IDAHO COMBO Hunts

This wilderness outfitter in Idaho offers two primary options: traditional, remote wall tent, horseback, combo hunts and lodge-based hunts. Each option provides a unique experience for hunters looking to pursue elk, mule deer, black bear and, in some cases, mountain goat or wolves.

TRADITIONAL, TENT-BASED, COMBO HUNTS

The September and October hunts are what you think of as a traditional Western combo hunt. You’ll pack in with horses and mules to a remote wall tent camp. From there, you’ll leave with your guide on horseback every morning to go hunting.

LODGE-BASED, COMBO HUNTS

In November, the game usually moves down out of the mountains, so late hunts are conducted out of the comfort of the lodge. You’ll leave on horseback every morning with your guide to go hunting, just like you would on an early hunt.

Both options offer unique opportunities to experience the Frank Church Wilderness of Idaho.

• The choice depends on the time of year, your physical abilities, preferences, and the kind of hunting experience you’re seeking.
• All hunts are seven days, fully guided 1:1 or 2:1, depending on your preference.

Mountain Goats – If you draw a mountain goat tag in Unit 27, this outfitter has some great billies in his area. We can help you apply, and once you draw a tag, we’ll help you book a customized guided hunt.

Black Bear – This area has some spectacular bear hunting, and if you’d like to experience a wilderness bear hunt, we can set that up for you.

Wolves – Wolf hunting is a specialized thing, and if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at them, the Frank Church is one of the best places in the world to do that. Let us know if you’d like details.

TAGS AND LICENSE

You will need an Idaho hunting license and the tag(s) for the animal you’re hunting. At minimum, you’ll want to have an elk and a mule deer tag. If you’re hunting in September or October, a black bear tag is also highly recommended, and a mountain lion tag any time of year is always a good idea… you just never know.

*This information is subject to change per Idaho Fish and Game Regulations.

Physical preparation

The success of your hunt may very well depend on your physical & mental preparation and ability. There are no “easy” or “canned” hunts in this part of Idaho. Hunting here is the Real McCoy.You only live once and you might as well take care of the one body you have. You’ve likely heard this before, but because it is so important, We’ll repeat it again. You should be doing some type of physical exercise (aerobic and anaerobic) at least 3-4 times/week and more is better. If you really want to burn calories, exercise first thing in the morning and if time allows, once or twice a week, add a workout in the afternoon. Remember to eat healthy and balanced meals. With proper exercise and eating habits, you’ll be healthier, stronger, happier and a better hunter.

The following are things are suggested depending on you physical ability and age. In order to get aerobic exercise you need to do these for at least 20 minutes straight, each time. We recommend 30-60 minutes/time.

ACTIVITES:

• Running or brisk walking – at least 2-3 miles
• Biking (mountain or road bike)
• Organized sports – (Basketball, Hockey, Soccer or Tennis)
• Exercise machines (Stairmaster, Nordic Track, Treadmill, Bike)
• Circuit training w/free weights or universal system
• Swimming
• Aerobic type classes (Tai Bo, step aerobics, etc.) – don’t laugh as you be surprised as to how well this improves agility and coordination and the scenery is usually great

Make sure you hike around town or the local hills with the boots and pack you’ll be wearing on the hunt because if you have sore feet, everything else is secondary.

SUGGESTED GEAR LIST

Be sure to talk to the outfitter prior to your hunt about what specifically to bring, but here are the essentials for this hunt:

• Footwear – Your boots are the most important pieces of equipment you will bring. We prefer all leather for most mountain hunting situations. The Kenetrek Mountain Extreme 400 is the best we have used in any situation PERIOD! After you’ve spent all that money and time finding the right set of boots, don’t cut corners on cheap socks.
• Clothing – In general, stick with synthetics (Fleece, Schoeller, Saddlecloth, nylon/poly blends etc.) or wool. For backpacking, synthetics tend to be lighter and quicker to dry. Smart Wool or Merino is hard to beat.
• Underwear- Layering with multiple items is better than wearing just one or two heavy layers. Synthetics are the way to go for comfort, moisture wicking and warmth. In August, bring lighter weight material; in mid-September and later, you should bring heavier weight underwear.
• Packs – You will use an internal or external frame pack. External frames are cheaper and will work. Internal frames are more comfortable and quieter for hunting (our preference). You will need at least a 4500 cubic inch external or a 5000-7000 cubic inch internal. If you bring an external pack, get one with a built in sleeping bag compartment. In that case, you will want one that holds at least 5,000-6,000 cubic inches also. Put your backpack (if external type) in a large duffel for the commercial flight as it will be less likely to get damaged by the airlines.
• Sleeping – You will be sleeping in your sleeping bag every night, a mummy bag is the warmest and lightest and what we recommend. A thermarest, is necessary (NEO AIR). A full length is the most comfortable, but a ¾ length will also work. For sleeping at night, you want a headband or stocking cap to sleep in. Sleeping in a set of long underwear will keep your bag cleaner and it will be easier to face the morning cold. For a pillow, We generally put my Down jacket in my stuff sack or a pillowcase.
• Gear Bag – Your gear should weigh 45 – 60 -70lbs max including food, water, tent and weapon. Try not to pack to much extras, you will have a animal to help pack out!