Hunting Trips

Idaho Frank Church Wilderness Mule Deer Hunt #OI-IWC1

Idaho Frank Church Wilderness Mule Deer Hunt

HUNT #OI-IWC1

Idaho Frank Church Wilderness Mule Deer Hunt

If you’re looking for a traditional, backcountry mule deer hunt, this is the trip for you. Located in the beautiful wilderness of Idaho’s famous Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness this is one of our most sought after mule deer hunts for good reason. Since the Frank Church Wilderness is so remote, hunting pressure on the deer in this area is very low. Not only is it remote, it also takes place in November during the rut AND in a migration corridor! The quantity and quality of bucks is amazing! On a normal year, you should see 10 to 20 bucks a day on average.

  • This is a fly-in hunt, you will be met by the outfitter at a wilderness airstrip and from there taken by horseback and mule train to your camp.
  • Hunt takes place in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
  • You’ll be hunting for mature 4 point mule deer bucks. Most bucks will score between 150-170″ with some exceeding 200”.
  • Seeing 10 to 20 bucks in a single day is not uncommon.
  • Temperatures in the Rocky Mountain Autumn can range from 0-60 degrees, typically plenty of sunshine.
  • This hunt is moderately difficult. There is some steep terrain, but most of the time hunts will be conducted along the tops of the ridges.
  • Guaranteed tags.
  • Opportunity rate is 95%
  • Success rate is 85%

Read Hunt Reports and Outfitter Reviews

Dates and Pricing

Please note that your hunt dates are NOT locked in until a full deposit is received. Also, outfitters reserve the right to change pricing at any time, and that is out of our hands. If you are serious about this hunt, send in your deposit asap! If you haven’t already received pricing, please request it here, and be sure to reference the trip number at the top of this page.

Trip Includes:

  • Professional Hunting Guide.
  • Tent camp with sleep tents (two hunters in each), and “kitchen” tent.
  • All meals.
  • Field dressing and pack-out of your animal.
  • Professional caping if the animal is to be mounted.
  • Combo with black bear, wolf, or mountain lion at no additional cost. You just need to get the appropriate tags prior to your hunt.

Not Included:

NOTE:

This Outfitter Does Have a Wilderness Clause

As we mentioned above, this is a traditional wilderness hunt. There are no roads, no cars, no power lines. This hunt takes place on nearly 300 square miles in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. The land that Lewis and Clark had to go around. A true “Mountain Man “ experience and the hunt of a lifetime in the beautiful mountains, valleys and ridges of Idaho. It is one of the few places left where you can leave civilization behind. You will be asked to do just that and to leave all electronics and communication devices at home. Your camera and flashlight are the only exceptions. Prior to booking this hunt, you will need to agree to the outfitter’s Wilderness Ethics Agreement.

This is NOT a long-range shooting affair. Classic locate and stalk hunting, expect shots of 300 yards or less.

This is a true blue wilderness hunt. You will be staying in very comfortable wall tents with wood stoves. There are two hunters to one tent so there will be plenty of space.

All meals are provided as there is a cook in camp that will make all the meals. The days will start with one of their camp cooks hearty breakfasts. After breakfast hunters and guides will get on horses and head in the woods. Be prepared to hike here and there as well.

You’ll be hunting with experienced guides that are dedicated to providing the best of service for you!

You can expect either 1×1 or 2×1 style guiding depending on which one you choose. Most of the trip will be done on horse back and foot. If you don’t have any experience with riding horses, don’t worry. The horses are well broke and gentle. They’ll take good care of you on the trail.  Your guide will also take care of your trophy so you won’t need to unless you want to help. If desired they will even cape your animal professionally for your mount. All guides are first aid trained, your safety is their number one concern.

Idaho Frank Church Wilderness Mule Deer Hunt

Travel Information

If you plan to fly commercially to Idaho, we recommend that you arrive in Salt Lake, Utah. You will arrive in Salt Lake and then drive a rental to either Challis or McCall for your flights into camp. You will be met by the outfitter at a wilderness airstrip with horses and mules to pack you into camp. *There are services available to assist in these arrangements, and the outfitter is available to discuss options on a case-by-case basis.

Air Taxis

  • Salmon Air Taxi – (208) 756-6211
  • Middle Fork Aviation – (208) 879-5728

Car Rental

  • Practical Rent-A-Car – (800) 437-7136
  • The larger car rental companies are also available from the Boise airport.