Idaho Elk and Deer Hunts

"Idaho Elk and Mule Deer Hunting Licenses are Over-the-Counter"

• Trophy Hunts • Budget Hunts • Group/Corporate Rates

  Idaho Hunting | Cougar | Elk | Moose | Mule Deer

There are two facts that distinguish Southeast Idaho from most other hunting areas. First is the fact that there are huntable numbers of trophy class elk and trophy class mule deer in the same area. Plenty of other areas offer elk hunting and mule deer hunting, but few areas actually have quality elk hunting and deer hunting in the same area.

The second most important fact is that elk and mule deer licenses are available over the counter; no drawing is needed to hunt elk and mule deer in Idaho.

Bearpaw Outfitters have several proven hunting camps where trophy animals have been taken and a choice of guided or unguided elk and mule deer hunts are offered from these tent camps and the mountain lodge. The most popular hunts are the rifle hunts for elk & mule deer, but the archery hunts for elk & deer in September can be very good when rutting bulls are bugling and herding cows.

Trophy Quality

Several 300+ trophy bull elk and trophy mule deer with nearly 30” or larger racks are taken in SE Idaho most years. In 2006 Bearpaw Outfitters hunters took a 352 gross trophy bull elk and a 31 inch 6x8 trophy mule deer. Idaho isn’t usually easy hunting, but elk and deer can get really big here. Obviously not all hunters are going to get trophy animals, but remember, by hunting an area that produces trophy bulls and trophy bucks you have a chance of seeing trophy class animals yourself.

Hunting Areas

This mountainous hunting area is in SE Idaho in F&G Units 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78, an area over 50 miles across. There are good water holes, basins, and feeding areas which are easily accessed and there are remote areas for the hunters who want to get farther away from roads.

Hunting Methods

Hunting methods often include spot & stalk hunting, sitting and watching water holes, elk calling, glassing & spotting, open hillsides, or still hunting trails and ridges.

Elk & Deer Seasons

Rifle Bull elk is open Oct 15-24: Rifle Mule Deer opens October 10 to 31; and Rifle Cow Elk is Oct 25-Nov 15. Bow season runs August 30 to September 30.

Best Time

Rifle elk hunting can be best the first hunt or the last hunt, depending on what the weather does. Rifle mule deer hunting is usually best the first 5 days (Oct 10-14) and the last 5 days (Oct 27-31). Archery elk hunting is usually best the last two weeks of September.

Shot Opportunity

Shot opportunity is more variable on elk than any other specie. Some groups have had 75% to 100% shooting but some groups have not seen elk either. Mule deer hunting is more consistent and usually runs from 50% to 80%. On the average, physically fit hunter's have higher success rates. Game numbers are not as high in Idaho as in hard to draw states like Utah or Arizona, but licenses are easy to get and the trophy potential is better in Idaho than most states that have licenses readily available. Shots often range from 100 to 300+ yards so sight rifles dead on at 200 yards. 7mm or or larger calibers are best.

Guiding Options

Guided Hunts:  1 to 3 hunter(s) have their own guide.

Semi-Guided:  Hunt on your own, with help in camp to advise hunting areas and assist you with your game.

Unguided:  Hunt on your own and do your own game recovery and game care. Hosted hunts with meals included, town hunts, or drop camps are available.

Accommodations

Lodge Hunt: Hosted indoor lodging in the mountains with cooked meals and lounging in the dining room and common areas of the lodge, jetted tubs in every room, and it’s only 10 miles to the hunting area. Up to 12 hunters can be accommodated.

Hosted Tent Camp: Camp is accessed by auto and usually has 6 to 10 Guided or Unguided hunters in camp. Includes tents, camp gear, portable toilet, kitchen area, water, meals and services provided by Bearpaw.

Drive-In Drop Camp: Camp is accessed by auto and suited for a group of 2 to 8 unguided hunters. You do not have to ride horses to get to camp. Includes tent, camp gear, water, portable toilet, firewood hand saw, and hunting advice. Bring your own food. Up to 14 days.

Horseback Drop Camp: Camp is accessible on horseback and is perfect for small groups of 2 to 6 hunters who want to camp on their own in more remote areas. Drop camps can be reserved for up to 14 days.

Motel “Town Hunts”: Stay in town near restaurants and shopping. Motels are only about 30 minutes from the hunting area. Bearpaw Outfitters will provide your room and will pick up and return guided hunters to their room each day. Restaurant meals are not included with the Motel “Town Hunt”, budget about $30 per day for meals.

Horses or ATV’s

Guided hunters may request the exclusive use of horses or an ATV on their hunt for an additional $400 per hunter.

Temperature & Weather

September will have frosty nights, but days often warm up to 50 to 70 degrees. October temps often range from 20 to 50 degrees and snow is possible. Check the current weather forecast with the weather link on the Idaho Home Page before you leave for the hunt.

Licenses & Hunter Ed

Elk & Deer Tags & License are available over the counter for $772.50. Hunter Education is required if you were born after Jan 1, 1975.

What’s Not Included

Your personal gear, sleeping bag, meat processing, taxidermy, licenses, state sales tax, gratuities, and any other items not listed as being included.

Booking a Hunt

Dale & Tara invite you to come and experience one of the best hunts of your life, just as many past hunters have.

Please review the info for your choice of hunts, check out the Photo Galleries, and watch the Online Hunting Videos. Call Dale, Tara, or Anthony to discuss your hunt details or feel free to send Email or Ask Questions for more info or a list of references.