Private Archery Elk Hunts - Idaho Hunts
Private Trip
Big game hunting
Sevenday semiguided archery elk hunt in CaribouTarghee National ForestRemote backcountry experience with horseback access to hunting areasPrivate hunt for single hunter with experienced horses and mules
If you're serious about putting your bow skills to the test against some of the West's most challenging game, this semi-guided archery elk hunt in Idaho's Caribou-Targhee National Forest is calling your name. Saddle Horn Outfitters has been running hunters into this remote backcountry for years, and they know exactly how to get you into elk country where the big bulls roam. This isn't your typical road-accessible hunt - we're talking about a legitimate pack-in adventure that gets you miles away from any pressure, where the elk feel safe and the bulls bugle freely during the rut.
This 7-day adventure gives you 5 solid days of hunting in some of Idaho's most pristine elk habitat. You'll be riding horses and mules to reach camp, so pack light but smart - the 300-pound weight limit includes all your gear, so every piece of equipment needs to earn its spot in your pack. The pack-in day can run up to 8 hours in the saddle, which might sound intimidating if you've never spent serious time on horseback, but these mountain horses know their business. They've been navigating rocky trails and steep terrain for years, and the outfitter's string is reliable as they come. The semi-guided format means you'll get solid direction and support, but you'll still have that authentic backcountry hunting experience where your woodsmanship and bow skills make the difference between punching your tag and going home empty-handed.
The Caribou-Targhee National Forest offers some of the most diverse elk hunting terrain you'll find anywhere. You're looking at everything from dense timber pockets where elk bed during the day to open parks where they feed in the early morning and evening hours. The elevation changes are significant, so expect to be glassing from ridgelines and working your way through thick lodgepole stands. During September, the elk are rutting hard, which means you'll hear bugling that'll make your hair stand up. The key to success here is patience and persistence - these elk have seen pressure before, but in this remote country, they're more likely to stick to their patterns. Early morning and late evening are prime time, but don't sleep on midday hunting, especially when the weather turns nasty. That's when other hunters head back to camp, but the smart bowhunters stay out because elk movement can be fantastic when a storm rolls through.
Rocky Mountain elk in this part of Idaho are the real deal - we're talking about mature bulls that can tip the scales at 700-800 pounds and cows that are equally impressive. September is prime time because you're hunting right in the middle of the rut when bulls are vocal, aggressive, and making mistakes they wouldn't normally make. These elk have spent the summer putting on weight and building up their energy reserves, so they're in peak condition. The bulls' antlers are polished and ready for battle, and their necks are swollen from all the testosterone pumping through their systems. What makes hunting these elk so special is their intelligence and adaptability - they've learned to use the terrain to their advantage, and they can disappear into the timber like ghosts if they catch your scent or hear something that doesn't belong. But when everything comes together - when you've read the wind right, made the perfect stalk, and drawn your bow on a mature bull - there's no hunting experience that compares to it. The challenge level is high, which is exactly why serious bowhunters keep coming back to Idaho's backcountry year after year.
This world-class archery elk hunt books up fast, and for good reason - Saddle Horn Outfitters has built their reputation on getting hunters into legitimate elk country where success comes down to skill and determination, not luck. The 50% deposit locks in your dates, with the balance due by June 1st, giving you plenty of time to get your gear sorted and your shooting dialed in. Remember that your hunting license, elk tag, and Idaho's 6% sales tax aren't included in the hunt price, so factor those into your budget. All your meals are covered once you're in camp, which means you can focus on what matters most - finding that bull you've been dreaming about. The single-hunter format means you get personalized attention and won't be competing with other hunters in your group for the best spots. If you're ready to test your bow skills against some of the West's most challenging game in country that most hunters never see, this hunt delivers everything you're looking for and then some.
Rocky Mountain elk are the giants of the Caribou-Targhee, with mature bulls weighing 700-900 pounds and standing five feet at the shoulder. These animals love the dense timber and open meadows between 6,000-8,000 feet, moving between feeding areas at dawn and dusk. September through early October is prime time when bulls are bugling and rutting, making them vocal and more aggressive. The challenge of calling in a 6x6 bull with a full rack gets your heart pumping like nothing else. The meat is lean, clean, and some of the best table fare you'll find. My advice: get comfortable with your range finder before the hunt. These mountains play tricks with distance, and that 40-yard shot often turns out to be 60. When you finally connect on a mature bull in this country, you've earned something special.
Preston, ID