HUNT #OI-IWC4
Idaho Frank Church Wilderness Elk Hunts
This is a great traditional, wilderness elk hunt where you should see plenty of game and very few people. Success rates have been high over the years on 5-6 point bulls. 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. If being off the grid in search of one of North America’s most exciting game animals is something that interests you this elk hunt would be a good option for you.
As we mentioned above, this is a traditional wilderness hunt.
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. You will need to agree to the outfitter’s Wilderness Ethics Agreement.
Hunt elk with your rifle during the rut in September, or combo with mule deer on the late hunt.
On these Idaho wilderness elk hunts, your over-the-counter tags can be used anytime between mid-September and mid-November. September through early October is a cool time to hunt elk. This is one of the rare areas where you can hunt elk during the rut with your rifle and have a decent chance at a mule deer. Later in the season, the mule deer hunting gets better, so it also makes for a fun combo hunt.
You should see lots of wild game!
We can just about guarantee that you will see game on this hunt…from bighorn sheep to possibly even a mountain lion, and most likely you will get a shot at a bull. As you can see from the pictures, this outfitter takes some nice 300″+ bulls every year.
- Hunts are on a 7-day schedule with 5 full days of hunting.
- 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.
- This is a traditional “mountain man” style, horseback elk hunt in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness.
- Harvesting 5 and 6-point bulls ranging from 200-300-inches, and often 300+ inches.
- 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.
- Tags are over the counter!
- This is not a long-range shooting affair. Classic locate and stalk hunting, expect shots of 300 yds or less.
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:
- Idaho Sales Tax
- Idaho License and Tag(s).
- Personal and hunting gear (See a suggested gear list).
- Transportation to and from Challis, ID
- Backcountry flight into the wilderness.
- Trip Insurance is highly recommended for any backcountry trip.
- While a tip is not required, it is very much appreciated, and guides often depend on them a supplemental income. Learn how much to tip a hunting guide.
- Taxidermy
- Meat Processing
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. You will be up in the dark, hunting at daylight, locating game via glassing, bugling, tracking. The elk dictate the rest—it’s an adventure!
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.
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.
Photos from this hunt: