Elk, Mule Deer, Bear & Wolf Hunting Blog

Got Tags?

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:03:01 GMT

Idaho draw results came out last week and I imagine most western states have drawn by now and most people drew the all too familiar “unsuccessful” tag.

If that is the case, come check us out in Central Idaho’s Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area. We still have a few openings and tags available.

Wild Idaho Outfitters will be guiding hunters and packing drop camps in our 21st season in ”The Frank”. It is an experience you will either love or hate. There seems to be no in between. So, you may as well give it a try if you were unsuccessful in the hunt draws. If not with us, maybe there are other Idaho outfitters still holding some tags and spots. Give ‘em a call.

Don’t sit on the couch this year “wishing” you could hunt. Get out and do it!

Good hunting and as usual, take a kid with you!

Nonresident Outfitter Allocated Hunting Tags May be on the Chopping Block

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Hunt Idaho While You Know You Can Still Get Allocated Outfitter Tags

The winds of change are blowing, and in many western states they are reaching gale force. Sadly, Idaho is no different. What do I mean? With the amazing population growth that the west is experiencing, it may be good for those city type businesses that rely on sheer numbers to survive, but out here in rural Idaho, it is simply putting a pinch on an already limited resource, our public land system, most importantly on our public lands hunting opportunities.

Idaho has seen such population growth and with no restriction on resident tags, residents are screaming for a reduction in nonresident tags. They are screaming at such a fever pitch that the governor has assigned a special committee to explore nonresident tag options. Sadly, one of those options is to eliminate outfitter allocated tags.

How would that affect the nonresident hunter? It would make it so every year, like all other states, even if you booked with an outfitter, it would be up to “the luck of the draw” as to whether or not you were going hunting that year.

As of now, because of allocation, Idaho outfitters and by default, their hunters are very blessed in the knowledge that if you book with an Idaho outfitter (obviously, hopefully us, but any outfitter with allocated tags) you are guaranteed to at least be able to get out and pursue your favorite big game animal in Idaho. Don’t let that chance pass you by. We (seriously) have no idea how much longer allocation will be around, hopefully it will become a permanent institution in Idaho big game hunting as everyone knows in rural Idaho how much and how greatly that, YOU, the nonresident hunter, contribute to small town Idaho and most all of us are incredibly grateful!

So, as you are applying to hunt in other western states, at least consider actually hunting in Idaho with an Idaho outfitter. Whether it be with us or another outfitter, be it fully guided or a simply a DIY drop camp, we truly wish you the adventure of a lifetime in our favorite hunting grounds…Idaho!

As always, happy hunting and remember to take a kid hunting!

Rut Mule Deer Hunt Opportunity

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 20:49:00 GMT

By some strange twist of fate, oversight, or whatever you might want to call it we are down to the wire and find ourselves with 2 tags for a 2024 Controlled Mule Deer Hunt for 2 in November.

If you and a hunting companion have the time and desire to hunt mule deer during the rut in Idaho, please reach out to us ASAP and let’s get you set up to hunt with Wild Idaho Outfitters in the “Frank” this year.

This 2x1 hunt must be booked by Monday, September 9 and is offered first come-first served so don’t delay, book today!

Available dates for a 2x1 guided hunt are October 31st – November 6th or November 7th – November 13th. Or you can do a DIY Drop Camp hunt on your choice of dates between November 1st and 18th.

One Door Closes, Another One Opens

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

It’s July already. Besides being the month with probably the second most important holiday celebration of the year, it’s the month when most western states hunting tag draw results are out (except maybe some antlerless tags) and, as usual, you drew tag soup. Nothing, zilch, nada. What to do about hunting this fall now?

No worries, there is still hope. Idaho outfitters are incredibly blessed to have what are called “outfitter allocated tags” available to most Idaho hunting outfitters and oddly we still have a few tags left as do as some other outfitters we have spoken with.

Is it the economy, poor marketing, election year, COVID over so back to work? Is that why some tags are still left?

Who cares? Regardless of the reason there is still a chance to be able to hunt Idaho this fall. Now, obviously, to get outfitter allocated tags would mean you would need to hunt with an outfitter, but I would think it would beat sofa surfing all fall and staring at FB pics of all your buddies who did draw tags out enjoying the woods.

If you are a sportsman who simply lives to hunt, Idaho may be your next great adventure. The Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, in central Idaho, is simply the crown jewel of the American public lands system and worth a visit at least once in your lifetime. If you are able to carry a rifle and some tags while exploring “the Frank”, all the better!

Now, speaking of central Idaho hunting, last winter was one of the mildest winters we have seen in many years and the fawn survival rate, along with buck survival, seems to be at a peak! I am no biologist, but based on the bucks we are seeing down in the hay fields (front range to the Frank), there are going to be plenty of nice bucks to go around. We are even thinking the mild winter is what drove the bears to baits so early and in such volume this spring based on our camera photos from our spring bear season that just ended June 30.

So, if you are one of the (many) unlucky people who didn’t draw a tag for elk or deer in your favorite western state or hunting unit, maybe it is time to give Idaho a try? Contact us or any of several Idaho elk or deer hunting outfitters so you can check off that “see central Idaho’s famous backcountry” item on your lifetime “to do list”! And, as always, take a kid hunting!

Happy hunting and get out and enjoy those public lands!

Looking ahead to 2021

Fri, 11 Dec 2020 11:00:00 GMT

As the sun set on the 2020 Idaho elk and deer hunting seasons, and since our emails were down, we took some time to reflect on this past year and the craziness that has consumed 2020, the thought that always puts a smile on our face is looking forward to next hunting season and next year’s backcountry adventures!

With tags sold out in most of the popular Idaho hunting zones already, no apparent end in sight of this “pandemic”, and a hostile political environment such as we have never witnessed before, what lifts us out of some of this doom and gloom is to set our sights on next year’s hunting seasons and outdoor adventures where we get to rekindle old friendships and discover new ones.

With all the negativity in this world, one thing that is consistent is our ability to still get out and enjoy our public lands, do a little hunting, hiking, horseback riding, fishing or simply enjoy the great outdoors for what they are…outdoors and not a quarantined hut somewhere in the middle of the city living vicariously through the internet and cable TV.

Now I know that most live in something far larger than a hut, but the point is that (in my opinion) nothing beats the real thing when it comes to outdoor adventure like watching the sunset from the top of a mountain or hearing the forest come to life as the sun rises on a brisk morning in some backcountry locale or listening to the water in a stream flowing gently in a mountain meadow covered with blooming wildflowers or watching the flicker of the flames in a campfire or hearing the sound of a bugling bull elk on a crisp fall morning or enjoying the hoofbeat of good livestock traveling a mountain trail, sometimes even imagining that we can hear our own heart beats as we feel it pounding in our chest as we crest that “next” ridge top. None of these sounds can be experienced in the city. One must get outdoors to enjoy this variety of symphony played by nature.

We just pulled our last camp and yet are already talking to our guides and “regulars” about next year’s dates for not only guiding, but our own outdoor adventures. We hope you are too and that you consider joining us in Idaho for your 2021 backcountry adventure!

George

Idaho Controlled-Hunt Application Period Now Open for Elk, Deer, Antelope, and Fall Bear

Fri, 01 May 2020 04:00:00 GMT

The tag application period in Idaho for controlled-hunt elk, deer, pronghorn, and fall bear tags runs from May 1 to June 5. Successful applicants will be notified by July 10, and tags must be purchased by August 1. Tags not purchased by August 1 will be forfeited to a second application period, which runs from August 5 to August 15. Idaho does not use a bonus/preference point system. As a result, hunters have more or less the same odds of drawing a controlled-hunt tag the very first year they apply as they do any other year.

To apply, residents and nonresidents must have a general hunting license, and pay an application fee of $6.25 for residents and $14.75 for nonresidents—per species. Unlike many other states, the cost of the tag is not paid for in Idaho until the applicant has drawn. Hunters who have already applied for a moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat controlled hunt this year may not apply for any other controlled hunt (during the same year).

Worthy of mention in the Idaho tag-allotment system are “unlimited controlled hunts” for mule deer. These tags are available for late-season, rut hunts (November 1 – 18) in Frank Church Wilderness Units 20A, 26, and 27, and for an October hunt in unit 73. Hunters may only apply for these tags during the first controlled-hunt, application period, and some unlimited controlled hunts are designated as first choice only. Wild Idaho Outfitters operates in Unit 27, where these late-season tags (Hunt 1017) have offered outstanding opportunity for large, mature bucks in the past. Nonresident tags are limited to 51 tags for this hunt however, so it’s not truly unlimited. Another option is “outfitter allocation tags” for the same hunt, which Wild Idaho receives from Fish & Game, but they are in short supply due to high demand. There are no controlled-hunt elk tags or bear tags for Unit 27, as they are all sold over the counter.

