Elk, Mule Deer, Bear & Wolf Hunting Blog

Half Time for the First Part of Idaho Hunting Application Season

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 23:30:00 GMT

It’s half time for the first application draw of the 2026 Idaho hunt application season. Have you applied yet? The good news is that if you haven’t yet, there is still time and the better news is that we don’t have to suffer through some rotten rabbit singing half time songs for us.

This is just a friendly reminder to DON’T do what I do and procrastinate putting in for your preferred trophy animal in Idaho.

The best part about Idaho hunting draws is that there are no points so literally everyone that applies has the same chance of drawing. Now, obviously, the coveted “trophy” species have long odds of drawing, but life has taught me on many a May 1 mornings, that my odds of drawing would have been way better had I actually applied verses saying “tomorrow I’ll apply” enough times that the morning of May 1 rolls around and my odds of drawing turned out to be zero.

So, this is just a gentle reminder that if you have not applied for your favorite trophy species in Idaho yet and are planning on doing so, now is a great time to get after it, and, oh yeah, don’t forget to file your taxes. It is April 15.

Good luck and happy hunting!

Another Official Idaho Opening Day

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:49:04 GMT

April 1 marks the “official” opener of Idaho’s “hunt application season”. It is the time of year that dreams are made of.

Think about it, you are another year older, have had “unsuccessful” draw results for years, surely this is your year, right?! Well, you won’t know if you don’t apply.

April is the month to apply for Idaho’s “trophy” species: Bighorn sheep, Mountain Goat, and Moose. These are, as in most western states, a once in a lifetime hunt if you are successful in the draw for a tag, so be sure to put in your application for Idaho trophy species this month. This may actually be your year top draw that coveted tag!

Happy Hunting!

Second Chance Draw for Idaho Elk and Deer Tags

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 GMT

Today, February 5, 2026, begins the second chance draw period for Idaho’s (formerly) over the counter elk and deer tags. Take advantage of applying in a state that has no points system because you at least know you have a chance of drawing a tag verses those states where points are so stacked against you that you simply “begin” the process of donating money to that state’s draw system for years until such time that you have accumulated enough points to even be in the running for a tag.

Please don’t be confused by this draw either as to whether it is about Sheep, Mountain Goat, Moose or controlled hunts for elk and deer. It is NOT! Those hunt draw processes begin at their usual times of April for trophy species and May for elk, deer and antelope controlled hunt draws.

Lest I forget, applications for controlled hunts for turkey and spring bear are also going on right now.

As usual, if you have any questions about our area, the process or even suggestions on where to apply, please contact us and we will do our best to help you get to hunt in one of the greatest western states to hunt in!

Finally, consider taking a kid hunting with you! They are the future of hunting and conservation!

Happy hunting!

Last Day to Apply for Idaho Nonresident Elk and Deer Tags

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 06:00:00 GMT

This is the first year that Idaho has made nonresidents put in for the formerly OTC (over the counter) general season elk and deer tags and now, today is the last day you can put in for those hunts.

Obviously, this is just the first “go round” but for sure, all the good and desirable areas will be gobbled up in this first draw period. Keep in mind that this first draw does not apply to trophy species: moose, mountain goat and bighorn sheep. That draw will still be in April as well as traditional controlled hunts draw will take place in May. This application process is simply for the general season elk and deer tags that you used to be able to buy over the counter.

So, if you are planning on hunting Idaho in a DIY capacity, be sure to log on to the IDFG website TODAY, so you can get your best chance at hunting Idaho elk or deer in 2026!

Good luck and good hunting!

Nonresidents Must Apply for Formerly OTC Tags this Year in Idaho

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:27:48 GMT

Seems the only constant in life is change and that adage seems to hold especially true in the hunting world. It seems to me that meetings are held and changes made “just because” every year and this year is no different!

Starting today, December 5, 2025, nonresidents who want to hunt elk and deer in formerly OTC units will need to apply for those tags. The application period runs from December 5 to 15, 2025 with results being posted in early January 2026.

We will be sending at least 3 emails in this period to remind you to get your entry submitted. Not to be a pain, but because we often get busy and say, “I’ll apply tomorrow”, then the 16th shows up and now you are stuck hunting with an outfitter who still has tags instead of being able to hunt on your own. So, think of these emails as simply “gentle reminders” to stop procrastinating and apply for those tags you think you want to be able to continue your tradition of hunting in some of the lower 48’s most amazing country…Idaho!

Finally, if you want help, advice or just to vent about the drawing process, please contact us and we will be happy to assist or simply listen.

Best of luck in the draw and most importantly, always remember to take a kid hunting with you!

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!

Final Week to Apply for Idaho Big Game Hunts

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Most western states draw results are out by now and we know this because we are already getting the call of “do you have any openings, because we didn’t draw in (my preferred) state”.

Idaho seems to be a bit behind and their deadline for applications is June 5.

So, if you know of some “trophy” area you want to apply for in Idaho, be sure to get your application in before the deadline on June 5 and good luck to you!

