Idaho Late Season Mule Deer Hunts
Private Trip
Big game hunting
Sevenday late season mule deer hunt in Idaho backcountryGuided horseback hunting with no riding experience requiredRemote mountainous terrain with trusted horses and mules
Nothing beats chasing mule deer in Idaho's high country when the snow starts flying and the bucks are on the move. Saddle Horn Outfitters has carved out a reputation for putting hunters on quality muleys in some of the most remote backcountry you'll find anywhere. This isn't your typical road hunt – we're talking about packing deep into wilderness areas where the deer haven't seen pressure all season. These late season draw hunts give you the best shot at mature bucks that have survived the early pressure and are starting to let their guard down as they focus on winter survival.
This is a legitimate backcountry experience that runs seven days with five full hunting days. We pack in on horseback through terrain that'll take your breath away – both from the views and the elevation. Don't worry if you've never been on a horse; our string is solid and knows this country better than most people know their backyard. You'll need to be ready for long days in the saddle though – up to eight hours on both the pack-in and pack-out. The country we hunt is steep, rugged, and exactly where big mule deer want to be when the weather turns. We run this as a 2-on-1 guide ratio, but if you want dedicated attention, you can bump up to 1-on-1 for an extra $1,250. Fair warning on the weight limit – 300 pounds with your gear is the max our horses can safely handle in this terrain.
Late season hunting in Idaho means dealing with weather, and that's exactly what makes it so productive. Fresh snow tells the story of where deer are moving, feeding, and bedding. We'll be glassing south-facing slopes in the morning where deer like to catch the first sun, then working the timber edges and protected draws as the day progresses. The elevation varies dramatically in our hunting areas – from 6,000 feet up to nearly 9,000 feet – so you'll see everything from sagebrush flats to dense timber. Stalking is the name of the game once we locate a shooter buck. The rocky terrain actually works in our favor for getting close, but you need to be ready to make a shot when the opportunity presents itself. These aren't whitetails that'll stand around – mule deer will bounce out of there the second they think something's wrong. We pack all your camp gear, food, and supplies on mules, so you're only carrying your day hunting essentials once we're in camp.
Rocky Mountain mule deer in Idaho are something special, and late season is when they're at their best. Bucks have been building fat reserves all fall and their coats are thick and prime. A mature Idaho muley will dress out anywhere from 180 to 220 pounds, with the really big boys pushing even heavier. What makes late season hunting so productive is that deer are starting to concentrate in winter areas, making them more predictable. They're also less spooky than during the October rut when they've been pushed hard. December and January muleys have settled into feeding patterns, hitting south faces during the day and dropping into protected draws at night. The antler quality in our hunting areas consistently produces bucks in the 150 to 170 inch range, with the occasional monster pushing 180 plus. These deer have survived multiple hunting seasons and know how to use terrain to their advantage, which makes arrowing or shooting a mature buck that much more satisfying.
If you're serious about getting on a quality mule deer in some of the best hunting country Idaho has to offer, this hunt delivers. We handle all the camp logistics, provide experienced guides who know where the deer are, and put you in position to succeed. The 50% deposit gets your spot locked in, with the balance due by June first. Keep in mind this doesn't include your license and tag fees or the 6% Idaho sales tax, but everything else is covered – meals, camp, guides, and pack stock. These draw hunts book up fast because hunters know the success rates in our areas are consistently strong. Late season weather can be challenging, but that's exactly why the hunting is so good. Contact Saddle Horn Outfitters and let's get you tagged out on a Idaho muley you'll be talking about for years.
These magnificent bulls can weigh 700-1,100 pounds and stand five feet at the shoulder, making them one of North America's most impressive game animals. In Idaho's high country, you'll find elk moving between thick timber and open meadows, typically at elevations from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. They love north-facing slopes with good cover and water nearby. Late season hunting puts you in prime time when bulls are still grouped up from the rut but have settled into winter patterns. The meat is outstanding—lean and flavorful without the gaminess some expect. What really gets hunters fired up is the challenge of packing out 400+ pounds of premium protein from remote backcountry. Here's a tip: focus on saddles and benches where elk travel between bedding and feeding areas, especially during those first and last 30 minutes of daylight.
Preston, ID