Idaho Elk, Mule Deer and Black Bear Blog

Spring Bear Hunt Drop Camps Available

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 01:51:00 GMT

We are only 2 short months away from the “official” opening day of most of Idaho’s spring bear hunting seasons. I say “official” because in normal years, our area, although open to hunt, is normally not accessible yet due to deep snow conditions. Obviously, this year is shaping up to be different and even though it has been a mild winter, I still bet that cabin fever has set in for many.

This year you may want to consider a spring bear hunt drop camp for your cure to cabin fever. You can shake out those cobwebs by hunting at your own pace, pursue (almost) every predator Idaho has to offer using your preferred method of hunting including calls, bait (we will preset for you), or spot and stalk for bear, coyote, fox, mountain lion and wolf.

Our spring bear hunt drop camps consist of packing you and your gear into a preset camp with tent, cots, pads, wood burning stove, cooking and eating utensils and packing out of you and your game from camp. We will preset some baits within walking distance of your specific camp site and show you where they are when we pack you in.

All you need to bring is your personal gear, food and the desire to do your part to protect elk and deer numbers in Idaho! Contact us for more info or questions on the possibility of a spring bear hunt drop camp and best of luck in the other draws!

Happy hunting!

George

Idaho’s Hunting Season 2025 is Wrapping Up, Time to Get Serious About Predator Hunting

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 21:25:32 GMT

The image above is of the first Idaho mountain lion of the 2025/2026 winter season.

Finally! We got all this deer and elk hunting out of the way and now it is time to get serious about what really matters…Predator Hunting!

As much as we truly love to pursue big elk and big deer, it seems our interests have morphed over the years to truly enjoying the pursuit of large predators: Mountain lions, Wolves, Bears and Bobcats. Throw in a few foxes and coyotes during your winter hunting and now it feels like you have really done something to actually help deer and elk populations prosper.

It is my opinion, and may be contrary to others, that Central Idaho is truly an anomaly in what actually affects ungulate populations the most. In most states, it is verifiably auto/wildlife conflicts that affect the population. It is sincerely my opinion that weather and predators are what negatively affect the wildlife populations in Central Idaho, therefore it is incumbent upon all sportsman to do there best to contribute to controlling predators. Weather is literally out of our control, but we can pursue predators!

So, if you find yourself with some spare time and desire this winter, contact us about the idea of pursuing predators in Central Idaho.

Happy Hunting!

Spring Bear Hunt Drop Camp

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMT

If I haven’t made it clear that I think Idaho is THE best place to hunt, then I suppose you haven’t read enough of our blogs. Predator hunting in Idaho tops them all!

In Idaho, you can hunt wolves, bears, mountain lions, coyotes and foxes all at the same time by either spot and stalk or electronic calls method clear up until June 30 each year. To increase your odds for bear, you can even hunt them over bait. Idaho is becoming one of the last places left where you can legally hunt bears over bait. It has been proven repeatedly that it is the best way to hunt bears AND protect their young. Spring sows almost always, when showing up at a bait, have this year’s cubs in such close contact with them that it is very hard to mistake her for a dry sow.

All that to say, that if you are an avid predator hunter or simply want your chance at a wolf, maybe an Idaho spring bear hunt drop camp may be your best option. You can hunt at your own pace during the day then sit a preset bear bait in the evening to increase your odds of success.

Our Idaho spring bear hunt drop camps consist of us packing you and your gear into a preset backcountry wall tent camp. It has cots with pads, woodburning stove and all cooking and eating utensils. We will preset some bear bait sites that we have used for years and show them to you before we ride back to the trailhead. We pick you, your gear and your game up on a predetermined date and take you back to the trailhead.

All this is available in the months of May and June. For the truly adventurous, you may consider a late April approach. It is up to you. All tags are over the counter (OTC) so obtaining a tag is no problem. If this sounds like the perfect adventure for curing that cabin fever brought on by winter turning to spring, contact us for your back country Idaho spring bear drop camp today!

With Idaho’s large percentage of color phase black bears, open wolf and mountain lion season, ability to hunt spot and stalk, using electronic calls and bait for bears, what are you waiting for? Get out and enjoy YOUR public lands and remember to take a kid with you!

Winter 23-24 Predator Hunting (Mt. Lion/Wolf/Bobcat)

Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:05:00 GMT

It’s winter again here in Idaho and that can only mean one thing! Wyley can’t function without thinking about chasing mountain lions! I swear the boy was born for this and simply wants to do it as often as possible.

What does that mean for you? It is time to book that Idaho predator hunt you have always been talking or thinking about but haven’t pulled the trigger on. We have openings for 2 more hunters this winter (2023-2024) between now and when the snow quits flying.

Speaking of snow. Lion hunts are always a bit more successful right behind fresh snow, so this year we are offering “last minute” hunts to those who are close enough or have the freedom enough, to “jump and run” when the forecast says there will be snow. We will be conducting these hunts from late February through April. Our pre-scheduled hunts will be in January and early February as it seems that those are the most consistent snow months here in central Idaho.