Happy application season and remember to put a kid in the draw with you!

Remember, if you don’t draw, you can still reach out to an Idaho outfitter to see about last minute cancellations or remaining opportunities for this year or following years’ hunts!

2025 Idaho Trophy Species Application Season

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 21:27:26 GMT

It wasn’t just another April Fool’s Day this April 1st. No, it was the official opener of “Trophy Species” application season. You know, the season that comes every year. The one we all anticipate, get excited about, talk to our friends about, seek the public’s help with on social media and then finally decide for ourselves what unit we are going to put in for the chance to hunt moose, big horn sheep, or mountain goat, only to get that letter or email simply stating “unsuccessful”.

Not to be too much of a downer, a wise man once said, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”.

I have to believe that is every hunter’s motto, so we still faithfully apply.

So, get out your Idaho 2025 Trophy Species Rule book, scan social media, talk to booking agents, friends or even complete strangers and maybe as a last resort, consult an Idaho outfitter about which unit they believe is the best for your chosen target, and by golly, take that shot and put in your application!

Remember that Trophy Species application season ends April 30, so best get started on that research journey now!

Good luck in the draw this year and hope to see you on the mountain!

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!

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.

Fall Bear Season Is Looking Good

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:00:00 GMT

If you haven’t made plans for fall yet, maybe a fall bear hunt in Idaho’s famous Frank Church Wilderness Area is just the ticket. Cameras on our spring bear bait sites were loaded with color phase bears this year.

We weren’t sure if it was the mild winter or simply the bear population just continues to grow, but the fact is, the numbers and color variety both on camera and killed this spring was incredible. The bears were out and hungry. We left far more on camera than were harvested so fall is looking extra good this year as well.

We have room for just a few fall bear hunters this year. Could it be you? Contact us to book your hunt.

Happy Hunting and as always, take a kid along!

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!

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!

Celebrating 20 Years Making Memories in Idaho

Wed, 29 Nov 2023 00:17:00 GMT

By hook or by crook, we have made it to our twentieth year in business. We just finished our 19th season here at Wild Idaho Outfitters and as we head into our twentieth season in the “Frank” I may have to suggest that it was probably more possible by the grace of God and the many wonderful hunters that we have met along the way that we have reached this milestone.

We feel grateful and incredibly blessed to have made it this far. We have assembled an amazing team; from the administrative staff to the trail crew and the guides and even the packers, we believe we have some of the best in the business! Question is, what does this mean to you? The ones reading this blog/email? So what, we have made it 20 years, what is in it for you?

That is a very good question, we are glad you asked. We believe we have come up with a suitable answer. Twenty years is obviously a milestone. One that must be celebrated and so we are. For all spring or fall Idaho bear hunts and predator hunts booked with Wild Idaho Outfitters or our sister company Castle Creek Outfitters for the 2024 season, we are offering 20% off our regular list prices* (which I (George) believe are already the lowest in the business). That is a savings of up to $650 dollars per hunter!!!!

Now obviously we have no control over the price of tags, licenses or taxes, but over our prices we do, and we are so grateful that we have come this far and we want to celebrate our twentieth year with as many hunters as possible. That is why we are doing our best to make hunting in 2024 affordable. Won't you join us?

So for our twentieth year of making memories, we want to sincerely say, "Thank You!" for supporting us and creating memories along the way.

Avoid the December 1 Black Friday Idaho Nonresident Tag Sale: Book with an Idaho Outfitter

Mon, 27 Nov 2023 18:00:00 GMT

If you have hunted Idaho in recent years or are intending to this year, you probably know that Idaho’s nonresident deer and elk tags go on sale December 1. This year it just happens to fall on a Friday.

We have heard from hunters and some Idaho Fish and Game personnel that it can be quite the “Black Friday” adventure trying to get in line (online or in person) to get your chance at an Idaho nonresident elk or deer tag.

This year, why don’t you simply avoid all that? Sleep in, cuddle your wife a little longer, have a relaxing breakfast with your kids, start that workout program, read a good book, or simply do your usual routine and show up to work on time with a smile and ready to work knowing you had the foresight to contact an Idaho outfitter (or fully intend to) and have your spot for an Idaho nonresident elk and/or deer tag already secured.

Probably one of the second-best things about being an Idaho outfitter, besides simply “getting” to work in this great state, is the fact that we have guaranteed elk and deer hunting tags for hunters wanting to hunt in Idaho. It is not just us either. Almost every Idaho hunting outfitter who happens to have had “historical use” when capped and controlled hunts went into effect in their assigned outfitting area, has at least some guaranteed tags and the good ones are always working on ways to get more so that we (all Idaho hunting outfitters) have the ability to provide a service to those who want to employ the services of an Idaho hunting outfitter for their next Idaho elk or deer hunt.

