Sunset over the Idaho Mountains - Rawhide Outfitters Hunting
Hunting Bears with Rawhide Outfitters
One-on-One

Guided Idaho Bear Hunts

Rawhide is a premier Idaho black bear hunting outfitter, offering professionally guided archery and rifle hunts near Salmon, Idaho.

Spring Bear Hunts

May 1 – June 15

Traditional or Modern Archery Bear Hunts and/or Rifle Hunts
Glass & Stalk (Spot & Stalk)
Brush Busting & Exciting Hound Hunting
Hunting Over Baits
Combination of all of above!

What to Expect

Guided Bear Hunts

A spring bear hunt with Rawhide is an unforgettable adventure. We’re fortunate that Idaho allows baiting, which plays a key role in our high success rate and gives hunters the opportunity to be more selective in terms of size and color.

Thanks to our region’s elevation and genetics, the bears here are known for their thick coats and diverse color phases—including black, cinnamon, blonde, and many with striking white chest markings.

Three Different Camps

Our Hunting Area

Our hunting area covers over 600 square miles and borders the Frank Church Wilderness, stretching from Challis to Salmon, Idaho. This expansive region offers a rare opportunity to hunt remote canyons that are seldom accessed, and it has consistently produced a strong population of bears since we began outfitting in 1989.

Bear hunts are conducted from three different camps, which you may choose from: a drive-in hunting camp and two separate pack-in horse camps.

Bear and Hunter
Guided Bear Hunt Details

Rates & Frequently Asked Questions

Planning your hunt starts with the right information. Below, you’ll find details on our rates, what’s included in your guided hunt, and answers to common questions. Whether you’re curious about licensing, gear, accommodations, or the hunt itself, we’re here to ensure you’re fully prepared for an unforgettable experience in the Idaho wilderness.

Prices subject to 6% Idaho Sales Tax

6 day Bear Hunt (1 on 1 Guided Hunt)
$5,900.00

(non-resident rates)

Bear Tag
$231.75

Idaho Hunting License
(Includes $10.00 Depredation fee)
$195.00

  • DEPOSITS:  A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates and is due at the time of booking along with license and tag fees. Remaining balance of hunt and applicable taxes are due 30 days prior to hunt dates! Deposits are transferable if a replacement can be found before the purchase of hunting tags in depositor’s name.
  • Gratuities are not mandatory, however, it is customary to tip your guide and cook if you feel they did a good job for you.
Do I purchase my own tag?

Part of the service Rawhide provides is purchasing your Idaho hunting license and any necessary tags/permits.

What method do you hunt bears?

We rely mostly on bear baits. Every spring we establish multiple baits around our hunting area. Typically we will sit the bear baits in the evenings when our wind is ideal. For archery hunting we set up tree stands on the baits and for rifle hunters we set up ground blinds further from the bait. There is also the option to hunt bears with hounds if that is what you would prefer.

What is included in a bear hunt?

Our bear hunts are six-day trips, running from Sunday through Friday morning. During that time, we provide all meals, lodging, and transportation. When not in the field, hunters stay in either our guest cabin or our Airbnb cottage—both equipped with full electricity, running water, showers, and Wi-Fi. We typically host two bear hunters per week, each paired with their own guide, along with a full-time cook in camp.

When is bear season?

In Idaho bear season typically runs mid-April through mid-June. We try to plan our bear hunts for the last half of May into the first or second week of June.

What can I expect on my bear hunt?

Hunters typically arrive on Saturday. You’ll get settled into the cabin, and we’ll provide a warm welcome dinner that evening. The hunt begins on Sunday.

If you’re bow hunting, we typically focus on evening hunts, when the wind conditions are best for being close to bait sites in a tree stand—usually 20 to 30 yards from the bait. For rifle hunters, we use ground blinds positioned farther back, generally around 100 yards from the bait. These blinds give us better wind conditions for hunting in the mornings, allowing you to hunt both mornings and evenings if you choose.

Most hunters like to hold out for a bear over 6 feet, so throughout the week we’ll sit different bait sites to increase your chances of spotting a larger boar.

Once you’ve harvested your bear, we’ll take care of skinning and butchering it, then carry it out for you. We’ll also help you get your meat to a local butcher and your hide to a taxidermist, depending on your preferences for meat processing and mounts.

Photo Gallery

A small collection of our hunters and their trophies and the beautiful landscapes along the way.
For more photos, visit our Facebook page.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

Our Hunters Say It Best

5 Star Review Icon

“Rawhide Outfitters has provided the best hunting trips of my life. Having hunted both bear and elk, I am amazed at the time and hard work that they put into baiting bear stations, building blinds, finding water springs, locating animals, setting up a comfortable camp and attending to every detail of the hunt. I can honestly say that I have never met a more honest hardworking and pleasant family than theirs!”

Steve Koerner

Bear Hunter

“The camps were all great, meals were more than I could ask for, and every stand I hunted was well set up for anyone shooting traditional equipment. I do not think there was a shot over 20 yards. I am checking the calendar for next spring to make sure I can work in another trip up, I had a great time.”

J Isbell

Bear Hunter

“Of all the hunts I have ever been on, Rawhide Outfitters is by far the best. They are easy going, hardworking people. They wanted me to get my bear just as much as I did. I don’t know what I enjoyed more: Getting my bear or meeting the Cranneys.”

George Watkins

Bear Hunter

“Since 2001 my husband, Mark, has hunted with Rawhide Outfitters experiencing some exciting hunting adventures harvesting some beautiful elk, bear, deer and a mountain lion. As we’ve gotten to know the Cranney family, we knew Rawhide could provide the perfect vacation for our family. Seven of our kids experienced an incredible, exciting adventure rafting two days on the Salmon River. Mark’s hunting successes with Rawhide peaked my new found interest in bow hunting, so I booked a hunt of my own! They even accommodated my six month old baby boy. My bear hunt was a thrill! After having a number of bears at point blank range, I shot a beautiful brown cinnamon bear. I know we will be back for more outdoor adventures with Rawhide Outfitters!”

Michelle Grupe

Bear Hunter

“I was looking for a spring Idaho bear hunt and I spent many hours researching… I found Rawhide Outfitters who had an excellent reputation, a high success rate and was reasonably priced. I took a nice chocolate colored bear on the second day over a well visited, and well maintained bait station. My taxidermist told me that he hasn’t seen a black bear cape in better condition. I know I’ll be booking more hunts with Rawhide!” 

Dennis Billet

Bear Hunter

Let’s Start Planning Today!
Book a Bear Hunt With Rawhide Outfitters