In response to hunter concerns of overcrowding and enforcement issues in the Snake River Zone, wildlife managers proposed the removal of Unit 63 from the general season opportunity and adding two unlimited controlled hunts in the unit. After a public scoping process, two new Unit 63 controlled hunts were adopted by the Fish and Game Commission for the 2019/2020 Big Game seasons.
Changes to the Snake River Zone hunts were published in the 2019/2020 Big Game Seasons and Rules booklet and are also reflected on the Fish and Game website.
During the 2019 controlled hunt application period May 1 - June 5, elk hunters wishing to hunt in Unit 63 were able to choose from an unlimited entry either sex hunt open Aug 1 - Aug 30 or an unlimited entry antlerless hunt open Sep 1- Dec 31.
Hunters choosing to purchase a general season elk tag for the Snake River Zone need to be aware that Unit 63 is no longer part of the general season hunt. General season elk tag holders for the Snake River Zone must remain in the units containing open general season hunting opportunity (53, 63A, 68A) during their respective seasons.
