I have two 1x1 slots left for archery elk near Salmon, Idaho in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, Unit #29. Hunts last 8 days, with 1 day in, 1 day out, and 6 days in the field. Archery tags are available over the counter on a first come, first serve basis. We will assist you with getting your tags & license. This area covers approximately 300 square miles and boasts some of Idaho's finest trophy bulls. Plus, Idaho Fish and Game has limited the number of rifle hunts in our area by designating the area as controlled hunt only, making it a prime trophy location.

Upon arrival at the trail head, you enjoy a 2 to 3 hour scenic horseback ride to camp along Big Timber Creek, into the heart of big elk habitat. Our camps are furnished with comfortable, carpeted tents and wood stoves, and come with home-cooked meals, gentle mountain horses, and friendly, professional guides for your ultimate elk hunting experience. From camp, you and your guide easily access game trails, wallows, or blinds, or you may prefer to stalk the many ridges, creeks, and hundreds of small hidden meadows in search of your back country bull.

Once you head out in search of archery elk, you can traverse 300 square miles of hunting terrain. This terrain consists of high mountain meadows and wallows. Pre-scouting is always done before you arrive in order to locate the elk for our hunters, and archery elk hunting trips are available on a one-on-one guide/hunter ratio to help you come home with the prize. Although we don’t guarantee you will harvest an animal, we do guarantee that you will be in the middle of prime elk country. We have a lot of archery elk and some great Trophy Bulls!
Normal price for this hunt is $3,800 plus 6% State tax, but I have two remaining hunts I am willing to sell for $3,300 each plus 6% tax. You only need to bring your personal hunting gear, clothes, sleeping bag/pillow and personal items. Not included are: transportation to trail head, meat processing, taxidermy, shipping of meat/trophy where required, items of a personal nature, gratuities. License: Idaho Hunting license $154.75, Elk tag $416.75, Archery stamp $20.00, Crossbow stamp $1.75 (must have handicap affidavit form at time of purchase).

Big Timber Outfitters has 60 years of combined experience. They also offer Mule Deer, Black Bear and this fall should be in the Wolf business. If all goes well this Fall, I will be offering limited Wolf hunts for $500!
Seasons: Archery Only:
August 30th - September 30th

Controlled Rifle:
October 1st - October 24th

Anyone interested in the second application rifle season, contact me and I will assist you will applying for a tag. Application dates are August 5th - 15th 2011.

How big are the "great Trophy Bulls"? What percentage of shooting opportunity (within 40 yards)? What is realistic?

Don, currently, they've been running 100% on rifle elk and around 30% on archery elk. That's fairly good odd's on wild elk. Having bow hunted elk myself, many things can go wrong especially missing shots, even at close range. Usually, it's the wind that gets you. In 2009, they were 27.3% harvest with 34.8% 6x6 or better. There are huge bulls in that unit from 300-400 points, but those older bulls are no ones fool, unless you get a bull coming in that is rut crazed. Chances are fair on getting a 5 or 6 point bull, but many times luck plays a factor in all elk hunting. Odds soar on rifle hunts but you need to apply for the second application period (August 5-15 2010) to try and draw. Tags are limited in that area so the trophy quality is good.

Thanks for a very honest answer.

Hi, what are the best dates to go? also is the hunt mostly horseback or is it mostly walking?

Patricio, the best dates are when the elk are rutting and that's never a given. Weather effects their rut more so than anything else. However, I will be talking to them tonight and I'll ask what they consider the best timing average. But honestly, it's almost impossible to pick six hunting days as being the best. I once hunted the Gunnison Nat'l Forest on the second rifle hunt. I believe we started on Oct 21st. The bulls were screaming for two days and I couldn't believe it. Reponding to calling and the whole nine yards. I shot my bull the second day. Hunting is done over wallows, from stands, blinds or stalking. They will let you hunt your way but make the best suggestions for the situation as it unfolds. I'll get you their opinion tonight on the best dates for this coming season.

what are the drawing odds for the second application rifle season?

jdollar, since this area only allows limited rifle hunting now, 1 in 3. I know if you can get a tag, the chances of taking a bull are excellent. Most will shoot the first 5x or 6x bull they see but for those who are willing to hunt hard, the rewards can be substantial. Cheers,
David

To answer the questions; 1. Best time during archery season: The last two weeks of September to hopefully catch the bulls in rut. 2. Horses are used to leave base camp and go up the drainages. Expect up to an hour on horseback before you dismount and hunt on foot. This saves a lot of time and climbing. Elevations will be around 6,000 feet at base and 9,000 feet in the area you will be hunting. 3. Odds on drawing a tag for second application period is 1 out of 3. This is due to limited rifle tags, thus producing a quality elk area.

I'll be glad to answer any other questions.
LKD

To answer questions, I will offer a rifle hunt for the same price ($3,330+ tax, lic/tag) if you can draw a tag during the second application season. We will assist you with putting in so there are no mistakes. You must purchace an Idaho hunting license in order to apply for the draw: $154.75. Odds of drawing are 1 in 3 as this is a trophy area. Contact me if you have questions.
LDK

Thanks for the PMs/Email. As it stands, there will be a Wolf season this fall. Stand alone price is $500 plus tags and license for that hunt alone or you may add it to a Elk/Deer hunt. The Fall Bear hunt is $1,600 + tags/lic. They took some nice Bears (black and color phase) during this past Spring hunt (May/June). Trophy Bears average 6' with thick coats. Idaho remains one of my favorite western States to hunt.

btt

This is why the wildlife in their area thrives.

Nice 6 pt bull

Another nice 6 pt

Dark Chocolate color Bear

Chocolate Bear

Typical Idaho black Bear. There are more color phase than black's.

One of the bulls that hangs around their ranch. He's the meanest bull in the yard, and still young...lol

quote:

Originally posted by L. David Keith:

One of the bulls that hangs around their ranch. He's the meanest bull in the yard, and still young...lol

Thanks! Nice!
So one brother from Kazakstan:

Nice bull!

Is the rifle hunt the same price?

twilli, yes, you can do the rifle hunt for the same price: $3,300. You must draw a tag however for the rifle hunt. The window for drawing is small: Aug 5-15th. We can help you with putting in. Contact me and I'll get you rolling. This is a limited quota area so odds are 1 in 3 of drawing but hey, that's good compared to most States. You can also add Bear, Wolf or Mule Deer. Regards, David

The Wolf hunt is $500. You can stay in our Wolf camp for 8 days, 10 if you need it. Includes, food, lodging, horses, guide. Idaho license is $154.75. Wolf tag is $31.75 and you can buy TWO wolf tags.
You can upgrade for a bear (mostly color phase) for $1,600 and if a cougar comes into the call (very possible) you can opt to take the cougar on your bear tag for a $500 trophy fee. Elk tags are $416.75 deer is $301.75. I have one elk spot left open, but you can add deer to wolf camp for $2,800 or hunt in the elk/deer camp.

Application window for 2nd Elk draw is Aug 5th-15th. This is for the rifle hunt. Others are OTC. Thanks for asking.

The Idaho web site is now set so you can buy both of your Wolf tags online.