Any of the November mule deer, controlled hunts that offer only 5 tags is going to be a good one to draw. (In controlled hunts with 10 or fewer tags, not more than one nonresident tag may be issued). There are also some very good controlled-hunt muzzleloader only mule deer tags offered in Idaho. Nonresident deer and elk tags are also valid to take black bear, mountain lion, or gray wolf instead of a deer or elk, if a general season is open for that species.

For detailed information and statistics on Idaho controlled hunts click on this link: https://idfg.idaho.gov/rules/big-game

The Wyoming deer and pronghorn tag application period closes June 1 and results come out June 18. The state of Wyoming allows you to purchase preference points only for deer, pronghorn, elk, moose and sheep from July 1 to November 2.

Good hunting,

Joe Cavanaugh

Not too soon to start thinking about next year

Mon, 15 Jul 2019 17:30:00 GMT

Well, it appears that Idaho has been rediscovered. That can be a good or a bad thing, depending which side of the fence you are standing on.

This year’s nonresident tags in the units we guide, Area 27 and 28, sold out in record time and according to the fish and game commission, they seem pretty bent on reducing the amount of nonresident tags available in the future further exacerbating the tag acquisition process.

Thankfully and gratefully, we as a licensed Idaho hunting outfitter are allotted a certain amount of guaranteed elk tags and outfitters in general have access to deer tag set asides.

What does that mean to you? Essentially it means that if you book with an Idaho Outfitter (hopefully us), you will go hunting. In most states in the west, you can put your deposit in with an outfitter, but are still subject to the odds (whatever they may be) of drawing a tag for the species you are hoping to hunt.

Here in Idaho, if you plunk down your money with an outfitter, you will be able to hunt. Speaking of which, we still have some tags left in area 27 for this year and we are certainly taking reservations for next year so get your name on the calendar for that western elk hunt you have always dreamed of taking!

Legacy makers (builders)

Sat, 28 Jul 2018 01:10:40 GMT

Today was the beginning of a new legacy. Bold words you say? Let me explain. It seems like an outfitter’s life is ruled by seasons. Now you would recognize the easy ones like spring bear, spring turkey, fall bear, elk, deer, etc. The seasons that most people don’t recognize are all of the “behind the scene” seasons.

There is hay season, where we are putting up hay for all the livestock we get to feed all winter, so we have good livestock come hunting season.

There is a short but painful “shoeing season” where we need to shoe all those cayuses we fed all winter, which ends with shoe pulling and trimming for winter season of course.

There is “booking season”. You know the one. Where outfitters are slaves to their phones, emails and Facebook looking for those daring hunters willing to say, “I think I believe all your B.S. and I am going to send you some of my hard-earned cash to prove it”.

There is bear baiting season, where we ride literally hundreds of miles setting bear baits out throughout the wilderness so that we can (hopefully) entice some hungry bear into a lucky bear hunter’s sight.

And today… today began “trail clearing season”. That is where a good outfitter invests money into the public lands system so that ALL people can access these public lands. Now I can hear it already, “It is in the outfitters best interest to clear the trails he/she uses”…well, DUH! But, here are the facts that follow a statement like that. These are PUBLIC lands. Meaning they are owned by all. If (we/our trail crew) clears a trail and someone (ANYONE) from the public walks in behind us on this newly cleared trail, do you know what they owe or even invested in their public land experience? NOTHING. They are the beneficiary of others’ hard work and they are better able to enjoy their back-country experience because someone DID take the time to clear the trail they chose before they arrived.

Now if you think I am patting outfitters on the head, you are missing the point of this message. What I am saying is that ANYONE who invests time, money and effort in clearing “OUR” public lands access points, be it a fallen tree on the road to a trail head or the back-country efforts going on right now in “The Frank”, that person is creating and leaving a legacy for others to enjoy.

My speech every year at the beginning and the end of these young folks’ time with us is this, “You guys should be proud! You are leaving a legacy. You are creating access to an area that has not been accessible in years. When someone back home asks you, “How did you spend your summer?” you just raise your head, look them in the eye and say, “I was creating better access to America’s public lands and by default creating a legacy that will last for years. What did you do?”

