Hunt unit · Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge
Gifford Springs Hunt Area Hunt Unit Map & Access
The Gifford Springs Hunt Area is one of 7 mapped hunt units on Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge in Power County, ID. It covers approximately 467 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
Gifford Springs Hunt Area map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Idaho regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
Game at Minidoka NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the Gifford Springs Hunt Area
Navigate
Destination: center of the Gifford Springs Hunt Area
- Decimal
42.62224, -113.18033- DMS
42°37′20.1″N 113°10′49.2″W
Nearest towns
- Pocatello, ID41 mi SW of town
- Twin Falls, ID65 mi E of town
- Soda Springs, ID80 mi W of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at Gifford Springs Hunt Area
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Boise local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:26 AM | 6:56 AM | 8:09 PM | 13h 13m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:41 AM | 7:11 AM | 7:44 PM | 12h 34m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:58 AM | 7:28 AM | 7:16 PM | 11h 48m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:14 AM | 7:44 AM | 6:52 PM | 11h 08m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:35 AM | 7:05 AM | 5:27 PM | 10h 22m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:53 AM | 7:23 AM | 5:11 PM | 9h 48m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:12 AM | 7:42 AM | 5:01 PM | 9h 19m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:25 AM | 7:55 AM | 5:00 PM | 9h 05m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:32 AM | 8:02 AM | 5:08 PM | 9h 06m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:30 AM | 8:00 AM | 5:22 PM | 9h 22m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:17 AM | 7:47 AM | 5:44 PM | 9h 56m |
Computed for 42.622, -113.180 (MDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
Loading National Weather Service forecast…
Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.
Other units at Minidoka NWR
| Unit | Status | Acres | Permit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raft River Hunting Area | ✓Open | 315 | — |
| East Hunting Area | !Special regs | 660 | — |
| East Hunting Area South | !Special regs | 546 | — |
| Unit 12 | !Special regs | 351 | — |
| West Hunting Area | !Special regs | 3,129 | — |
| Closed Area | ✕Closed | 18,966 | — |