Drop Camp Elk Hunts in Idaho's Backcountry
Private Trip
Big game hunting
Horseback drop camp access to remote Idaho elk countryTraditional tent camps with stoves, cots, and cooking equipment includedSelfsufficient hunting experience with packin, packout service
If you're a self-reliant hunter who dreams of chasing elk in Idaho's remote wilderness but doesn't want to shell out the full price for a guided hunt, Saddle Horn Outfitters has the perfect setup. Their drop camp hunts get you deep into pristine elk country where most hunters never set foot. You'll ride horseback into camp with all your gear, then it's just you, your hunting party, and some of the best elk habitat in the West. This isn't a hand-holding operation – it's for hunters who know their way around the mountains and want to hunt hard in country that'll test your skills.
This top-rated drop camp experience puts you right in the heart of Idaho's backcountry elk zones. Your hunt starts with a horseback pack-in to a pre-established tent camp that's been strategically placed in prime elk habitat. The camp comes fully equipped with wall tents, wood-burning stoves to keep you warm during those chilly mountain mornings, comfortable cots, cooking gear, lanterns, and essential camp tools. You'll handle your own meal prep, so pack smart with dehydrated foods and essentials that won't weigh you down. The outfitters require a 4-person minimum per camp, making this perfect for a group of hunting buddies ready to tackle elk country together. Once you're dropped off, the mountains are yours – no guides looking over your shoulder, just pure hunting freedom in some of Idaho's most productive elk habitat.
Idaho's backcountry elk hunting demands both physical preparation and smart packing strategies. The horseback weight restrictions are strict – 160 pounds total per person, with personal gear capped at 80 pounds per hunter. Pack light but essential items: quality rain gear, layered clothing systems, headlamps with extra batteries, first aid supplies, and your hunting essentials. The terrain you'll be hunting ranges from dense timber where elk bed during the day to open parks and meadows where they feed. Early morning and late evening are prime times when elk move between feeding and bedding areas. Glass the edges of clearings at dawn, and don't overlook thick timber – mature bulls often hang back in heavy cover. The remote location means you're hunting unpressured elk that haven't been spooked by road hunters or ATV traffic. Bring a quality rangefinder and practice shooting at various distances before your trip, as shots in this country can range from 30 yards in thick timber to 300+ yards across mountain parks.
Rocky Mountain elk are the crown jewel of Western big game hunting, and Idaho's backcountry holds some real monsters. These impressive animals can weigh up to 700 pounds for mature bulls, with antler spreads reaching 50+ inches on trophy specimens. September brings the rut, when bulls are vocal and more aggressive – this is prime time for calling strategies. Bulls will bugle to locate cows and challenge rivals, giving hunters opportunities to call them in close. Early October offers excellent hunting as elk transition from rutting behavior to feeding heavily before winter sets in. Elk are incredibly intelligent and have outstanding senses, especially their hearing and smell. They'll use thermal currents to their advantage, often feeding in valley bottoms at night and climbing to bedding areas during the day. What makes hunting elk so addictive is their unpredictability – one day they're vocal and responsive to calls, the next they're silent ghosts moving through timber. The satisfaction of outsmarting a mature bull elk in his home territory is what keeps hunters coming back year after year to Idaho's mountains.
Saddle Horn Outfitters' drop camp hunts offer unmatched value for serious hunters wanting to experience Idaho's legendary elk country without breaking the bank. You'll get access to remote hunting areas that would take days to reach on foot, plus a comfortable base camp that lets you hunt hard and recover properly each evening. The 50% deposit secures your spot, with the balance due August 1st – giving you plenty of time to prepare and condition for your hunt. Remember to factor in your hunting license and elk tag costs, plus the 6% Idaho sales tax. This world-class hunting opportunity fills up fast among hunters who know that Idaho's backcountry elk hunting is some of the best in North America. Whether you're after your first bull or seeking that trophy of a lifetime, this drop camp setup gives you the freedom and access to make it happen on your terms.
Rocky Mountain elk are the prize of Idaho's backcountry - mature bulls can push 700 pounds and sport antlers that'll make your jaw drop. These animals favor high timber and alpine meadows, moving between feeding areas at dawn and dusk. September through October is prime time when bulls are bugling and distracted during the rut. What makes elk hunting special isn't just their size - it's the challenge of getting close to an animal with senses sharp enough to detect you from hundreds of yards away. The meat's outstanding too, lean and clean-tasting. Here's a tip from years in these mountains: always hunt the wind, and when you hear that first bugle echo off the ridges, resist the urge to call back immediately. Let him work himself up first, then answer soft and patient.
Preston, ID