I am incredibly proud of the work these young folks do each year. Some of the faces change, but the enthusiasm for spending time in one of America’s “Crown Jewels” and “giving back” to society, willingly and with a smile, does not!

Thank you trail crew and good luck with the rest of the “season”!

If after reading this, you find yourself wanting to “give back to society” by helping to clear trails, contact us. We are biting off some major projects that are going to take some super human effort to accomplish and we are looking for volunteers to help in this effort. So, if you have a few days to spare and want to work hard, get fed well, see country that not many actually get to see because of it’s remoteness and ruggedness and KNOW that you are leaving a legacy for others to enjoy, get hold of us. Our trail crew will be here until mid-August and about week three, we will really be looking for more help.

We cannot pay volunteers, but we will provide a comfortable camp and more food than you can possibly eat in one sitting. What are you waiting for?

Rediscover Idaho

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 18:30:35 GMT

By now all the western states’ draws are out and odds are good you didn’t draw a tag. Well, neither did most of the people who play the draw game.

Maybe it is time to give Idaho an honest chance look see.

Idaho is famous for over-the-counter tags, guaranteed elk tags for outfitters and OTC tags for most predators as well. It is also the only western state that I am aware of that you can hunt multiple species at the same time WITHOUT playing the draw game.

Central Idaho is fast returning to the glory days of bygone years with healthy herds of elk, giant mule deer bucks and plenty of bears, wolves and mountain lions to chase around.

The Salmon River mountains of Central Idaho are home to such an amazing variety of wildlife that it is hard to come here and not go home having seen some deer, elk, big horn sheep, moose or even mountain lions or wolves.

By now you may have heard that 2 of my best guides/friends and I (George) got together and purchased a new area adjacent to our current operating area and yet still located in these amazing Salmon River mountains. The only difference is it’s on the edge of the wilderness versus inside the wilderness and much more conducive to horseback hunts! It is still a vast expanse of roadless real estate teaming with elk, deer, bears, wolves and many other varieties of wildlife.

And although it may look like we are new to the game, we bring to the table almost 50 years of combined experience and we also have the benefit of mentorship by the outfitter we purchased from who operated in this same are for 45 years. We will do all we can to provide you with a quality hunt that we promise will create lasting memories for years to come.

Since our purchase was completed late this spring, we were late getting the news out, so we still have some guaranteed elk tags and OTC deer tags available, but only up until July 31. So, if you did not draw or worse yet, finally drew that coveted Wasatch Mountains tag in Utah only to see your entire area go up in smoke, maybe now would be a good time to rediscover Idaho! Give us a call at (208) 756-2548 (before July 31st or the tags revert back to Fish and Game where they have been sold out since March) or visit our website at www.CastleCreekOutfitters.com and help us fill those pages with pictures of your own Idaho trophy!

Late Season Mule Deer Hunts during the rut!

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 18:15:38 GMT

2018 was a year of changes in Idaho, but then again, what year isn’t. One of the changes that took place was that the fish and game commission changed the late season mule deer hunt from an unlimited controlled hunt to a controlled hunt for nonresidents citing backcountry airstrip crowding as the reason for needing to do it. The good news is that there will be fewer people in the backcountry during that mule deer rut hunt. The bad news is that if you failed to put in for that hunt back in May, or even if you did, your chances of drawing were very slim.

Well, there is more good news. The commission created an outfitter pool of tags and allocated tags to outfitters in those areas based on their prior use. We were the recipient of several guaranteed mule deer rut hunt tags, so if you have not got your 2018 hunt plans set in stone yet and want to chase large mule deer bucks in the rut, give us a call at (208) 252-1053 and book your late season mule deer hunt while tags last.

Old Glory is flying in the Frank

Fri, 02 Sep 2016 19:00:00 GMT

If Old Glory is flying in the Frank, it can only mean one thing: the 2016 Idaho fall hunting seasons are open and underway for all to enjoy. We have begun with our fall bear hunting season here in the backcountry units. Most of the Front Range Units’ archery season opened on August 30.

For all those who are headed out to the hills to enjoy some fall hunting, be safe, have some fun, enjoy your public lands and please never pass up an opportunity to be cordial to or help a fellow hunter while in the backcountry. Take the time to watch a sunrise and/or sunset and enjoy the entire experience our public lands system affords all that are willing to escape the confines of our cities’ concrete jungles.

