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Idaho Mule Deer Hunting

Trophy Hunts  •  Budget Hunts  •  Group/Corporate Rates

Idaho Hunting Details | Idaho Cougar | Idaho Elk | Idaho Moose

Bearpaw Outfitters offer guided and unguided mule deer hunting options in Southeast Idaho. This area is well known for trophy mule deer and many hunters have fond memories of the big bucks they have taken here. Even though mule deer numbers are not as high as some other areas, the biggest bucks are usually spotted each year in this area.

Idaho allows hunters to purchase a 2nd deer tag if the quota doesn't sell out before Sept 1, so extra deer tags are available most years. Idaho also allows a deer tag to be used on a cougar if you see one. Bearpaw Outfitters recommend that you purchase 2 deer tags so you can take a cat or a buck early in the hunt and you still have a deer tag in case you see that really big buck. Coyote and Grouse can also be taken and there is no extra fee for hunting any of these extra animals.

Elk and moose hunting can also be combined with a mule deer hunt, refer to the Idaho Elk Hunting and the Idaho Moose Hunting pages to check out these combo hunt options.

Fortunately predation is not a serious problem like in some other areas. There are no documented wolf packs and there are very few bear in this area so there is very little impact.

Bearpaw Outfitters have several proven hunting camps where many good animals have been taken. Choose a guided hunt or an unguided hunt in any of the deer camps or the lodge. Whether you're a serious trophy hunter or just meat hunting, these hunts are a great choice.

Trophy Quality

Average mature bucks have about 20" to 24" racks but many trophy mule deer with 30” or larger racks have been taken in SE Idaho. Use the Hunt Details page to check the Idaho Records and confirm the quality mule deer genetics in Franklin, Caribou, Bannock, and Oneida Counties. Bearpaw Outfitters recently took a 31 inch 6x8 trophy mule deer. Remember, in order to kill big bucks, you have to hunt an area that has a history of producing big bucks.

Hunting Areas

The hunt area is in F&G Units 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78, an area over 50 miles wide. The mountains are breathtakingly beautiful with most elevations ranging from 6000 to 8500 feet.

Hunting Methods

Hunting methods often include glassing & spotting feeding areas in sage openings or open hillsides, spot & stalk hunting, watching water holes, or still hunting trails and ridges.

Deer & Elk Seasons

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

Best Time

Rifle mule deer hunting is usually best the first 5 days (Oct 10-14) and the last 5 days (Oct 27-31). Archery deer hunting is about the same throughout September.

Shot Opportunity

Shooting opportunity usually averages 50% to 80% on the guided hunts. Deer numbers are not as high as some areas that Bearpaw Outfitters hunt, but the trophy potential is the greatest in this Idaho area. Nearly every year, Idaho is where the biggest mule deer bucks are spotted. Shots often range from 100 to 300+ yards so sight rifles dead on at 200 yards. Flat shooting, long range calibers are best.

Guiding Options

Guided Hunts:  Choose 1 to 3 hunters per guide. Hunts include your guide, meals, lodging, game retrieval and care.

Semi-Guided:  Get meals, lodging, and hunting advice daily. Hunt on your own but get help retrieving your downed game.

Unguided:  Includes your chosen accommodations, map of the area, and hunting advice. Perfect for hunters who want to be self sufficient, hunt on their own, and care for their game.

Accommodations

Mountain Lodge:  Enjoy indoor lodging in the mountains with cooked meals in the dining room, warm indoor bathrooms, and cozy bedrooms. It’s only minutes to hunting areas.

Hosted Tent Camp:  The camp is accessed by auto and usually has 4 to 10 Guided or Unguided hunters in camp. Includes tents, camp gear, portable toilet, kitchen area, water, cooked meals and services provided by Bearpaw staff.

Motel “Town Hunts”:  Stay at a comfortable motel in town. BPO will provide your room and will pick up & return guided hunters daily. Unguided hunters drive themselves. Restaurant meals are not included so budget about $30 per day.

Drive-In Drop Camp:  Camp is accessed by auto and suited for 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.

Horseback Drop Camp:  Ride on horseback into a remote area, camp is suited for a group of 2 to 6 unguided hunters. Do your own cooking and get your game to the camp or a trail. Bearpaw packs you in and out along with any game you get.

Do-It-Yourself Hunt:  Get hunting advice, map, and directions for a proven elk hunting area. You provide everything else.

Horses or ATV’s

Hunters may arrange Horses or an ATV on their guided hunt for an additional $600 per hunter per week.

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, Hunter Orange

Licenses for Elk & Deer are available over the counter for $772.50. Hunter Ed is required if born after Jan 1, 1975.

Info And Questions

Check all the hunts in Idaho, Montana, Utah, or Washington to find the hunt that's best for you. Watch the online Hunting Videos, view the Hunting Photos, and see the Hunt Details. Feel free to Email or use the Questionnaire to get a list of references or to ask any question you have.

Booking A Hunt

Book your hunt by sending the Hunt Application with a hunt deposit or call Dale, Tara, or Anthony and book your hunt over the phone.