Idaho Bear Hunting Guides & Outfitters

Idaho has been rated the #1 Bear Hunting State. Bearpaw Outfitters offer spring bear hunts for black and color phase bear in one of Idaho's top bear hunting areas, three bear hunting methods are used: hounds, bait, and stalking. This is an extremely fun and exciting hunt in a two-bear area with reduced price bear tags and no draw is needed. Mt Lions and wolves can also be taken if seen. You might also check out our Washington Bear Hunts.

Idaho 6.5 Foot Color Phase Bear

Experience

Bearpaw Outfitters have guided bear hunters over 40 years, they are one of the most experienced and successful bear hunting outfitters with hundreds of successful bear hunts to their credit and an A+ Rating at the Better Business Bureau.

Idaho Color Phase Bear

Hunt Area

This northern Idaho bear hunting area is consistently one of the highest producing bear areas in Idaho. Bearpaw Outfitters have a large hunting area with 353 square miles of prime bear hunting territory to hunt.

Idaho Bear Hound Hunt

Success

Shot opportunity on these Idaho bear hunts is 100% most years. Hunters who get their bear early can hunt a second bear, go trout fishing, or go sight seeing, the area is rich with history. Please see the Hunt Reviews by past hunters.

📅 Check Hunt Calendar 📝 Book Your Hunt

Hunt Pricing

5-Day Hunt.....$4950
2nd Bear Hunt $2500
Lion if taken....$3000
Wolf if taken.......N/C
Non-hunter.......$950
DIY Bear Map....$695

Licensing

Buy Over The Counter
Non-Res License $195.00
Reduced Bear Tag $41.75
Reduced Lion Tag $41.75
Wolf Tag..............$31.75
Purchase locally or Buy Online

Bear Video


Idaho Bear Guide Brian Denney

Methods

Three bear hunting methods are utilized, hunt with hounds or stalk bear in the morning, then hunt at active baits in the evening. These methods are effective and loads of fun, you are not stuck doing the same thing all day every day.

Idaho Bear Bait Hunt

Seasons

Bear seasons are long but we choose only to conduct bear hunts during the best times to assure the highest success rates. Spring bear hunts are offered in May and June. Bear can also be taken during the fall elk and deer seasons.

Idaho Bear With Dogs and Ruby

Trophies

Bear in these northern Idaho mountains have excellent hides due to the cool climate. Most bear taken make 5 to 6 foot rugs with an occasional 6 to 7 footer. About half the bear are various off color phases and about half are black.

Idaho Baited Black Bear Hunt

Guiding

These guided hunts are very successful, guides know the area, handle the hounds, keep the baits going, they skin, and they pack out your bear. DIY Maps are offered for Do-It-Yourself hunters wanting to know where to bait or spot & stalk bear on their own.

Photo The Home Base

Lodging

Watch local wildlife from the comforts of our rustic cabins, they are cozy, warm, much nicer than any tent, and they are close to the hunting area. Meals are served in a dining tent. There are usually 2 to 4 hunters per hunt, non-hunters are welcome too.

UTV Loaded With Hounds

Routine

Enjoy a continental breakfast before daylight then hunt with hounds or stalk bears in the morning. Return mid day for lunch, relax, swap stories, or take a nap. After an afternoon dinner go hunt the evening at a bear bait and you can snack again before bedtime.

Bear Hunting Guide Daniel Evans

Game Care

The guides will field dress, skin, quarter, and pack out your game for you. Meat and trophies can be frozen and packed in coolers to transport home with you. Quality taxidermy services are also available locally at reasonable rates if desired.

Two Bear Fighting In Idaho

Afterwards

Most hunters fill their tags early. It is your choice to go home early; hunt a second bear; go hound hunting with other hunters; go trout fishing for native cutthroat, rainbow, and brook trout; or go sightseeing, the area has a very colorful history.

Cinnamon Color Phase Bear

Directions

Bearpaw Outfitters operate near Coeur D'Alene Idaho, directions will be sent when you book your hunt. If using an airline, fly into Spokane Washington and rent a car, you will enjoy a short scenic 1.6 hour drive on paved roads to Bearpaw Outfitters.

Off Color Phase Rifle Bear Hunt

Weapons

Rifles .25 caliber or larger are preferred with scopes suitable for 30 to 100 yard shots. Muzzleloaders must be .50 caliber or larger. Scopes with battery or tritium crosshars are allowed, no other electronics can be attached.

Successful Rifle Bear Hunt

Distance

Most bait stands are 40 to 80 yards from baits, most shots are 30 to 60 yards when hound hunting, and shots vary from 50 to 100 yards when stalking. Sight rifles dead on at 100 yards.

