Unit 29

The Lemhi Range peaks provide the primary navigation spine—Negro Peak, Meadow Peak, and Bald Mountain offer glassing and orientation points from distance. Willow Creek Summit, Horseheaven Pass, and Lemhi Pass mark important ridge crossings. The basin system—particularly Gould, Baldy, and Copper Basins—serves as focal hunting zones where moose use meadows and water.

Named water sources including Challis Hot Springs, Salmon Hot Spring, and Porcupine Spring mark reliable hydration points. McGowan Creek, Sheep Creek, and the Pahsimeroi River form the main drainage corridors; hunters naturally gravitate toward these, making them logical access and concentration routes.

Terrain spans from lower sagebrush valleys near 3,800 feet to alpine peaks exceeding 12,400 feet, with most hunting occurring in the 7,000-10,000 foot band. Lower elevations feature open sagebrush flats and scattered aspen draws, transitioning upslope into sparse conifer forest dominated by whitebark pine and subalpine fir. Higher basins—Gould, Baldy, Copper, and Swan among them—hold scattered timber and sprawling meadows typical of prime moose habitat.

The sparse forest coverage means longer views across basins but also indicates terrain where water sources become critical; moose concentrate around reliable springs and creeks.

Over 4,100 miles of roads network through the unit, creating a well-connected system of trailheads and staging areas. Access via Highway 28 and valley roads reaches most major drainages without extreme pushback. Population centers at Leadore, Tendoy, and Gilmore mean reasonable supply and service options.

However, the connected road network also means this country sees consistent pressure—most hunters follow main drainages and established access. The rolling complexity (7.9 terrain score) rewards those willing to leave roads and work side drainages; pressure concentrates in obvious basins while quieter pockets exist in less-intuitive creek systems.

Unit 29* occupies the Lemhi drainage in Lemhi County, bounded by State Highway 28 and the Lemhi River system. The unit encompasses the broad Lemhi Valley and surrounding ridgelines, stretching from lower sagebrush basins to high alpine country. Towns like Leadore, Tendoy, and Gilmore serve as access points, with Ellis and Elk Bend providing additional orientation markers.

The Lemhi Range forms the geographic heart of the unit, running north-south and creating distinct drainages that hunters use for navigation. This is genuine big-country terrain where scale and complexity demand respect.

Water defines moose habitat throughout Unit 29*. The Pahsimeroi River flows through the valley floor, while Sheep Creek, McGowan Creek, Elbow Creek, and Sevenmile Creek cut major drainages through the ridgelines. Multiple basins—North, Devils, First, Crane, Wino, and Spud—retain seasonal water and support meadows where moose feed. Spring sources (Rattlesnake, Horse, Porcupine, Rock, Smith) supplement these main corridors, particularly valuable during dry periods.

Lakes like Goat, Stroud, Buck, and Nez Perce provide additional water concentration points. Early season hunters often follow creeks upslope; late season requires understanding where reliable water persists.

Moose drive this unit's entire hunting approach. The sparse forest and basin meadows concentrate animals during fall rut and into early winter as they migrate through elevation. Early season focuses on high basins (Gould, Baldy, Copper) where water and meadows attract bulls before rut intensity.

Mid-season (rut) bulls travel actively between basins and valleys—water drainages become movement corridors where glassing and calling prove effective. Late season requires understanding where reliable water persists in the lower creek systems as high basins freeze. The rolling terrain allows moderate glassing distances; patience, water knowledge, and willingness to work secondary drainages separate successful hunters from those following foot traffic.