Hunting in Idaho

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69 hunting trips from 11 outfitters starting from $899

hunting trips

$899

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About hunting in Idaho

The rugged and beautiful landscapes in the state of Idaho feature steep mountain ranges, large lakes, rushing rivers, and steep canyons. The state contains some of the largest unspoiled natural areas in the United States, including the 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness Area, the largest contiguous area of protected wilderness in the continental U.S. Not surprisingly, Idaho has tremendous hunting opportunities to match its wilderness character. Species include elk, deer, pronghorn, black bears, mountain lions, wolves, moose, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep. In addition, the upland bird hunting is excellent, with California quail, chukar, grey partridge, five types of grouse, pheasants, and turkeys available. Idaho currently boasts a population of about 107,000 elk, and they can be found from the sagebrush deserts to the central Idaho mountains to the timbered ridges in the northern part of the state. Over-the-counter tags are available for elk, with draw tags for bigger bulls offered in 28 zones. A combination of over-the-counter tags and controlled hunts also allows hunters to pursue both mule deer and white-tailed deer; mule deer are widespread in the central mountains and southern deserts of Idaho, while white-tailed deer dominate the northern forested areas. Overall hunting success rates over the last five years have averaged 40 percent for deer and 23 percent for elk. Idaho has a healthy population of black bears. Cinnamon and brown color-phase black bears are common in many areas, and hunters can pursue bears with hounds or over bait. Nonresident deer and elk tags may also be used to harvest a black bear or mountain lion. A limited number of draw tags are available for pronghorn, moose, goats, and bighorn sheep in Idaho. The moose population is estimated at 10,000 to 12,000. While moose populations are declining in parts of the state, they are expanding their range in several other areas. Several thousand bighorn sheep roam Idaho’s remote rugged mountains and steep river canyons; approximately 85 controlled hunt tags are available to those fortunate enough to draw. Successful applicants can harvest one California and one Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in their lifetime. Mountain goats are found in North Idaho, the White Cloud Mountains of central Idaho, and the far southeastern corner of the state. Hunters in Idaho must possess a hunting license, a tag for the particular species of big game they are after, and they must have proof of having taken a hunter education class if born after January 1, 1975. Learn more about hunting in Idaho at https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt.

Idaho on map

Price distribution

$899

$4,125

$7,351

$10,577

$13,803

Hunting methods

Bow Hunting 46 hunts

Rifle Hunting 46 hunts

Stalking 39 hunts

All methods (13)

Game classification

Big Game 68 hunts

Dangerous Game 30 hunts

Predators 30 hunts

All classifications (4)

Reviews

Chris

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

Dec 6, 2024

Real Deal Elk Hunt, amazing trip and experience

10.0

of 10

Five Bears Outfitters

Outfitter

Hunting true public land bulls in the deep woods of Idaho was awesome. The camp and the guides were fantastic. We saw and heard elk throughout the week.

Everything was fantastic. I missed an opportunity to shoot a bull, but that was only my fault. I learned a ton from the experience and can't wait to do it again!

Jeff

Canada

9.3

of 10

Verified review

Nov 19, 2024

Elk Hunt

9.3

of 10

Moose Creek Outfitters

Outfitter

This is a real hunt. Hard work, lots of physical exercise. This is not a country for someone new to hunting. There is nothing I didn't like that our guide/outfitter had control over. A real authentic hunt. The Wilderness Act of 1964 makes this a hunt that relies on manpower and perserverance. No motors or wheels allowed, no chainsaws or electric winches. Lots of beautiful scenery and mountains. Miles of hiking in the roughest terrain. Loved every minute of it even though the terrain left me battered and bruised!

Unfortunately we didn't get our elk but not for lack of ability.

Justin

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

Oct 25, 2024

Great experience

10.0

of 10

PNWOutfitters

Outfitter

The down to earth guides, great food, great knowledge about the area, testing out my hunting skills in a new area.

My group enjoyed the entire hunt.

Louis

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

Oct 23, 2023

Combining a great outfitter and an incredible area makes for a wonderful trip

10.0

of 10

Five Bears Outfitters

Outfitter

Friendly and helpful guide staff. They make you feel like family and go out of their way to make the trip enjoyable. The camp is in a beautiful area, and seeing vast amounts of it from the back of a very trustworthy horse is an amazing experience. We saw all sorts of wildlife, including elk, wolf, moose and mountain goats. My guide was able to set me up for shots that worked well for my hunting and shooting style. All in all a truly life changing experience.

Nothing!

Sean

United States

10.0

of 10

Verified review

Jul 8, 2024

A hunt of a life time

10.0

of 10

Five Bears Outfitters

Outfitter

With the experience you get riding 20 miles to the base camp on horses and mules, I didn’t think the trip could get any better than that. I was so wrong, the manager jade and his crew went to great lengths to making us feel at home even tho we were 20 miles deep in the back country of Idaho. The way they had camp set up was amazing with sleeping tents a shower tent, kitchen tent all ready for us to get start once we arrived there. I was in total shock about how good the food was and they even had freshly baked desserts for us after a long day of hunting. With good conversations and plenty of laughs in camp the experience me and my brother had was by far the best. We will definitely be going back !!

Danny

United States

9.0

of 10

Verified review

Oct 26, 2024