Elk, Mule Deer, Bear & Wolf Hunting Blog

Hunting Application Season is in Full Swing

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

It seems like hunting has evolved from planning an outdoor excursion with your family and friends that revolves around a hunting camp full of close friends and family to an exercise in becoming a Vegas odds statistician so you have the best chance at even drawing a tag.

Gone are the “good old days” of working all year to that last minute trip to the local hardware store to get your tag, go home to pack your hunting gear and then head out to your favorite camping spot with family and friends for opening day of hunting season. The younger generation probably doesn’t remember this, and it is truly unfortunate.

Now, it seems that “hunting season” is a year-round exercise in hunt applications in multiple states hoping to draw one somewhere, just so you can hunt. Now, obviously, if you are the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, you can always resort to a farm/high fence hunt, but it turns out that there are only about 500 of those folks, so for those of us in the cheap seats, we must rely on luck of the draw. Or do we?

As for us “normal” folks, we just want to hunt. I don’t know about all of you that are reading this, but I truly just want to hunt. Application season seems like just a way to put a little hope in our souls that we “might” get to go hunting in our home state and in our favorite spot, but sadly, when the draw results come out, obviously more of us get a lump of coal than a coveted tag.

Speaking of the “good old days”, do any of you remember when you would buy your tag, go out opening weekend and harvest a “nice” 2-point buck, or even better a nice “4 by 4”. Man, you were on cloud nine and called (you couldn’t text a pic, you had to actually draw a visual picture in your friend’s mind with words) all your friends, relatives, and really anyone that would listen to hear your story about the “great” buck that you got.

Today, you know what we celebrate? That we even got a stinking tag! Check out social media in the spring and it is loaded with people who are so excited that they even got a tag. Kind of a sad commentary on our “hunting lifestyle” these days and painful reminder that there truly were “good old days” of hunting.

So as not to be too negative in my approach about this subject, there is still one small glimmer of hope, and that is Idaho outfitter allocation. If you are interested in booking with an Idaho hunting outfitter, us or any others who have an allocation, you can be assured that you will be going hunting the year you book. You will have a guaranteed tag and an opportunity to go out (hopefully with family and friends) and explore Idaho’s amazing backcountry real estate and big game.

Allocation, like anything worth while and regulated by government is on the chopping block this legislative session in Idaho. It seems that some don’t like outfitters having guaranteed tags so that nonresident people like you can come to rural Idaho, spend money locally and truly make a contribution to small town America. That’s right. You coming to rural Idaho towns with your sportsman dollars really does make a difference and us small town residents are truly grateful for your contribution.

So, get out there and play the “tag application game” in all those states (including Idaho), but be sure to visit with an Idaho outfitter as, at the very least, a “back up” plan to hunt this year.

Good luck in the draws!

Happy hunting, and as always, be sure to take a kid hunting!

Save Big on Idaho Spring Bear Hunts

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

This year marks our twentieth season here in Idaho and we are celebrating with 20 percent off on our Idaho spring bear hunts!

We love what we do and love sharing the woods with hunters from all over and hope to continue for another 20 plus years of guiding bear hunters. Can you even imagine saving 40 percent on a bear hunt to celebrate 40 years when that happens? Ha ha

We truly love spring bear season because after driving tracked machines in a sea of white all winter chasing wolves and mountain lions, the woods finally begin to come to life with signs of remerging plant life, early wildflowers beginning to bloom, the river opening up as the bank ice recedes and we get the horses off winter pasture to begin the bear baiting process.

As we get out and set the baits in April, we get to see all that nature has to offer and truly enjoy the experience as we look forward to sharing our love of the backcountry with those willing to invest in an Idaho spring bear hunt with us.

If you have been considering a spring bear hunt, but have just been waiting for the right time, maybe now is that right time to join us here in Idaho and save 20 percent!

Contact us today and let’s get you scheduled for your Idaho spring bear hunt! We still have some openings in May and June of this year.

Happy Hunting!

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

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!

Fall Bear Hunting Season is just around the corner

Fri, 20 Jul 2018 18:25:12 GMT

It seems like just yesterday that we were riding in to set spring bear baits and yet we are already talking about what baits to set for this fall, preparing camp and laying in more bear bait for this year’s fall bear hunt.

Our trail crew arrives this weekend and we begin a 4-week hitch clearing our backcountry trails in preparation for fall hunts beginning August 30 with fall bear season. Every fall seems to produce some amazing color phase bears that are just fat and getting fatter preparing for the long winter ahead. Hides have historically been in pristine condition as well.

So, if you have yet to make concrete plans for your fall 2018 hunting season or you have plans but they are later in the season, maybe a quick trip to Central Idaho’s pristine Salmon River Mountain Range is in order, whereas we still have a few openings for our fall bear season.

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.

Show your support for kids with diabetes

Thu, 14 Apr 2016 23:06:00 GMT

Wild Idaho Outfitters is proud to be supporting Camp Hodia, a youth camp program that supports children with type 1 diabetes. We are donating a 3 day 2 night Frank Church Wilderness experience to support their mission to provide camp sponsorships to kids with diabetes.

They are having a dinner and auction this Saturday night in Boise, see more here.

100% of the proceeds of this trip will go to Camp Hodia, so if you are in Boise Saturday night and are interested in supporting a great organization and possibly get a great deal on a fun trip, register and attend this event.

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.