Idaho Fishing Guide Keely With Westslope Cutthroat Trout

Trout Fishing

Experience world-class trout fishing for native Westslope Cutthroat in local streams and catch trophy sized Rainbow and Eastern Brook in our private trout pond. Plan an extra day with Keely our professional fly fishing guide.

Spring Black Bear Hunting

Weather

May and June tempertures can vary from cold with frosty nights to warm or hot depending on current weather patterns. Bring cold weather and warm weather clothing, boots, gloves, hat, and rain is possible so bring rain gear. Check the weather forecast before leaving for your hunt.

Idaho Bear Dogs

Fitness

Most any hunter can handle these bear hunts, most of the bear baits are a short hike from the road, almost anyone can get to the baits. Hound hunting can be more demanding especially if bear go into remote areas. The guides will modify your hunt to fit your personal needs.

6.5 Foot Black Bear

Exclusions

Items Not Included: Hunters must provide their own personal gear, sleeping bag, license & tag fees, 6% sales tax, gratuities for the guides, travel costs before and after the hunt, meat processing, taxidermy, shipping fees, and any items not listed as being included with the hunt.

Idaho Bear Hunting FAQ

Common questions about spring and fall black bear hunts with Bearpaw Outfitters in northern Idaho.

When are the Idaho bear seasons?

Spring bear hunts are offered in May and June, which is the prime time for spring black bear. Fall bear hunts are offered the second half of September and first week of October. We choose to offer bear specific hunts only during the best times to keep success rates as high as possible. Bear can also be taken while elk and deer hunting.

What hunting methods do you use?

Three methods are used: hounds, bait, and spot & stalk. A typical day is hound hunting or stalking bear in the morning, then hunting over active baits in the evening. You are not stuck doing the same thing all day every day, which makes for a fun and exciting hunt.

What does a bear hunt cost and what tags do I need?

The 5-day hunt is $4950, with a second bear at $2500, a lion at $3000 if taken, and wolf at no charge if taken. This is a two-bear area with reduced-price tags and no draw. Tags are bought over the counter: a $195 non-resident license, $41.75 reduced bear tag, $41.75 lion tag, and $31.75 wolf tag.

What are my odds of success?

Shot opportunity on these hunts is 100% most years. Hunters who get their bear early can hunt a second bear, go trout fishing, or go sightseeing. About half the bear taken are various off-color phases and about half are black.

How big do the bears get?

Bear in these northern Idaho mountains have excellent hides due to the cool climate. Most make 5 to 6 foot rugs, with an occasional 6 to 7 footer. Color phases range from black to brown, chocolate, cinnamon, and blonde.

What weapons can I use?

Rifles must be centerfire, under 16 pounds, and .25 caliber or larger preferred with scopes suitable for shooting from 30 to 100 yards. Muzzleloaders should be .50 caliber or larger. Sight rifles dead on at 100 yards; most shots are under 100 yards.

Do I need to be in good shape?

Most any hunter can handle these hunts. Stalking is slow and easy and most bait sites are a short hike from the road, so almost anyone can get to them. Hound hunting can be more demanding if bear go into remote areas, but the guides will modify your hunt to fit your personal needs.

Where are you located and how do I get there?

Bearpaw Outfitters operate near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. If using an airline, fly into Spokane, Washington, rent a car, and enjoy a short scenic less than 2 hour drive on paved roads. Full directions are sent when you book your hunt.

What is included, and what should I bring?

An experienced guide with a 4x4 auto, lodging in rustic cabins, and meals in the dining tent are included. Not included: personal gear, sleeping bag, license and tag fees, 6% sales tax, gratuities, travel, meat processing, taxidermy, and shipping. May and June weather varies from frosty nights to warm days and sometimes rain, so bring layered clothing, waterproof boots, and rain gear.

Meet The Team

The Bearpaw Team will insure you have a fun and exciting hunt!

Bear Hunting Outfitter & Guide

Dale
Denney

Outfitter & Guide

Idaho Hound Hunting Guide

Brian
Denney

Idaho Manager/Guide

Daniel Evans: Idaho Bear Hunting Guide

Daniel
Evans

Idaho Bear Guide

Zach Flyte: Idaho Bear Hunting Guide

Zach
Flyte

Idaho Bear Guide

Gilbert Galegos: Idaho Bear Hunting Guide

Gilbert
Galegos

Idaho Bear Guide

Travis Willey: Idaho Bear Guide

Travis
Willey

Idaho Bear Guide