So, remember, turn off that “rise early to TRY and buy an Idaho nonresident tag today” alarm and rest peacefully knowing you have or intend to call an Idaho outfitter so that you KNOW that you are going hunting in Idaho next year!

Happy hunting and good luck on December 1 for those who choose to brave it alone!

What Spring Bear Season Means to a Seasoned Wrangler

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT

March 20, 2023 is the first day of spring and this means Idaho spring bear season is right around the corner!

Let me introduce myself, I'm Kelly Swingruber, my daughter (Tia) and I pack for Wild Idaho Outfitters and Castle Creek Outfitters. I also manage the livestock. Simple right? Hmm, not so much! We run our livestock start to finish, so to speak, which means, we don't just buy broke stock and put them to work. We raise our stock. We find and buy the right brood stock and raise our replacement stock: mares, geldings, stallions, mules!

Prior to the start of Idaho spring bear season, the young Darling Creek Livestock has to be started. They have to be started clear back when they are Lil kids on their Mommas, but when they get some years on ‘em, it gets serious. When Idaho spring bear season rolls around, the young stock needs to be trained enough to at least throw a blanket and pack saddle on, throw some pack bags on and be able to lead. Hopefully they are a little further along then that, but not always.

Anyways….., before the official start of spring bear, we start setting baits and Idaho spring bear season means packing on Darling Creek colts in mud and remnants of snow and green bursting forth and an end to a long long looooong winter!

When we brought the old pros (livestock) out of the back country the end of November 2022 in snow and cold, some of which were just started before spring bear 22, we came home to rest a little and to dream of the start of spring bear season.

Well folks here it is almost spring, the dreaming is over and the long awaited “work” begins! The colts need saddled, the mules need shaved, the horses need shod, and thousands of pounds of bait needs set!

Horses that were cute colts on their Mommas “just yesterday” now are stepping up to hopefully become “old pros”. Myself, I haven’t just been dreaming of spring and the back country and green grass for a winter, I’ve been dreaming of throwing my leg over these colts for 3 and 4 years. Dreaming of how great they could turn out to be!

Spring also means a new crop of Darling Creek Livestock babies are just around the corner, more fodder to dream on!

Yes, the first day of spring means Idaho spring bear season is almost here but to me, so much more! Not only new growth, new stock, new memories but also new hunters as well as return hunters of which some become friends and family. 2023 is going to be a great year!

Contributed by Kelly Swingruber (Wrangler Extraordinaire)

Merry Christmas from Idaho!

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 23:03:00 GMT

As the sun set on a crisp evening in our upper camp overlooking the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness on November 18, the realization hit that our 2022 Idaho elk, deer and bear season had just come to an end.

This past month has flown by and as we inch up on the end of 2022, we can’t help but look back at an amazing year with complete gratitude for the friends and adventures we got to experience and look forward to many more in the future.

We are always grateful to see the many friends we have made over the past 18 years guiding in Idaho returning to hunt with us and just as grateful for the new friends we make each year.

We are especially grateful for the support crew of incredible people that have been coming together at Castle Creek Outfitters and Wild Idaho Outfitters to help make your Idaho adventure as successful and comfortable as possible.

It is always a bittersweet moment as generally we are tired from almost 3 full months in the backcountry and yet incredibly grateful for all the great and wonderful people whose paths crossed with ours in pursuit of their Idaho backcountry adventure.

This season was no different, and as we get together with friends and family to celebrate this Holiday Season, we hope you can look back on your time in Idaho with, if not a smile, at least not a grimace.

Merry Christmas to you and yours! We hope to see many of you on future Idaho adventures!

Spring Bear Drop Camps

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:00:00 GMT

With Idaho’s 2022 spring bear season beginning in just a few short weeks, we are grateful that we are almost fully booked for our guided hunts, but we still have availability for spring drop camps for those DIY hunters who prefer the challenge of hunting on their own and more of the spot and stalk element of bear hunting.

This is a more affordable option over a guided hunt, puts you in charge of your own schedule and may just be the ticket for that pent up wintertime cabin fever!

We will pack you into a back country camp, drop you off, show you a couple of pre-baited sites you can sit in the evenings and leave you to your own hunting experience. We will then come pick you up at a predetermined time and hope to hear tall tales of faraway places and hopefully be able to congratulate on a well-placed shot on an Idaho bear!

Best of luck with your spring bear hunt this year and remember to get out and enjoy YOUR public lands!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Gang at Wild Idaho Outfitters and Castle Creek Outfitters

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 20:32:15 GMT

As the girls rode the livestock out on their final ride of the season, heading for greener pastures at lower elevation and a winter rest, we couldn’t help but reminisce on how fast the last 3 months have gone and how grateful we are for what we get to do, the country we get to do it in, and especially for the people we get to meet.

To everyone who hunted with us this year we want to offer you a sincere THANK YOU! And we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

As you gather with family and friends over this long holiday weekend, we hope that you can look back on your time in Idaho with fondness!

Until our path’s cross again, happy trails and…

Happy Thanksgiving!

George