Idaho is the top rated mule deer hunting state with over the counter tags. Bearpaw Outfitters offer guided hunts, semi-guided, unguided, and guaranteed hunts, horseback drop camps, drive-in camps, & DIY hunting maps.
Mule deer hunts are conducted in units 4, 70, 73, 73a, 74, 75, 77, 78 in southern Idaho and northern Idaho. Many trophy class bucks have been taken.
Shot opportunity during general season mule deer hunts usually runs 40% to 80%. Shot opportunity for controlled hunts is usually higher from 75% to 100%.
Bearpaw Outfitters have an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Past hunters have taken hundreds of mule deer with Bearpaw, please see Reviews by Past Hunters.
Guided hunts have 1 to 3 hunters per guide as desired. Your guide will field dress, skin, and pack out your game. Semi-guided hunts will have 1 guide advising & packing game for 4 or more hunters.
Lodging and meals are provided at a lodge, inn, farm house, or tent camp. Arrive 2pm-5pm, shoot weapons before sunset, hunt for 4.5 days, move out of rooms the last morning, hunt til noon.
Wake up to a continental breakfast, leave early to get in the hunt area before dawn, take a sack lunch or you can return mid day for lunch, your dinner will be ready when you return in the evening.
Your license and most tags are purchased over-the-counter, an adult non-resident hunting license and deer tag is $551.75, non-resident youth are $277.50, disabled veterans is $64.50.
Rifles .257 or larger are preferred. Rifles cannot weigh over 16 pounds with no electronics attached, except scopes with battery powered or tritium reticles are allowed, no orange is required.
Bow draw at least 40 pounds at up to 28", maximum 85% letoff, arrows minimum 24" and 300 grains, broadheads 7/8" or wider (no expandable or barbed), no electronics on bow or arrows.
Archery season runs Aug 30 - Sept 30, general rifle season runs Oct 10-24, some controlled rifle hunts are Oct 10-31. The best time to hunt varies by unit, so ask Dale which unit is best for you.
Hunting methods may include glassing openings in canyons and on hillsides and then stalking if needed, watching water sources, and hiking or still hunting on mountain trails and on high ridges.
Trophy quality is very good, average bucks are 3x3 or 4x4 antlers that are 18" to 24" wide. Some larger bucks 24" to 30+" scoring 160 to 200" or more are taken in this hunting area each year.
Archers should practice sitting and standing at 10 to 60 yards. Most rifle shots are 50 to 300 yards, sight dead on at 200 yards, practice out to 300 yards (or further to know your max range).
Your guide will field dress, skin, quarter, and pack out your game. You can debone meat or pack quarters in coolers to take home. Taxidermy and buthering are both available locally if desired.
Pocatello is the largest city in the area. The lodge and camps are about 3 hours drive from Salt Lake Airport. Driving directions and paperwork will be sent after your deposit is recieved.
Early September can be very warm in the day with cool to frosty nights possible. October can be moderate to cold with snowy conditions very possible. Check the Weather forecast or call before leaving for your hunt.
Most of the hunt area is mountainous with some easier country, overall success runs higher for hunters in good physical condition, but your guide will modify your hunt as needed so you have the best chance of success.
Items Not Included: Hunters must provide their own personal gear, license fees, gratuities for guides, travel costs, meat processing, taxidermy, shipping fees, and any items not listed as being included in your hunt.
The Bearpaw Team will insure you have a fun and exciting hunt!
Outfitter & Guide
Idaho Mule Deer Guide
Idaho Mule Deer Guide
Idaho Mule Deer Guide
Idaho Mule Deer Guide
Idaho Mule Deer Guide
Please call Dale or Tara anytime, or send email with any questions you have. Sign up for the Wild Update Newsletter to receive updated info and licensing reminders. "We look forward to meeting and hunting with you!"