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Idaho Mule Deer Hunts
"Southeast Idaho trophy Mule
Deer hunting."
Southeast Idaho is known for
trophy mule deer hunting, many record-class mule
deer taken. A quick look at the Idaho Records
confirms the quality mule deer genetics in
Franklin, Caribou, Bannock, and Oneida County.
The last two winters have been mild, so it’s
expected that several large bucks spotted last
fall and winter will provide some exciting
trophy hunting this fall.
Bearpaw Outfitters have several proven hunting
camps where good animals are taken and they
offer a choice of guided and unguided mule deer
hunts from these tent camps and the mountain
lodge. Best of all, licenses are available over
the counter with no draw needed to get mule deer
licenses for idaho.
Idaho offers many great hunting options. Buy a
second deer tag after September 1 if the license
quotas haven’t filled, use a deer tag on a
cougar if you see one, plus Coyote or grouse may
be taken. Numerous streams and reservoirs offer
great trout fishing if you fill out early.
Trophy Quality
Trophy mule deer with nearly
30” or larger racks are taken in this area most
years. During the 2006 season a 31” 6x8
non-typical mule deer was taken with Bearpaw
Outfitters. This isn’t usually an easy hunt and
average mature bucks run about 18” to 24”. But
the old bucks can get really big here. Remember,
in order to kill big bucks you have to hunt
where big bucks live.
Hunting Areas
The hunting area includes
all or part of F&G Units 73, 74, 75, 77, & 78,
an area over 50 miles across. This is one of the
most scenic and colorful areas in the west. The
mountains sport an unusual mix of aspen,
juniper, maple, and evergreen forests broken
with natural sage openings that are excellent
for glassing and game spotting. The overall
experience can be awesome due the beauty of the
mountains, the variety of game, and the
possibility of spotting a real trophy mule deer.
There are water holes, basins, and flats that
are easily accessed from nearby roads or trails
and there are remote areas that hunters can hike
or ride horses into. Please advise Bearpaw
Outfitters in advance which types of hunting
areas you prefer to hunt.
Hunting Methods
Hunting methods often
include glassing open hillsides and basins,
stalking on foot, sitting watching water holes
or feeding areas, or still hunting trails and
ridges.
Mule Deer Seasons
Archery Deer & Elk is open Aug 30 to Sept 30;
Rifle Mule Deer is October 10 to 31; Rifle Bull
elk Oct 15-24: and Rifle Cow Elk Oct 25-Nov 15.
Best Time
Rifle mule deer hunting is
usually best the first 5 days Oct 10-14 and the
last 5 days of the season Oct 27-31. Archery
hunting is about the same most of the season.
Shot Opportunity
Shooting opportunity is
often 50% to 80% on guided hunts. Deer numbers
are not as high as some areas that Bearpaw
hunts, but the trophy potential is the greatest
in this Idaho area. Nearly every year, Idaho is
where the biggest mule deer are spotted. 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, guide(s) in camp
will 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: Hosted 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 and suited for a group
of 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. 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 only about 30 minutes from the
hunting area. Bearpaw Outfitters will provide
your room and will pick up and return guided
hunters to their room each day. Restaurant meals
are not included with the Motel “Town Hunt”,
budget about $30 per day for meals.
Temperature &
Weather
September will have
some 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 this page before you leave.
Licenses & Hunter Ed
Deer Tags & licenses are
available over the counter for $400. Hunters
need Hunter Ed if born after Jan 1, 1965.
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. Use the Info Request to ask
any questions or feel free to call any of the
Bearpaw Team, their phone numbers are listed
below.
Bearpaw Outfitters invite you to experience one
of the best hunts of your lifetime, just as many
past hunters have.
Thanks & Good Hunting,
Dale & Tara Denney
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Guided or Semi-guided Hunts |