Happy hunting from the gang here at Wild Idaho Outfitters!

The 2016 Idaho fall hunting seasons are almost here

Thu, 25 Aug 2016 14:56:00 GMT

We are just a few short days away from the 2016 fall hunting season here in Idaho. August 30 is the opener of most fall bear hunting units along with statewide general archery season for elk and deer.

Here in Central Idaho’s wilderness backcountry units, we are fortunate to enjoy a two-month long rifle season, so our first opener is bear season and we are getting ready. Our first baits have now been set, camps are getting readied, and firewood is being cut and stacked and come next Tuesday we will welcome our first fall 2016 hunters here at Wild Idaho Outfitters.

We certainly hope that many of you will be taking to the woods this fall to enjoy the many wonders that this great state and country have to offer as far as outdoor fall activities. Hunting, fishing, berry picking and simply sightseeing all seem a little more enjoyable as the summer crowds return to the cities and the mountains seem to just welcome those who come to visit. The weather around here has been amazing and as the autumn approaches and the mornings get a little more brisk, we find ourselves longing for the high country, those amazing wilderness sunsets and the camaraderie that can only be found in hunting camp.

Now that farm chores have finally gotten done thanks to the best brother-in-law money can buy, we can turn all our focus to meeting new friends and welcoming back old ones to our hunting camp back deep in the Central Idaho Wilderness.

This year we are very blessed to have so many return hunters that we are simply grateful and humbled. We find some of our best and most successful hunts are with our return hunters as they have seen the country and our operation and know what to expect and how to prepare for a successful Idaho wilderness hunt.

So, as the days get shorter, the mornings a little cooler and the mountains a bit more colorful, we do hope you will head out to the mountains, rivers and lakes and enjoy your public lands. Remember too, as you head to the woods, take a kid along. If you don’t have any, borrow a few…I hear they come cheap this time of year.

See you in the woods!

Photo: Heading in to set our first bear bait of the 2016
season with my A team of Wyley and Kelly (Tia opted to
stay home and play in the neighbors tree house).

Looking Forward to Idaho Units 27 & 28 Fall 2016 Hunts

Thu, 18 Aug 2016 02:00:00 GMT

It seems like just yesterday we were pulling out of spring bear camp and here it is now the middle of August. We are only days away from setting baits, 2 weeks away from fall bear season and one month away from all our fall combo hunts.

If you are hunting with us this fall, thank you! If you have any last minute questions please take the time to call and visit with us.

Also, if you are hunting elk or deer with us and have not started some sort of exercise program, you still have plenty of time. Even walking a little more than you usually do is really a good idea. The “Frank” is a place that can be very humbling. Keep in mind that our fall camp is at 8,300 feet so altitude can be a factor and building lung capacity by exercising is your best defense. Again, if you have any questions as you prepare for your hunt with Wild Idaho, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The picture on the left is a great view of the Twin Peaks and the skyline that create the southeast boundary of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. It is behind those peaks that all the magic happens this fall with Wild Idaho. We are glad you are joining us. We hope your adventure here in Idaho is a truly memorable one.

If you are not hunting with us, but are hunting somewhere in the west, good for you for getting out and enjoying your public lands and fishing and hunting opportunities funded entirely by you the sportsman!

It is true that sportsmen and -women are the conservationists and as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation espouses, Hunting is Conservation.

First Hunting Season of 2016 Opens

Sat, 16 Jan 2016 05:17:00 GMT

Now that all the hoopla surrounding the Holidays are over and the New Year is officially underway, it is time to get down to the serious business of planning for all the hunting seasons the upcoming year will provide.

While many people are still enjoying hunting for waterfowl, chukars, rabbits and predators (with their new 2016 licenses of course), there are others who are beginning the long, arduous task of trying to decipher each states hunting regulations in search of that one special hunt that will guarantee the buck, bull or boar of a lifetime. Once that special hunt is located, all one has to do is figure out how many points are needed to have a chance to be successful, figure out how to apply, how much it will cost to apply and then go ahead and apply, during the correct application period, and then sit back and wait for that email or letter that will hopefully read SUCCESSFUL for hunt number XXX.

