Idaho Backcountry Elk Hunt
LODGING
Wall Tents, Spike-Camp Tents
SPECIES
Rocky Mountain Elk, Mule Deer
SEASON
September – October
RECOMMENDED FOR…
Avid Sportsmen, Big Game Hunters, Mountain(wo)men, All Skill Levels, Solo Hunters, Small Groups, Couples
EQUIPMENT
Camp Equipment (except sleeping bags) and Kitchen Equipment is Provided
Hunting Equipment is NOT Provided
Experience the hunt of a lifetime and embrace the true mountain man within you, engulfed within the Idaho mountains, valleys, and ridges of the Frank Church Wilderness.
With unmatched landscapes, private backcountry flights, campouts, spot & stalk hunting, packing in via horseback, experienced and seasoned guides, outstanding meals, and much more, you’ll have epic experiences to share with loved ones for years to come. Spend a week in the wilderness that’s home to the River Of No Return, hunting within 280+ square miles for the king of the backcountry: Rocky Mountain Elk.
This 7-day Idaho backcountry elk hunt features no roads, no cars, no power lines, no fences, no fancy lodges, no SUVs or ATVs, no frills, and no crowds – just you, your guides, horses, mules, camping gear, and the animals. Immerse yourself in the rich history of this countryside as you hunt for elk, mule deer, and other free-roaming, non-pressured wildlife; It’s not just hunting, but the ultimate wilderness experience, and if you tag out early, you can still enjoy fishing along the river or hunting for bears and wolves.
This is the best elk and mule deer hunting in Idaho! Your guides have been guiding elk hunters during the rut with rifles and bows, with a focus on units 20A, 26, & 27, for over 30 years; The hunting units are situated within the Payette, Boise, and Challis/Salmon National Forest, all within the heart of the Frank Church Wilderness. All you need to worry about is bringing the right gear, shooting straight, and having a positive attitude; These three things, along with the hunt itself, will give you the experience of a lifetime!
You’ll fly by small plane into a backcountry air strip or access via one of many trailheads by horseback (no experience required). Since elk and deer tend to be on the move, the guides will set up your daily camp and you’ll be “spiking out” into new locations each day.
Spiking Out involves camping away from the comforts of the main camp, to reduce travel and to hunt the far off locations of the general hunting area. The camp consists of comfortable 2 person wall tents with wood stoves (when applicable), sleeping pads, comforting hot meals and all other food made out of the cook tent, the guides tent, all kitchen and camp equipment, taxidermy field prep, and meat prep. Since you’ll be deep within the wilderness, all types of game may be found right outside of camp.
Your 7-day fully guided hunting experience is supported by your guides, horses, and the mules packing your equipment. Each day, you’ll move to a new remote area, hunting for elk. On the first evening, you’ll get settled in and ride out for your first hunt. During the Elk rut, you’ll use a spot and stalk method that includes calling/bugling. For the next 7 days, after hearty breakfasts, you’ll ride out each morning on horseback, with 2 hunters per guide, to find your trophy.
You’ll set your own limits of endurance and what YOU consider the size of your trophy. This fall, big game hunting experience will be the finest wilderness excursion you’ll ever experience. The seasoned guides help you navigate to elk and will prepare your harvested animals for meat and taxidermy. With a mentality that the clients come first, the experienced guides design and adapt the hunt to match your abilities. If you’d like to condition your body prior to hunting season for a more comfortable adventure, we recommend packing weight while hiking and walking to prepare your body for the backcountry.
The entire season spans from mid-September through mid-October. Elk season is September 15 through November 18; Mule deer season is late October through November 18. You can also fill tags for wolf, bear, and mountain lions. All animals that are harvested will be field dressed and placed in game bags by your guides, who insure that preservation of all meat possible. If you have a mount made, the guides will professionally cape out your animal. Each evening at camp, you’ll be treated to an unbelievable supper with all amenities included.
You’ll fly into Boise, Idaho (1) and rent a car or take a small plane to the quaint, alpine village of Stanley, Idaho (2), where you’ll stay in a hotel and spend your first evening. The next day, you’ll shuttle to the Stanley airport, where you’ll catch a small plane to fly into the backcountry (3) and meet your guides.
After the hunt, you’ll fly back to Stanley, where you’ll drive or fly back to Boise, and then home or your next destination; This is a great time to take some extra time and visit nearby Sun Valley, Jackson Hole, Missoula, Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, or Coeur d’Alene!
LEGEND (1) Boise Airport (BOI)
(2) Stanley, Idaho
(3) Frank Church – River of no Return Wilderness
You’ll be provided an extensive gear list upon booking, but we suggest a thoughtful layering system, that’s geared toward traveling on foot, and mindful about extreme weather conditions; Got Fishing’s team is well-skilled in hunting gear and we can provide recommendations in detail if needed. Here is some additional suggested gear to consider:
- Personal Gear & toiletries
- Warm and waterproof layers
- Frameless Daypack
- Quality Rain Gear
- Binoculars
- Hunting Knife
- Sighted in Rifle
- Ammo
- Sleeping Bag
- If you’re bringing alcohol, bring in plastic or cans
TRIP INCLUDES
- Guided Hunting
- Horse/Mule Transport
- Hot Meals
- Camp Equipment
- Meat and Taxidermy Field-Prep
DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Sales tax (6%)
- Backcountry flying cost
- License and tags
- Travel to/from Idaho
- Taxidermy/Meat butchering and shipping
- Optional gratuities for guides
2023 Season – BOOKED FULL
2024 Season
Elk
- 1 x 1 $8,050 / person
- 2 x 1 $7,050 / person (Cost is per hunter and must include both hunters)
Mule Deer
- 1 x 1 $7,200 / person
- 2 x 1 $6,200 / person (Cost is per hunter and must include both hunters)
Please contact us for accurate flight quotes to / from the river.
ADVENTURE AWAITS
If you’re interested in talking to a consultant or booking this adventure, please complete this form.
