Hunt Adventures Section

hunt adventures

famous hunting!

Idaho is famous for hunting. It has the widest variety of game in the U.S. including trophy elk, mule deer, two species of bighorn sheep, antelope, bear, moose, cougar, wolves, mountain goat, white-tailed deer, waterfowl and upland game birds. The seasons are as long as 65 days in the backcountry and overall success rates are high. Many deer and elk permits are easily available because of Idaho’s unique system for clients of outfitters. There is little hunter congestion and effective management policies promote healthy species growth and control. If you are a non-resident, you must buy a nonresident license, which are available at most sport shops around the state.

get an outfitter. Hiring a licensed outfitter is one of the best ways to enhance your hunting or fishing experience. One major advantage to booking your hunting trip through an Idaho outfitter is that deer and elk tags are easy to obtain. The Idaho Fish and Game Commission sets aside elk and deer tags specifically for non-resident hunters who book with licensed outfitters. Idaho outfitters have tags available long after neighboring states sell out.

big game. Idaho is known for some of the best elk hunting in the world. Deer are found throughout the state, with whitetails found primarily north of the Salmon River. Mule deer are more numerous and found mostly in southern Idaho. Antelope roam in southern Idaho, while black bears prefer forested areas. Mountain lions are seen statewide. Idaho provides many opportunities for combination hunts, either with two big game species or with big game and upland game or waterfowl.

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abundant wildlife species !

Moose, mountain goats and big-horn sheep are Idaho’s trophy species. There are two subspecies of bighorns, Rocky Mountain and California. Hunters are allowed to harvest one of each in a lifetime, if they are lucky enough to draw the permits. Moose and goat are also once in a lifetime, but there are exceptions for moose permits left over from a drawing or won in the lottery drawing that supports the hunting and fishing access program. Most years you can add fall steelhead fishing to the mix.

select a hunting outfitter. Idaho was one of the first states in the West to license outfitters and guides. Outfitters are the owners/employers and must be bonded. Outfitters employ licensed guides. The Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association is a non-profit business trade organization representing a majority of the the hunt... state’s full-time licensed businesses. IOGA members set the standard and are committed to quality service while conserving Idaho’s land, water and wildlife. Often a guide can mean the difference between a successful trip and just an ordinary one. With their experience and Zone Names Units Panhandle .........1, 2, 3, 4, 4A, 5, 6, 7, 9 Palouse ............................... 8, 8A, 11A Hells Canyon .......................... 11, 13, 18 Lolo .............................................10, 12 Dworshak ........................................10A Elk City ................................ 14,15,16 Selway ................16A, 17, 19, 20 MiddleFork ............. 20A, 26, 27 Salmon........... 21, 21A, 28, 36B Weiser River... 22, 32, 32A McCall...19A,23,24,25 Lemhi........ 29,37,37A,51 Zone Names Units Beaverhead ........... 30, 30A, 58, 59, 59A Brownlee ....................................... 31 Sawtooth ......................... 33, 34, 35, 36 Pioneer ............................. 36A, 49, 50 Owyhee......................... 38, 40, 41, 42, Boise Riverr ...................................... 39 Smoky-Bennett ............ 43, 44,45, 48, 52 South Hills ............. 46,47,54,55,56,57 Big Desert ............................... 52A, 68 Snake River.............. 53 63, 63A, 68A Island Park ............. 60, 60A, 61, 62,62A Palisades ............................. 64,65, 67 Tex Creek ............................... 66, 69 Bannock ....... 56, 70, 71, 72, 73, 73A, 74 Bear River ............................ 75, 77, 78 Diamond Creek ...................... 66A, 76 2020 elk management zones intimate knowledge of the area, they can point out highlights that you might otherwise miss. This is especially true if you’re planning a big game hunt in Idaho. When selecting a hunting outfitter, consider seeking the answers to the following questions: 1. In what type of terrain is the hunt, including altitude? 2. Is the hunt a pack-in using stock and tent camping, a lodge setting or some other combination of access and lodging? 3. What is the success rate of hunters using your services? Ask for references of both successful and non-successful hunters. upland game. Many species are found in the state, including wild turkey, pheasant, sage grouse, two kinds of quail, three species of forest grouse, chukar, Hungarian partridge and doves. Ask an outfitter about “cast and blast” trips that combine steelhead fishing and chukar hunting. Upland game seasons begin early and some last into the fall.