Semi-Guided Baited Hunts For
Trophy Black Bears
Trophy Color-Phase Black Bears
Not Your Average Baited Bear Hunts
Offering the finest remote backcountry spring bear hunts in the lower 48. We offer 5 weeks of baited hunts accommodating 3 hunters per week starting the last week of May and going through the month of June.
Our operations are based in a lavish wall tent camp at the historic Elk Creek Ranch, nestled on the banks of the picturesque South Fork of the Salmon River. Four large canvas guest tents complete with either two twin XLs, or a king bed (for couples), pellet stoves, closet, and charging station. Your hunt will focus on established bait sites with ground based stands consisting of comfortable camp chairs and shooting tripods. Bait sites are accessed primarily by foot, ranging from 200 yard to 1 mile hikes, with the help of our custom off-road vehicles.
Deep in Idaho Bear Country
Idaho offers some of the most unique color phase black bears in the world. The majority of our bears are a color other than black, and can vary from chocolate to blonde and cinnamon with many variations in between.
Far away from the nearest town, enjoy hunting bears that are very rarely hunted, but thrive in this canyon environment. There are no hound hunters or other baits to compete with, we have the unique opportunity to manage our bears with almost zero public hunting pressure. Record class bears are not uncommon and we strive to maintain a mature boar population. Charter flights will be arranged for hunters our private airstrip, as access to our areas is fly-in only due to the snowpack.
All meals and accommodations as well as transportation to and from bait sites and trophy handling is included in this semi-guided hunt.
Our All Inclusive Spring Bear Hunt Package
Benefit from the experience and expertise of a seasoned outfitter with a passion for putting clients on some of the largest color-phase black bears in the world. Bait sites are well established and pre-baited 3+ weeks before hunts start. Rest assured no expenses will be spared, we believe in an active and heavy feeding schedule to maintain bear presence.
Every year we feed over 12,000lbs of the highest quality bear bait and utilize proven techniques to attract bears, and keep them coming. On average, hunters see 2-6 bears every evening, and we have had guests see as many as a dozen different bears in one night. Focused on providing opportunities for trophy class bears, we feed approximately 150 bears each season to selectively harvest 15.
Guests find this hunt to be very relaxing and exciting, words can’t quite describe hope unique of an adventure it really is. From luxurious accommodations on the river’s edge to our curated menu by Chef Andrew Garrett, we guarantee you have never experienced anything like this hunt before. With more than enough space in our 4 large guest tents, this is a great opportunity to bring your friends and family along for adventure they won’t soon forget.
Itinerary - What To Expect
7:00 AM – Coffee & Pastries
Ease into your morning with pastries baked fresh daily and a hot cup of coffee on the rivers edge as the sun warms up the canyon.
10:00 AM – Brunch
Enjoy a delicious 5 star brunch prepared by our chef at 10am.
Morning – Guide Prep & Free Time
Each morning the guides will head out early to refill baits and assess game cameras to best situate hunters that afternoon. You are free to relax in camp enjoying a hammock, fishing the trout-rich waters by camp (runoff may affect water levels), or practicing for the shot on the local varmints and steel targets around camp.
2:00 PM – Pack Up & Head to the Baits
At 2pm we will start making our way to the baits. Grab you gear and a packed lunch prepared by Chef to sustain you during your sit and load up. Guides will get you to situated for the afternoon and hunters will remain on stand until dark, usually around 10pm.
Evening – On Stand
Each stand is equipped with comfortable folding chairs and shooting tripods nestled into natural ground blinds. Hunters will be provided Garmin InReach texting devices and radios in order to contact the guides when you successfully harvest your bear.
After the Shot
Guides will assist in blood trailing, photography, caping, and packing of trophies after the shot.
10:30 PM – Dinner at Camp
Arrive back to camp and drop your gear before heading into the dining tent where Chef will have a gourmet 3 course dinner waiting for your arrival.
Settle In For The Night
After dinner return to your spacious canvas tent and enjoy a comfortable memory foam mattresses with the relaxing sounds of the river flowing past your wall tent and the cool canyon air to assure you rest well and recharge.
The Experience
- While this may not be the most physically demanding hunt, be prepared for the mental challenges of sitting still on stand and being patient as you wait for the bear of your dreams.
- Learn from the experienced guides on how to judge trophy class bears. We pride ourselves in helping everyone become better bear hunters.
- All hunts are 7 days / 6 nights and allow for 6 total sits on baits.
- Weeks will be limited to 3 hunters maximum with up to 6 accompanying guests.
We take pride in providing the finest outfitting and guide services possible. It is our commitment to each and every hunter to perform above and beyond in every aspect of your adventure.
Currently booking for 2026 & 2027 seasons
2026 Pricing
$7500 / Hunter
$3500 / Observer
2027 Pricing
$8000 / Hunter
$3500/ Observer
FAQs
How far are the typical shots?
We like to place hunters far enough from the bait sites to allow for bears to come and go without sensing or smelling hunters. Shot distances range from 50 yards to 150 yards on average.
Do you hunt from tree stands?
We do not. We use comfortable folding chairs in natural ground blinds located with good views of the baits and surrounding areas. We find this to be far more comfortable and effective for longer sits.
Do you take archery hunters?
We do not typically take archery hunters. Given the nature of the terrain we find this hunt offers the best opportunities slightly out of bow range. If you are dedicated to using your bow exclusively contact us about our “stalk bait” options.
What size bears should I expect to see?
We pride ourselves in offering serious chances at bears 6 foot or better. It may take several days for the right bear to walk in, but nearly all of our guests get opportunities at true trophy class bears and we strongly encourage everyone to be patient enough to wait for the right bear to present himself. Bears with 18″+ skulls are common.
Can I have a guide sit with me if I want?
Of course. If you don’t feel confident in judging bears for yourself we do offer a fully guided package at an additional rate of $1000.
Related Articles
Frank Church Wilderness Elk & Mule Deer Hunt | Is It Right for You?
Considering a guided elk or mule deer hunt in the Frank Church Wilderness? Learn realistic expectations, how tags work, and if a remote Idaho hunt is right for you.
How to Book a Guided Elk or Mule Deer Hunt Without Drawing a Tag
Non-resident tags are harder than ever to draw. Learn how outfitter-allocated tags let you book a guided elk or mule deer hunt with guaranteed tags and no stress.
Currently booking for 2026 & 2027 seasons
2026 Pricing
$7500 / Hunter
$3500 / Observer
2027 Pricing
$8000 / Hunter
$3500/ Observer
Book Your Spring Black Bear Hunt Today
Questions? Call us at (208) 921-7749 or email WildernessMules@gmail.com
We Do Not Offer Drop Camp Services of Any Kind
Additional
Costs
Please take into consideration the additional costs associated with any outfitter services. Idaho hunting licenses & tags are not included. All prices are subject to a 6% Idaho Sales Tax & a 3% USFS Land Use Tax. All of this is detailed prior to your hunt on your Outfitter Agreement upon booking.
Gratuities for the
Chef and Guide
These are not included in the cost of your hunt. The industry standard is 15%-20% total but ultimately should directly reflect your satisfaction with the service provided.
Trophy Handling
All hides and skulls will be professionally processed, sealed by IDFG and frozen. We will then deliver them to our trusted taxidermists or arrangements can be made to ship for an additional fee by request.
Backcountry Charter Flights
Backcountry charter flight services will be arranged for all guests from McCall, ID with Sawtooth Flying unless otherwise requested. Guests will be responsible for payment with Sawtooth Flying.