For the “last minute” hunts there is no commitment required on your part other than to put your name on a list. We will start contacting people first come first served to see who might be available when the weather seems that it wants to cooperate.

If this sounds like something you may be interested in or you already know you want to hunt an Idaho mountain lion this winter for sure, please contact us and let’s get you on the schedule or the list asap!

Working for Idaho Wildlife

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 11:00:00 GMT

Heath’s Triple Crown

What we hoped to accomplish in 1 week took almost 13 months and 3 trips to Idaho, but it finally happened. Heath F. is an avid hunter and wanted to pursue predators and wanted to get what we would deem the “Triple Crown” of lower 48 predators in the form of a wolf, black bear, and mountain lion.

He sought us out and in early January 2021 he came out on a predator hunt for all three and we were successful in getting him a wolf. Fast forward to August 2021. He calls up and says he has some vacation to burn, and do we have room for a bear hunter in fall bear camp? Well, of course we did, and he wanted to take advantage of the fact that he already had his hunting license from earlier in the year and this time he was successful on a respectable color phase black bear.

After the bear, we knew we had to have him back to try for the third leg of the “Triple Crown” and after a few scheduling challenges, we finally connected in late January 2022, and he scored on a nice specimen of a Mountain Lion completing his goal.

In Idaho, central Idaho specifically, where the landscape lends itself very well to wildlife and predation is a true threat to healthy ungulate populations, hunting these predators is a true benefit and much needed management tool to grow healthy populations of elk, deer, mountain goats, and sheep in our little slice of heaven!

Heath did his part to help with the population and we thank him and congratulate him on 3 very well-placed shots and some very serious effort!

Maybe it’s time for you to get out and enjoy your public lands and do a little predator hunting while you are there?

Happy hunting!

Ultimate Hunt Combo Possibilities

Tue, 25 May 2021 05:00:00 GMT

This year, for the first time ever, we are offering what I would consider an ultimate hunting combo.

In our Castle Creek Outfitters area, we have a very unique opportunity to hunt more species at one time than I am aware of anywhere, especially considering most hunts are closed by this time and most people are relegated to sofa surfing, watching hunting channels and patiently waiting for next season.

December, in area 28 of central Idaho only, one can hunt (provided they have the proper tags) elk AND deer with archery equipment. This time frame allows for harvest of either sex of both species, increasing your odds of success with a bow.

Big deal you say? We can already do that in September in most states. Stay with me. This is where it gets good. By December, the snow has begun to fly making tracking of mountain lions possible, add to that some wolf and coyote hunting opportunity and if late enough in December (after December 15th), you can even add bobcat to your wish list making this an amazing combo (in my opinion of course).

All over the counter elk and deer tags sold out within hours this year, but due to special outfitter set aside we are in possession of exactly 2 elk and 2 deer tags, and we want to share them with someone willing to “play in the snow” and chase as many animals at one time as possible.

We would intend to conduct this hunt (obviously) in December, and have you hunt deer and elk on your own during the day while your guide takes off before daylight to seek out fresh lion tracks that he can turn the dogs loose on and get after. When he finds a set to turn the dogs loose on, he would come find you and get after a cat. This would alleviate a lot of the boring down time usually associated with predator hunts and add to the affordability factor we are aiming for with this hunt.

Elk and deer would need to be harvested with archery equipment, but any predator hunting could be done with a firearm allowing better opportunity at wolves and coyotes.

This is our idea, and we are certainly open to others, but keep in mind that there are only 2 elk and 2 deer tags available.

Idaho Resumes Sales of Nonresident Licenses and Tags

Mon, 18 May 2020 12:45:00 GMT

We’re back on track again for spring bear. As of May 16, 2020, Idaho hunting licenses, tags, and permits will be available to buy online, at retail vendors, or by calling (800) 554-8685.

A temporary suspension of some nonresident licenses, permits, and tags sales had been imposed by the Idaho Fish & Game Commission the first week of April, due to COVID-19. This mostly affected tags for black bear, cougar, and gray wolf. The 14-day self-quarantine for people entering Idaho has also been relaxed by the governor. So, if you want to hunt spring bear in Idaho this year, you can now purchase a hunting license and tags, as well as stay in hotels and eat in restaurants here.

For more information on licenses, tags and seasons, see:

https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/fg-will-resume-sales-nonresident-licenses-tags-and-permits-10-am-may-16

Good hunting,

Joe Cavanaugh

Snowshoes for Late Winter Adventures

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 11:00:00 GMT

For those of you who are itching to get outside and do some predator hunting or general, backcountry reconnaissance—late winter is an advantageous time of year to do so, and snowshoes are the optimum means of travel. By March, deep snow has covered much of the downed timber and brush, and warm afternoons followed by cold nights have formed a hard crust on the snow. That crust is key for traveling in country burdened with deep snow as it can easily support a man on snowshoes, and a loaded toboggan in tow. Where you floundered in deep powder in early winter, you can now skip along the crust, a full 3 feet above obstacles that would slow you down in the fall. Once deep snow has crusted-up it’s go-time for productive winter adventures.

