Archery Elk Hunts & Rifle Elk Hunts
Guided Idaho Elk Hunts
A bull elk bugle echoes through the high country on a cool September morning. A camo clad archer waits excitedly as a herd bull pushes his cows in for a drink from a high mountain spring. Elk hunting has always been a passion and a main event for us here at Rawhide Outfitters. Our guides, all with a lifetime of experience, have the knowledge, techniques and love of the hunt to ensure a fun and memorable hunt.
We’ve specialized in archery and rifle permit elk hunts in units 29 and 37-A since we began outfitting in 1989. We enjoyed high success rates in these units. Since then we’ve added elk hunts in units 28, 36 and 36-B.
At Rawhide Outfitters our main priority has always been quality over quantity of hunts, being very careful to never over hunt an area. We very seldom have over three elk hunters in a camp at a time.
What to Expect
One-on-One Guided Elk Hunts
Our one-on-one guided elk hunts last six days. We pack in to our mountain camps using an experienced pack string of horses. We provide all the accommodations and equipment needed for a comfortable stay at our pre-established camps in wall tents. Our full time camp cook prepares hearty, plentiful meals specializing in Dutch oven cooking, making this a highlight of the hunting camp experience. Our clients have become our friends as most of them have returned to hunt with us year after year since we have started.
Archery & Rifle Elk Hunts
Whether archery or rifle, our guides, all with a lifetime of experience, have the knowledge, techniques and love of the hunt to ensure a fun and memorable trip.
Archery Elk Hunts
Archery elk is not a “fill in” hunt for us, it’s the main event. Being archers ourselves we have perfected our guiding style. Whether you’re a traditional or compound archer we know how to guide you.
Rifle Elk Hunts
Due to the nature of our country, scouting from glass points helps produce good bulls. As the rut slows down larger bands of elk merge bringing bulls together. This is a real advantage; it allows us to pick the cream of the crop! Marksmanship is very important for our rifle hunts, as shots can extend out to 300+ yards.
Guided Elk 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 Archery Elk Hunt
August 30 – September 30
$6,900.00
6 Day General Rifle Elk Hunt
October 15 – November 8
$6,900.00
6 Day Permit Controlled Rifle Elk Hunt
October 1 – 31
$8,800.00
6 Day Combination Elk/Mule Deer Hunt
October 10 – 24
$8,400.00
6 Day Late Archery Rifle Mule Deer Hunt
December 1 – 31
$6,500.00
Elk Tag
$651.75
Controlled Hunt Application Fees
Elk & Deer
$18.00
Permits
Archery Permit
$81.75
- Deposit – 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.
- Archery elk season begins August 30 through September 30
- Controlled permit rifle elk hunt begins October 1 through October 31
- General elk season begins October 15 through November 8
- Archery elk tags may be purchased across the counter. The controlled permit elk hunts are drawn for on a draw basis. You must purchase an Idaho hunting license to apply during the month of May with the results made known by the end of June. If you do not draw your license fee is nonrefundable, but 100% of your deposit is refunded.
What is the terrain like?
Our terrain can be very steep, rocky and rugged! We hunt everywhere from 5000-9000ft elevation. The Salmon River corridor around Salmon is more of an arid environment compared to other parts of the state. The habitat for our elk hunts consists of thick Douglas fir/lodgepole pine forests with sage/grass slopes and meadows. Horses make a huge difference on our hunts!
Do you hunt mostly public or private land?
We hunt exclusively public land! There are certain public areas we will access from private land but all hunting is done on National Forest or BLM land.
What is the average shot distance?
We try our hardest to match shot distances to the comfort level of our hunters. For archery hunts we prefer to keep shots under 30 yards. For rifle hunts under 350 yards. We do leave it to the discretion of the hunter and what you feel comfortable with. We will not ever pressure you into taking a shot you are not comfortable with. At Rawhide we have a wound loss policy where if a hunter draws blood on an elk that is that hunters elk, whether it is recovered or not.
What are hunt camps like?
Hunt camps vary depending on the hunt and the hunters. We have a guest cabin and an Airbnb cottage available for hunters when they’re not in the field. Both have full electricity, running water/showers, and Wi-Fi.
Some days, we run day hunts out of the cabin or cottage. The rest of the time, we base out of remote wall tent camps that we pack into with horses, or drive-to camps where we bring a renovated camp trailer. Our 37A camp is the exception – typically, we pack in on Sunday morning and pack out Friday morning after the final hunt.
We like to stay flexible and mobile while chasing elk. Since elk move frequently, we like to be able to adapt quickly when needed.
No matter where we’re camped, we have full-time cooks who provide home-cooked meals every day. Typically, we serve a light breakfast and a sack lunch to go for all-day hunts, followed by a larger, hot dinner with dessert in the evening.
Do I need any horse experience to book this hunt?
No horse experience is necessary! We have plenty of bullet proof horses that are great for beginners and many of our trails are nicely cleared and groomed for easy riding.
Do I purchase my own tag?
Part of the service Rawhide provides is purchasing your Idaho hunting license and any necessary tags/permits.
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.
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Our Hunters Say It Best
