Private Moose Hunts - Idaho Hunts
Private Trip
Big game hunting
One-on-one guided Shiras moose hunts in Idaho backcountrySeven-day horseback adventure with five full hunting daysAny legal weapon accepted for this big game experience
When you're ready to chase one of North America's most impressive big game animals, Saddle Horn Outfitters delivers a world-class moose hunting experience that few outfitters can match. This isn't your typical group hunt where you're competing for attention or prime spots. You get a dedicated guide, carefully selected hunting areas, and seven days in Idaho's pristine backcountry to pursue a trophy Shiras moose. The rugged terrain and remote locations we access on horseback put you in prime moose habitat where these giants roam undisturbed. Every detail is handled so you can focus on what matters most - putting yourself in position for the shot of a lifetime.
This seven-day hunt gives you five full hunting days in some of Idaho's most productive moose country. You'll ride into the backcountry on day one, spending up to eight hours in the saddle as we pack into our hunting area. Don't worry if you've never been on a horse - our stock animals are seasoned veterans who know this terrain like the back of their hooves. They're sure-footed in steep country and selected specifically for their calm temperament around hunters. Once we're in camp, your guide works one-on-one with you to pattern moose movement, scout feeding areas, and position you for optimal shooting opportunities. Whether you're bringing a rifle, bow, or muzzleloader, we adapt our hunting strategy to match your weapon choice and effective range. The pack-out day requires another long ride, but when you're heading home with a trophy moose, those hours in the saddle feel like a victory lap.
Idaho's moose country is steep, dense, and challenging - exactly the kind of habitat that produces mature bulls. We're hunting areas where GPS units and ATVs can't reach, which means horseback access is your ticket to untouched hunting grounds. Early morning glassing sessions target meadows and creek bottoms where moose come to feed and drink. Your guide reads sign like a book - fresh tracks in mud, stripped willows, and rubs on trees tell the story of which bulls are using the area. Calling techniques vary based on the time of season, from subtle cow calls during early hunts to aggressive bull grunts during the rut. The terrain demands patience and smart positioning since moose don't always cooperate by standing in open meadows. Dense timber work requires careful planning and quiet movement, while meadow hunting calls for long-range glassing skills and strategic approaches. Every hunter needs to handle the 300-pound weight limit including gear, so pack smart and focus on essentials.
Shiras moose are the smallest of North America's three moose subspecies, but don't let that fool you - a mature bull still weighs 700 to 1,000 pounds and carries an impressive set of antlers. These animals are perfectly adapted to Idaho's mountainous terrain, moving through dense timber with surprising grace despite their massive size. Bulls are most active during the September rut when they're searching for cows and responding to calls. Their antlers can span 40 to 50 inches, with mature bulls developing the heavy palm and tine configuration that makes for spectacular trophy room centerpieces. What makes Shiras moose special is their behavior - they're less predictable than their larger northern cousins, often bedding in thick cover during daylight hours and moving to feed at dawn and dusk. Their excellent hearing and decent eyesight make them challenging quarry, but their poor sense of smell gives patient hunters an advantage when the wind cooperates. The best hunting happens in early fall when bulls are vocal and moving more during daylight hours, making this the prime window for your Idaho moose tag.
This top-rated moose hunt represents serious value for hunters who want a genuine backcountry experience with professional guidance. The one-on-one guide service means you're not sharing your hunt with other hunters or dealing with crowded camps. Saddle Horn Outfitters has built a reputation on putting hunters in position for success while maintaining the highest safety standards in challenging terrain. The 50% deposit secures your dates, with the balance due by June 1st, giving you plenty of time to prepare physically and mentally for this hunt of a lifetime. Remember that license and tag fees aren't included in the hunt price, plus you'll need to factor in Idaho's 6% sales tax. This hunt books up fast among serious moose hunters who understand the value of accessing prime habitat with experienced guides and reliable horses. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your spot - trophy moose opportunities like this don't come around every season.
Shiras moose are the smallest of North America's moose subspecies, but bulls still hit 1,200+ pounds with antler spreads pushing 50 inches. These giants favor thick timber, willows, and marshy areas between 6,000-9,000 feet in our mountain country. Early morning and evening are prime times when they move between feeding and bedding areas. September brings the rut when bulls get vocal and less cautious - that's when we hear them grunting and thrashing through the timber. What makes moose hunting special is the sheer size and challenge of getting close in dense cover. They're surprisingly quiet for their size until spooked. The meat's lean and mild, perfect table fare. Here's the thing most hunters miss - watch for fresh rubs on aspen trees about 6-7 feet high. Bulls work these spots regularly, and it's often your best sign they're working an area.
Preston, ID