|
Idaho Bull Elk & Deer Hunts
"Trophy Bull Elk hunting and
trophy Mule Deer hunting."
There are two facts that
distinguish Southeast Idaho from most other
hunting areas. First is the fact that there are
huntable numbers of trophy class elk and trophy
class mule deer in the same area. Plenty of
other areas offer elk hunting and mule deer
hunting, but few areas actually produce trophy
class animals of both species.
Bearpaw Outfitters have
several proven hunting camps where trophy
animals have been taken and a choice of guided
or unguided elk and mule deer hunts are offered
from these tent camps and the mountain lodge.
The most popular hunts are the rifle hunts for
elk & mule deer, but the archery hunts for elk &
deer in September can also be good when rutting
bulls are bugling and herding cows.
The second most important
fact is that licenses are available over the
counter; no drawing is needed to hunt elk and
mule deer in Idaho. Additionally, the last two
winters have been mild, it’s expected that
several large bulls and bucks spotted last fall
and winter will provide some exciting trophy
hunting this coming fall.
Trophy Quality
Several 300+ trophy bull elk
and trophy mule deer with nearly 30” or larger
racks are taken in SE Idaho most years. Last
year Bearpaw Outfitters hunters took a 352 gross
trophy bull elk and a 31 inch 6x8 trophy mule
deer. Idaho isn’t usually easy hunting but elk
and deer can get really big here. Obviously not
all hunters are going to get trophy animals, but
remember, by hunting an area that produces
trophy bulls and trophy bucks you have a chance
of seeing trophy class animals yourself.
Hunting Areas
This mountainous hunting
area is in SE Idaho in F&G Units 73, 74, 75, 77,
& 78, an area over 50 miles across. There are
good water holes, basins, and feeding areas
which are easily accessed and there are remote
areas for the hunters who want to get farther
away from roads.
Hunting Methods
Hunting methods often
include spot & stalk hunting, sitting and
watching water holes, elk calling, glassing &
spotting, open hillsides, or still hunting
trails and ridges.
Elk & Deer Seasons
Rifle Bull elk is open Oct
15-24: Rifle Mule Deer opens October 10 to 31;
and Rifle Cow Elk is Oct 25-Nov 15.
Best Time
Rifle elk hunting can be
best the first hunt or the last hunt, depending
on what the weather does. Rifle mule deer
hunting is usually best the first 5 days (Oct
10-14) and the last 5 days (Oct 27-31). Archery
elk hunting is usually best the last two weeks
of September.
Shot Opportunity
Shot opportunity is more
variable on elk than any other specie.
Individual groups of hunters have had as high as
100% but some groups have been as low as 0%.
Season averages have been as high as 70% but are
usually less than that. Opportunity on mule deer
is more consistent and usually averages from 50%
to 80%. Game numbers are not as high in Idaho as
other areas that Bearpaw Outfitters hunt, but
trophy potential is better in Idaho than most
other areas. Shots often range from 100 to 300
yards so sight rifles dead on at 200 yards.
Guiding Options
Guided Hunts: 1 to 3 hunter(s) have
their own guide.
Semi-Guided: Hunt on your own, with
guide(s) in camp to advise hunting areas and
assist you with your game.
Unguided: Hunters have a camp to
themselves and do their own cooking, game
recovery, and game care.
Accommodations
Mountain Lodge: Indoor lodging in the
mountains with cooked meals and lounging in the
dining room and common areas of the lodge,
jetted tubs in every room, and it’s only about
20 minutes to the hunting area. Up to 12 hunters
can be accommodated.
Guided Tent Camp: Camp is accessed by
auto and usually has 6 to 10 guided or
semi-guided hunters in camp. Includes tents,
camp gear, portable toilet, kitchen area, water,
meals and services provided by Bearpaw.
Drive-In Drop Camp: Camp is accessed by
auto 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. A group of 2 to 8 unguided
hunters can reserve camp up to 10 days.
Horseback Drop Camp: Camp is accessible
on horseback and is perfect for small groups of
2 to 6 hunters who want to camp on their own in
more remote areas. Drop camps can be reserved
for up to 10 days.
Motel “Town Hunts”: Stay in town near
restaurants and shopping. Motels are 10-50 miles
from most hunt areas. Bearpaw Outfitters provide
$70 per hunt day discount from your hunt fee for
your room and meals. Hunters pay for their
choice of room and meals. Guide will pick up and
return guided hunters to their room each day.
Horses or ATV’s
Guided hunters may request
the exclusive use of horses or an ATV on their
hunt for an additional $400 per hunter.
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
details page before
you leave for the hunt.
Licenses & Hunter Ed
Elk & Deer Tags & License
are available over the counter for $772.50.
Hunter Education is required if you were born
after Jan 1, 1975.
What’s Not Included
Meat processing, taxidermy,
licenses, gratuities, and any other items not
listed as being included. Bring your personal
gear and sleeping bag.
Booking a Hunt
Please review the hunt
Details and
Terms and use
the Hunt
Application to reserve a hunt or the
Info Request
for any questions you have, or feel free to call
and talk with Bearpaw Outfitters' personnel,
phone numbers are listed.
Bearpaw Outfitters
invite you to come and enjoy a fun and rewarding
hunt just as many past hunters have.
Thanks & Good Hunting,
Dale & Tara Denney
|