Now for those of us who have hunted out west long enough, realize, that more often than not that letter reads Unsuccessful for hunt XXX…and so the anticipation for next year when we can once again apply and hope for success in at least the draw.

Now lest you think this is simply a downer post, please know it is simply an informational post, that the first hunting season of the year is officially underway: Hunt application season officially began January 1^st 2016 with the timeframe for applying for elk tags in Wyoming opening up to applicants. This application period ends January 31^st. If you have a desire to hunt Wyoming, but don’t know where to start, might I suggest you begin by calling my outfitter friend Kelly Christensen at 208-547-4062, emailing him at raftercoutfitters@live.com or visiting his website at www.RafterCoutfitting.com.

He is licensed in both Idaho and Wyoming and is very approachable about hunting information in either of his areas.

As for Idaho, beginning January 15, 2016, the application for spring bear in the draw only areas opens. With Idaho having so many over the counter or OTC tag areas with 2 bear tags available in these areas, I can’t imagine why one would want to apply for a hunt, but I have been told that if it is a draw area in Idaho for bears, there are even more bears than in areas with 2 tags and with much easier access and so should be a very good hunt…if you draw. For more info on Idaho Spring bear applications, see http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/media/viewNewsRelease.cfm?newsID=8027

Application season is always a fun, thought and dream provoking time of year, please keep in mind that if you miss an application deadline or are simply unsuccessful in the draw, you can always buy an Idaho OTC tag and simply go hunting.

If you are searching for an Idaho outfitter for 2016 (and somehow we don’t fit your criteria), your best resource for finding a quality Idaho hunting outfitter is www.HuntingIdaho.org

Time to Apply for Elk and Deer Tags in those OTHER States

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:39:00 GMT

As fond as I am of all the opportunities there are to hunt in the great state of Idaho, I am the first to recognize that true hunter/sportsmen and women are always “in search of new adventure” or wanting to “explore new horizons” so they apply for hunts in multiple states in search of that elusive tag that comes with promises of trophy quality elk and deer. If we are all being honest with each other, even I APPLY in other states, but always hunt my home state of Idaho…mostly because I can’t draw a tag either!

It is once again round 1 of hunting season also known as “application season”. Wyoming elk applications end January 31^st with results by February 28 and Utah begins its application process on January 29 and ends March 5 with results due out by May 29.

So be sure to mark in your calendar for the day you open your results envelope or email and it simply says “unsuccessful” that Idaho still has over the counter, OTC, tags and many outfitters have guaranteed elk tags so all is not lost for your 2015 hunting season if you don’t draw your “first choice” hunt.

Good luck in the applications and draws and happy hunting this year!

Why Hunt Idaho?

Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:11:00 GMT

Short answer. Because you can! Yup, that is the answer, because you can. As a sportsman/hunter first and an outfitter second, I cherish my opportunities to hunt out west and based on what I have discovered in my travels, reading the news and talking to hunters from all over the globe about hunting in “their” states, once again Idaho simply rises to the top as THE best place for an opportunity to hunt…bar none!

Back in January of this year I blogged about the “ten best reasons to hunt Idaho in 2014”, well I am extending those 10 reasons indefinitely; certainly until someone can show me a state that has this much opportunity and on trophy animals to boot!

After what we saw this year in the field and in talking to other hunters and outfitters, Idaho is simply THE place to hunt and unfortunately is the best kept “secret” out there. When I work shows in the east and ask hunters if they have ever thought of hunting out west or have ever hunted out west, it seems “they” all seem to think the west stops at Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. This doesn’t sit that well with a Utah and Idaho outfitter. Utah, unfortunately, gets lumped in with other states that are wonderful to hunt….if you can draw a tag. Unlike Idaho where tags are readily available over the counter, Utah, Wyoming, Montana, and Nevada are all draw states. I believe Colorado has over the counter tags for very short, choose your weapon seasons and no real predator hunting to speak of.

In Idaho, you can hunt archery for a month and if unsuccessful you can pick up your rifle and head deep into a backcountry unit for another month and probably have just about as good of chance for a trophy size animal as almost any draw hunt in the west. All it takes is a little saddle time or foot soldiering to get off the beaten path. Even now at the time of this writing (December 1st) if you wanted to go hunt whitetails in Idaho you could head right in, purchase a tag and go hunting. What other states can offer that in December? And if you are willing to pick up a bow, you can still hunt elk and deer in some areas right up until the end of December. Wow!

