Idaho is one of the top elk hunting states and elk tags can be purchased over-the-counter with no draw needed. Bearpaw Outfitters offer elk & mule deer combo hunts in southeast Idaho or elk/deer/bear/wolf combo hunts in northern Idaho. Elk or deer tags can be used on bear, wolf, or cougar, or you can buy additional tags for those species over the counter. Contact Bearpaw Outfitters today to arrange your Idaho elk hunting adventure.

Southern Idaho

Elk & Mule Deer  -  Each

5-Day Combo 1x1..........$4950

5-Day Combo 2x1..........$3950

5-Day Semi-Guided........$2950

5-Day Unguided.............$1950

Horseback Drop Camp...$1950

3-Day Cow Elk 2x1........$1950

Semi-Guided Cow Elk....$1450

Northern Idaho

Elk/Deer/Bear/Wolf - Each

5-Day Guided 1x1..........$4950

5-Day Guided 2x1..........$3950

5-Day Semi-Guided........$2950

Other Hunt Options

Guaranteed Hunt.......Add 30%

Horseback Hunt.......Add $500

Non-hunting Companion...$500

DIY Elk Hunting Map.......$595

Trophy Quality & Shot Opportunity

Statistics show that 18% to 40% of the bull elk taken in these Idaho hunt areas are 6x6 or larger. Not all animals taken are trophy class, but every year trophy class elk, deer, and bear are taken. Shot opportunity usually runs 60% to 80% and a few hunters get opportunities at multiple animals. Hunters can take the first legal animal seen or they can hold out for bigger trophies, it's entirely your choice what you choose to shoot.

Elk Hunting Methods

Elk hunting methods may include calling, still hunting along trails and ridges, watching water holes, feeding areas or elk wallows, glassing open areas to spot and stalk, and sometimes we even see elk while driving to the hunt areas. Archery, muzzleloader, and rifle elk hunts are offered.

Licenses, Hunter Ed, Hunter Orange

A non-resident hunting license and elk tag are available over the counter for $571.50, deer $301.75, bear $41.75, and wolf $30.75. Non-resident youth and non-resident disabled veterans get discounted licenses and tags for about $100. Hunter Education is required for anyone born after Jan 1, 1975. Hunter orange is recommended but is not required in Idaho.

Elk Hunting Seasons

General rifle elk seasons run from Oct 10 to 29. Archery elk seasons run from Aug 30 to Sept 30. Muzzleloader elk seasons are in November and December. Rifle Cow Elk is open Oct 25 to Nov 15. There is an excellent early rifle bugle elk season Oct 1-10, that hunt is a draw that you must apply for in May.

Physical Condition

Elk country is mostly rugged country, the better your physical condition the higher the success. Bearpaw Outfitters have arranged easier hunts for hunters with limited physical ability and these hunts are often successful too.

Temperature & Weather

Check the weather forecast on the Weather Channel before you leave for the hunt. Generally you can expect a mixture of warm days and frosty nights during September, during October expect 30's to 60's in the daytime with frosty nights. Remember, rain or snow is always possible in the mountains, but snow anytime before November usually melts off quickly.

Guiding Options

Guided Hunts:  Include a guide with 4x4 vehicle, meals, lodging, field dressing, and game retrieval. Hunts can be guaranteed if you buy the guaranteed hunt.

Horseback Hunts:  Include a guide with 4x4 vehicle, riding horses for the hunt, meals, lodging, field dressing, and game retrieval.

Guaranteed Elk Hunt:  You can buy the guarantee before the hunt begins. The guarantee is a return hunt for half price if you have no shot opportunity.

Semi-Guided Hunts:  Includes a guide for a group of 3 to 6 hunters, meals, lodging, hunting map, guide assistance during the hunt, and guide will help retrieve your game. During the hunt you will hunt mostly on your own.

Unguided Hunts:  Include accommodations, hunting map & advice, and help retrieving your game. You will need a 4x4 vehicle and you hunt on your own.

DIY Hunting Maps:  Good hunting areas are marked on a map which is sent to you for a do-it-yourself hunt, no other services are included.

Accommodation Options

Mountain Lodge:  Beautiful three story lodge, close to many hunting areas, lounging room, meals in the dining room, eight guest rooms with private bathroom, internet, landline phone, and only a 10 minute drive to cell service.

Bed & Breakfast:  Cozy B&B with six comfortable guest rooms, lounging area, meals in the dining area, bathrooms, good cell service, internet, and only a 15 to 45 minute drive to the hunting areas.

Private Home:  Indoor lodging, meals in dining area, living room, guest rooms, bathroom, landline phone, short drive to cell service, short drive to hunt area.

Old Farm House:  Indoor lodging, meals, dining and living room, guest rooms, bathrooms, good cell service, internet, short drive to hunt area.

Tent Camp:  Accessible by auto, 4 to 8 hunters in camp, kitchen tent, sleeping tents, cots, heaters, lanterns, outhouse toilet, portable shower. Bring personal gear, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, unguided hunters need a 4x4.

Motel “Town Hunts”:  If you prefer to stay at the motel in town the guide will pick you up each day. Motel rooms and restaurant meals are your expense.

Drive-In Drop Camp:  For 2 to 8 unguided hunters, accessible by auto, includes tent, camp gear, cots, heater, cook stove, firewood saw, portable toilet, maps, hunting advice. Bring 4x4 vehicle, personal gear, sleeping bag & pad, food, drinking water, and stay as long as desired.

Horseback In Drop Camp:  Includes tent, camp gear, cots, heater, cook stove, dishes, utensils, firewood saw, portable toilet, maps, hunting advice, and horse packing 2 to 6 unguided hunters and their gear. Bring your personal gear, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food, drinking water, and stay as long as desired.

What Is Not Included

Your personal gear, sleeping bag, meat processing and shipping fees, taxidermy, licenses, 6% sales tax, gratuities, transportation during unguided or semi-guided hunts, and any other items not listed as being included.

Contact Bearpaw Today

Call Dale or Tara at (509) 684-6294 or send Email to ask questions or book a hunt. Use the Hunt Application when sending a deposit to confirm hunt details and license information. Sign up for the Wild Update Newsletter to receive updated hunt info and license deadline reminders. "We look forward to meeting you and hunting with you soon."

Best Regards,

Dale, Tara, and The Staff

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Guided Idaho Archery Elk Hunt

Idaho Archery Elk Hunting Camp