Late-winter conditions also make it advantageous for hunting predators, such as wolf, for by now food sources have dwindled and hunger has set in. Predators are forced to search far and wide for game, and take risks they would otherwise hesitate to do, like running to a game call in broad daylight. Or, on the other extreme, deep snow has confined game herds, offering predators an easy meal, though they too are concentrated to a relatively small area now, so look no farther.

Scouting new country for future hunts is phenomenal in late winter, as you can travel with ease over the crusted snow and clearly see the lay-of-the-land. Deciduous trees and shrubs have dropped their leaves, and snow has covered brush and smoothed out irregularities in the terrain, which collectively enhance the earth’s contours. You’ll find that in many places it is now easier to define how the land lies than at any other time of year, or at least the blanketed, barren landscape offers you a unique perspective of it. For more on predator hunting see Castle Creek Outfitters' Jan. 31 blog post or Wild Idaho Outfitters’ Feb. 10 blog post. For complete wolf hunting regulations see the Idaho Big Game Seasons & Rules brochure on gray wolf hunting and trapping.

Days are getting longer now—get outside and enjoy!

Joe Cavanaugh

General Sherman’s Birthday

Sat, 08 Feb 2020 11:00:00 GMT

General William Tecumseh Sherman was born on this date, February 8th, in 1820. You might be wondering why I’m reminding you of Sherman’s birthday. The answer is simple—because if I don’t, no one else will. I know this because in the 1980s, after I had been schooled in the US, I met several Guatemalan Army officers who knew more about our civil war than I did, and were using Sherman’s “total war” tactics to defeat their enemy. The flanking and turning maneuvers Sherman employed from Chattanooga to Atlanta against the Confederate Army and his subsequent march to the sea are epic in military history, and studied in military academies all over the world to this day.

Sherman is relevant to a hunting blog for his extraordinary fortitude. Though Sherman experienced set-back after set-back in his early years, he kept pressing on like the tank that bears his name to become a Major General by the end of the war, and one of the most celebrated personalities in his time.

All hunters can improve from a study of Sherman’s fortitude. Though we don’t normally encounter obstacles of the magnitude that Sherman did, we do nonetheless encounter obstacles frequently, such as inclement weather, steep slopes, or just plain bad luck. I am disappointed, however, at the number of hunters who quit before the end of a 5-day hunt when things don’t go well for them, even after months of preparation and anticipation. Fortitude is as crucial to a successful hunt as proper equipment or the ability to use our weapons proficiently—if not more so. Stick with it, stay pumped, and don’t give up.

God bless America.

Joe Cavanaugh

Idaho Spring Black Bear Hunting

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 11:00:00 GMT

The application deadline for Idaho controlled-hunt, spring bear tags is February 15. Fortunately for all of us, most Idaho black bear tags are sold over-the-counter (OTC). This includes tags for units 28 and 27, where Castle Creek and Wild Idaho Outfitters conduct their bear hunts. The reduced-price or “wilderness tag” is good for all of Unit 27 and those portions of Unit 28 within the Frank Church Wilderness, as well as within most designated wilderness areas in the state of Idaho. The full-price tag is valid for those portions of Unit 28 outside the wilderness area, and for most of the state outside of designated wilderness. Bear are so plentiful in Idaho that residents and nonresidents are able to purchase 2 OTC bear tags per year. These can be 2 wilderness tags, or 1 full-price tag and 1 wilderness tag. This is an incredible opportunity for anyone wanting to hunt bear.

Bear hunting in Idaho can be done by baiting, though DIY-hunters must have a baiting permit, issued by Idaho Fish and Game. Use of electronic calls is legal for bear hunting within designated wilderness only (wilderness tag). Hounds are also permitted for hunting bear in Idaho.

Cougar and wolf hunting seasons are in full swing this February over most of Idaho. Tags are sold over-the-counter for both species. Use of electronic game calls is legal for taking wolf in much of the state, and legal for cougar within designated wilderness areas only. Baiting is not legal for either species. Hounds are legal for hunting cougar, but not wolf. In Units 28 and 27, cougar and wolf can be harvested until the end of spring bear season, which is June 30, allowing bear hunters to carry OTC tags for all 3 species. Check Idaho F&G website for thorough explanations on cougar and wolf hunting regulations.

Readers who would like to comment on the latest wolf-hunting proposals from Idaho Fish & Game can do so by clicking here:
Wolf Harvest Season Proposals: Review and Comment Opportunity

The Idaho Spring Turkey application deadline is March 1st, 2020.

Good hunting.

Joe Cavanaugh