Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters are the exclusive licensed outfitter to hunt deer and elk in an area of over 250 square miles in central Idaho, allowing them to offer hunts for both the first time hunter and the experienced trophy hunter, all in a wide variety of terrain. Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters offers a variety of elk hunts throughout the season.
Hunts are run out of a comfortable wall tent base camp in a remote, roadless area. The elevation of the hunting area is from 5,000 to 11,000 feet. Depending on the weather conditions, expect to arrive at camp after a 2 to 6 hour horseback ride.
Although this is primarily an Elk hunt, you can combine it with Deer, Bear, or Wolf at no additional cost of the hunt; hunters only have to purchase the tags. Archery season runs during the peak of the elk rut. Mild weather conditions make this a great time to be out in the woods. It is not uncommon to hear elk bugle every day of your hunt and often you will be working more than one bull at a time. 2 to 4 hunters per camp or arrangements can be made for larger groups.
With an excellent bull to cow ratio and a large number of mature bulls, the hunt area is currently producing some exceptional trophies. Depending on your preferred method of hunting, we offer an early hunt with milder weather during the tail end of the bugle, or later hunts with a chance of some snow and elk starting to gather. Hunters have an excellent opportunity of harvesting elk throughout the entire season. The first two hunts of the season can be combined with mule deer and black bear. 2 to 4 hunters per camp. Arrangements can be made for larger groups.
This is a late season hunt, which generally allows for good snow conditions. The elk have started to herd up and move to their winter areas. Although this is a drawn hunt for elk, you still have an excellent opportunity of getting a tag. Muzzleloader cow elk hunts are during September with over the counter guaranteed tags. 2 to 4 hunters per camp. Arrangements can be made for larger groups.
Sawtooth Outfitter drop camps are ideal for those who prefer to hunt on their own. If you have basic hunting skills and can cook for yourself, a drop camp hunt offers a high success rate. You and an experienced packer will ride into camp where he will then familiarize you with the area.
Although horses are not left in the camp, your packer will check on you periodically (via radio) and pack your meat after a successful hunt. The camps consist of a wall tent, complete kitchen equipment, wood stove, propane stove, table, cots, lantern, ax, shovel, and other necessary items to ensure that you have a comfortable camp.
Your firewood is already cut and sufficient water supply is provided. You are responsible for providing your license, tags, food, and personal gear, including weapon and sleeping bag. You are also responsible for field dressing and caping your trophy.
Hunting elk in Idaho offers an unparalleled experience that beckons hunters from across the globe. Nestled within the rugged landscapes and sweeping terrains of the Rocky Mountains, Idaho's wilderness areas, including the famed Selway Wilderness, present an ideal backdrop for an epic elk hunting adventure. The state's diverse habitats, from dense forests and alpine meadows to vast valleys and rolling hills, are home to some of the largest elk herds in North America, making it a premier destination for hunters seeking both challenge and reward.
Idaho's elk season, with various phases from archery to rifle hunting, accommodates hunters of all skill levels and preferences. Whether you're a seasoned archer looking for a stealthy challenge or a rifle hunter in pursuit of a long-range shot, Idaho's expansive territory offers countless opportunities for a successful hunt. The state's commitment to conservation and wildlife management ensures not only the health and sustainability of elk populations but also enhances the quality of the hunting experience.
Hunting elk in Idaho is more than a pursuit of game; it's an immersion into the wilderness, a test of skill and endurance, and a connection to the ancient traditions of hunting. The thrill of tracking elk through the pristine backcountry, the anticipation of the hunt, and the profound respect for nature that grows with each step into the wild, all combine to create an unforgettable adventure.
With the right preparation, respect for the environment, and adherence to regulations, hunting elk in Idaho can be a profoundly rewarding experience that echoes the call of the wild deep within every hunter's soul.
Discover premier guided hunts in Idaho's Sawtooth Wilderness with Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters, specializing in elk, deer, bear, mountain lion, and wolf.