When it comes to predator hunting, Idaho is definitely second to none. Here in Idaho we can still hunt bears over baits or with dogs. Dogs have been outlawed in many western states along with baiting. We can hunt spring and fall with the same tag for bears and in the back country units you can even harvest 2 bears AND at a reduced price... again Wow! You can hunt mountain lions with dogs and you can even hunt wolves for an extended period of time. Heck some states have outlawed hunting mountain lions all together (you know who you are California)

So if it sounds like I am proud of what Idaho offers, you better believe I am and as much as I wish everyone who reads this would book a hunt with us, I realize that many who read this will be Do it yourself (DIY Hunters), already booked with another outfitter or hunting with family and I am afraid the worst case is the poor soul sitting out all hunts “waiting to draw a tag in a trophy area somewhere else”. That truly is heartbreaking. Either way you make it to Idaho, by outfitter, DIY or family, just make it!…and bring a youth hunter with you because Idaho has, in my opinion, the best deal on youth hunting in the country!

You will be very happy you did!

Happy Hunting!

Visit our Photo Gallery for a Recap of the exciting 2014 Idaho Adventures

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 08:59:00 GMT

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Maybe that is true and maybe it “ain’t,” but it is always fun to look back over the past year through pictures taken either by myself, our guides or even those shared by our hunting clients. It helps us relive some of the moments that makes our jobs as guides one of the most fulfilling jobs in the world (in my opinion of course). In looking through these photos to choose some to post, it seems like only yesterday we were putting our heads down to go to work setting bear baits in April and now it is already December with Christmas just around the corner. So please stop by and visit our gallery and if you see some photos you like I do hope you will tell us about them, if you hunted with us and don’t see some pictures you would like to share with the world, I do hope you will share them with us and if you want to find yourself in some of those photos in the future, I do hope you will book a hunt with us We are taking bookings for all of our 2015 hunts and are actually already booked full on a couple of weeks during spring bear season, so don’t wait. If you have been thinking about an Idaho adventure, maybe this is your year.

I have said it before and will say it again, I truly believe Idaho is one of the best kept secrets in the hunting world. I say “Why Hunt Idaho?” answer “because you can!” In this western world of having to apply for tags, Idaho is one of, if not the only state left with over the counter tags (OTC Tags), liberal seasons (almost a month to hunt elk or deer with a rifle in some of the back country units and still having the ability to use bait and dogs when hunting bears. It is the ONLY state I know of where you can’t hunt elk, deer, bear, wolf and mountain lion all in the same timeframe and last but certainly not least, it has one of the best, if not THE best discount and incentive for youth hunters in the country!

Spot Available for Late Season Idaho Mule Deer Hunt in the Rut

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 11:55:00 GMT

Putting in for draw hunts in multiple states, at first glance, seems like it would increase your odds of drawing a tag…and you would be right…BUT it also increases your chances at drawing the potentially unwanted scenario of drawing 2 tags in 2 states and being married to a woman who only allows 1 hunt per year

That brings us to the subject of this blog. We had a hunter book a late season 2014 mule deer hunt which is a draw hunt here in Idaho; it is a guaranteed tag if you put in for the draw on time in May, but if you wait until after the draw closes, you don’t have a choice. If you want to hunt mule deer in an amazing mule deer area…during the mule deer rut, you are out of luck until next year. Well this hunter put in for mule deer tags in multiple states and drew a tag that he had been trying to draw for 16 years in another state and he drew! Lucky him right? …maybe…he had drawn the late season hunt in Idaho and has a loving wife who wishes he would only hunt 1 hunt a year. Which hunt do you think he chose? That’s right, the other one

Well, we made a deal with the fish and game that we would replace that hunter and they gave us only until 5 pm Monday August 4, 2014 to do so (tags normally need to be purchased by August 1^st), so his “loss” could be someone’s gain! There is honestly only 1 tag and 1 spot available to hunt Idaho mule deer in the rut, in November, in the backcountry, by horseback, but you have to decide quickly. This hunt sells for 2950 plus tax and tags and we believe is about the best deal going on quality mule deer hunts out west. We want to know if there is anyone out there still interested in hunting quality mule deer in the rut. Contact us if you are interested. This must be sold by this Monday August 4th or it is a loss for Idaho of a nonresident fee and a loss for 1 lucky hunter.

