Southeast Idaho is well known for trophy Mule Deer Hunting, Elk Hunting, Shiras Moose Hunting, and Mountain Lion Cougar Hunting. There's also fast action hunting for Forest Grouse, Coyote Hunting, and excellent fishing in local waters for Cutthroat, Rainbow, Brook Trout, Walleye, and Bass.

Several of the largest mule deer taken in Idaho have come from Southeast Idaho, see the (Idaho Trophy Records). Mule Deer with 30” or larger racks and trophy class 6x6 bull elk are possible in this area. Bearpaw Outfitters (BPO) have taken many great trophies including a 32" 8x9 non-typical Mule Deer that scored 215, a 7x6 bull Elk that scored 352, a 51" Shiras Moose, and numerous record class cougar.

Elk and Mule Deer can be hunted on the same hunt and if a person draws a moose tag they can also hunt moose on the same hunt. Southeast Idaho has some of the best Moose hunting available and the best odds for drawing a Shiras Moose tag of any state.

Idaho also allows hunters to use their deer tag on a cougar if they see one. BPO suggest that you purchase 2 deer tags so you can hunt two deer or hunt a deer and a cougar. BPO do not charge an extra fee for hunting the extra animal.

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 from any of the camps or the lodge.

Location, Elevation, Terrain

The hunt area is 50 miles wide and located in Fish & Game Units 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78 in Caribou, Franklin, Oneida, and Bannock counties about halfway between Salt Lake City and Yellowstone Park. Elevations run from 5000 to 9000 feet. Terrain varies from easy rolling mountain basins to steep ridges with rugged canyons. This is one of the most scenic mountain areas in the west with forests of evergreen, juniper, maple, and aspen. There are sage openings and open hillsides that provide excellent feeding areas for game.

Hunting Methods

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

Physical Condition

Be in as good of physical condition as possible for your hunt. However, Bearpaw Outfitters can accommodate hunters with physical limitations by watching feeding areas, water holes, driving mountain roads, or using ATV’s for access.

The Outfitters

Guiding Options

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

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

Unguided:  Includes the accommodations that you choose, a map of the area, and hunting advice. 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.

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.

Motel “Town Hunts”:  Stay at a comfortable motel in town. BPO will pick up & return guided hunters daily. Unguided hunters drive themselves. Your room and restaurant meals are not included so remember to budget for these expenses.

Licenses, Hunter Ed, Hunter Orange

Licenses are sold over the counter for mule deer, elk, small game, and cougar. Moose licenses are a draw but the draw odds are the best in the U.S. Adult licenses for elk and deer cost $772.50. Youth licenses are cheap (even non-residents) and cost less than $40. On Sept 1 if the tag quota has not sold out, hunters can buy 2nd elk and 2nd deer tags. BPO does not charge any more for hunters to hunt the extra animals.

Hunter Education is needed if born after Jan 1, 1975. There are no hunter orange requirements in Idaho, but BPO recommend that orange be worn when rifle hunting.

Salt Lake Airport & Directions

The Salt Lake Airport is less than 3 hours from Bearpaw Outfitters. Check the Hunt Details Page for cheap flight and rental car info. From Salt Lake City take Interstate 15 north to Brigham City then follow Hwy 91 to Bearpaw Outfitters.

Taxidermy and Meat Processing

Both services are available locally for a fee. Meat processing is usually done in a day or two or you may choose to transport your trophy and carcass home.

Contact Us Today

Call or Email with any questions or to book a hunt. If sending a deposit by postal mail, use the Hunt Application to verify your details. "We look forward to meeting you and hunting with you soon."