your entire hunt

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. IDFG Big Game Hunt Planner — Unit 28 — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 28 boundary, Controlled mule deer hunt structure, Species distribution · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. 2025-2026 Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules — Idaho Department of Fish and Game · supports: Unit 28 mule deer hunt dates, Quota, Weapon restrictions · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. Salmon-Challis National Forest — USDA Forest Service · supports: Unit 28 public land ownership, Access points, Lemhi Range context · accessed 2026-04-17