This hunt was originally booked for November 12-19, 2014 but with only 1 hunter spot available, we can be fairly flexible about choosing a 7 day period during the entire season which runs November 1-18, 2014 that works best for you. This is a fully guided 7 day hunt.

New Idaho Youth Deer Hunting Opportunity

Sun, 25 May 2014 10:21:00 GMT

Because of some recent changes in antlerless deer tags allowed in our area and recent Idaho laws changed involving private lands, Idaho and specifically Wild Idaho Outfitters is able to offer a new and unique youth deer hunting opportunity.

I have often wondered how we could “share the wealth” of an undersubscribed private lands antlerless deer hunting opportunity in literally our own back yard, knowing nonresident der tags are 302 dollars and thinking who on earth would pay 302 dollars for an antlerless tag? Then it hit me! Idaho has one of the best youth hunting opportunities in the form of reduced youth hunting tag fees in the country (in my opinion of course). So why not offer special youth antlerless hunts on the private land that we have access to?

So this year we are offering youth antlerless deer, short range weapon hunts through December for a very low and special price…yet to be determined We are working on logistics, but want it to be a comfortable lodge type hunt or motel hunt and short 3 days or so and make it affordable enough for an adult to want to bring their youth hunter to Idaho.

We will be working out the details over the next couple of weeks while back in bear camp, but if a short range youth deer hunting opportunity on private land holds an interest to you, please contact us so we can get you the details as soon as available. Also know the draw is on right now for this tag and is due by June 5th.

10 Reasons Why Idaho is THE Best Place to Hunt in the West in 2014

Mon, 20 Jan 2014 18:28:00 GMT

1. Tags…Idaho has tags

2. Game…Idaho has always, and is doing even more so now, producing good QUALITY elk, deer and bear, and now we can even hunt wolves.

3. Opportunity…Some of Idaho’s backcountry hunts run for over 2 months giving you more than just that 1 week window in October to hunt and maybe even having to choose between hunts because you were fortunate enough to draw that “coveted tag” after “only” 15 years of trying in another state.

4. Opportunity…Many of Idaho’s hunts allow for multi species hunts during the same time. I personally do not know of any other western state where you can hunt elk, deer, bear and wolves all at the same time and in the same area…and have a realistic chance at harvesting multiple species.

5. Tags…Did I mention tags? Idaho is still offering OTC deer and elk tags first come, first serve. Some states have gone to “draw only” for all tags and species. Because Idaho has had such a bad rap from the wolf issue, hunters have NOT been coming here. Well, we can NOT rule out man is the ultimate hunter and with hunt tags going unsold for at least 5 years now, and wolf hunting and trapping going for the last 3 years, Idaho is seriously beginning to see an uptick in both numbers and quality of elk and deer in its backcountry units along with its front range units where wolf control has been more aggressive since the beginning.

6. Opportunity…When you buy an OTC deer tag, that tag is good all over the state, not just a specific zone. You can hunt early season mule deer in September and if not successful, you could end up hunting late season white tails in December.

7. Opportunity…In Idaho you still don’t have to “choose your weapon” as you do in several western states. You may purchase your archery stamp and hunt an entire month in most areas and again, if not successful, add up to another 2 FULL months of rifle season to your hunting season. Can you show me another state that allows this for trophy quality mule deer and elk?

8. Opportunity…Bear hunting in most western states has gone to draw only and is very restrictive. Here in Idaho you can buy OTC tags (are you sensing a pattern here?), and hunt with dogs, over bait or spot and stalk. Your tag for spring bear season, up to 3 months long, is still good in the fall for up to 2 ½ months of fall bear hunting…while you are hunting other species (again are you sensing a pattern here?).

9. No points system…Yes that is a benefit! Idaho is the last place left (that I know of) that one could really actually draw a tag for trophy species including big horn sheep, moose and mountain goats. Idaho has shorter waiting periods (2 years) and if you don’t harvest, you can try again!

10. No points “creep”…Let’s face it. Some hunts in other states could take 15-20 years just for an “opportunity” to hunt; and that’s if you started the process today! Hunt Idaho every year. Year after year! You could spend that time “waiting” by sharpening up your hunting skills for that day when you do draw that special tag instead of sitting on the sidelines hoping “next year will be the year.”

Good Luck in you hunts!