There are a variety of options for Idaho black bear hunting. Idaho is blessed with many legal ways to hunt black bears. You can bait, run hounds or hunt spot-and-stalk style. *Although it is illegal to bait for wolves, they can be taken incidentally while hunting black bears over bait.
Idaho has many wild, remote backcountry and wilderness areas, all with plenty of bears. Most of them live in the mountain ranges, the foothills near Boise, everywhere north of the Snake River, and the southwest part of the state.
An added bonus is Idaho has LOTS of color phase black bears. Despite being called black bears, Idaho’s bear population includes cinnamon, red, blonde, brown, bears with blazes, and everything in between. In fact, the majority of bears harvested are a color other than black!
Idaho black bear hunting in the spring can be a lot of fun.
On a typical hunt you should have a lot of activity on the bait. Successful bear baiting is a bit of an art form, and our outfitters know how to do it right and deliver for our hunters year after year.
The fall bear hunts in Idaho are during the elk and deer seasons.
Early September is is the best time of year as the elk and the wolves are responding to calls. If you like to fish, you can make it a cast-and-blast trip because Idaho has some spectacular fly fishing.
- Target mature boars in backcountry, remote baiting locations.
- Usually you’ll be hunting from a tent camp, supported by horses.
- High success rates.
- Color phased bears are the norm on these Idaho hunts.
Frank church wilderness area
The goal on our Frank Church Idaho black bear hunting trip is a mature, age-class boar, and there are good numbers of them. This is due to the limited hunting pressure in this VERY remote area.
These backcountry Idaho spring bear hunts are conducted in and around the “Frank”. The Frank Church Wilderness is one of the largest and most remote wilderness areas left in the lower 48. You can choose to hunt early during the spring by spot-and-stalk, or mid season over bait. On the spot and stalk hunts, you’ll cover ground on foot and horseback glassing open areas for bear feeding in the meadows. The baited hunts are over well established baits during the rut. Both hunts are fun, and completely different experiences.
The only bad thing about these wilderness Idaho bear hunts is the limited availability.
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Cabin based idaho bear hunts
These great Idaho black bear hunts take place along the South Fork of the Salmon River.
Whether you’re seeking a classic black bear or a unique color-phase bear in shades of brown, blonde, or cinnamon, our hunts offer an unforgettable experience. These majestic animals range in size from 90 to over 300 pounds, depending on factors like age, sex, health, and season. If you’re looking to expand your adventure, wolf tags can be added to this bear hunt.
Early Spring Hunts
These early spring spot-and-stalk hunts take advantage of cooler weather, when bears are actively foraging during daylight hours. You’ll leave the cabin early in the morning and have a 40 minute to 1 hour drive to the trailheads. From there you and your guide will be on on horseback, hiking, riding, and spending time glassing. Bears are often spotted on south-facing slopes where fresh vegetation emerges early.
Spring Hunts
This hunt combines spot-and-stalk techniques with baiting for maximum success. After morning trail rides, you and your guide will glass and hike throughout the day before setting up at bait sites in the evening.
Late Spring Hunts
As spring transitions to summer, bears remain highly active near our established bait sites. You’ll head to bait sites by mid-afternoon, leaving mornings free for additional activities such as horseback riding or wolf hunting.
Fall Bear Hunts
Your flexible accommodations can either be cabin or camp-based. Afternoons are spent at bait sites, leaving mornings free for fishing, hot springs, or other outdoor adventures.
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Hound hunts
If you’re wanting a more active and physically demanding challenge, hound hunting is an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
These hunts begin early, around 5 A.M., and can vary from short sprints to all-day pursuits as the hounds track bears through rugged terrain. Show up in shape and prepared for steep country!
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Idaho Cast and Blast Bear Hunts
This trip offers the chance to hunt wolves, black bears, and great fly fishing.
The wolf and bear hunting is spot-and-stalk from horseback, and you might even see bears while you’re fishing. Fishing is walk-and-wade for several species including cutthroat, rainbow trout. Some of the best fly fishing available anywhere!
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Idaho black bear Hunting Outfitters
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Mat C. –
I can’t hunt with the Outdoors International team again. I shot my first bear ever, with my bow and he’s a giant!
Kyle Hanson –
My Idaho Black Bear hunt was simply amazing.
I honestly had no idea I would enjoy black bear hunting as much as I did. I could see myself making this hunt an annual event.. and I already have. I re-booked for next year!
Kyle Hanson –
This was my second time hunting with this outfitter. Idaho spring bear hunts have become an annual trip for me and one of my favorite hunts year round. Bears are just flat out cool critters and a blast to hunt. That being said, I am not one to chase the same experience twice so we switched things up this year with an early season spot & stalk hunt on horseback rather than a baited hunt in June (which was awesome too…). I didn’t know at the time but this hunt ended up being my dream bear hunt.
Adam Donahue –
It was awesome being so far out and away from everything. It was a tough hunt- lots of horseback riding and miles of hiking in the mountains every day. But that’s what made it so great.
Jace Myers –
I see no reason to look about for another outfitter-I am sure they would fall far short of this operation and hunting experience. I will schedule several more hunts with him. Look no farther than this outfitter for your Idaho big game hunting.
John LaBanc –
The outfitter and his wife Meghan are energetic, enthusiastic and focused on the hunters having an exceptional hunting experience.
Judith McLean –
Fantastic bear hunt. Truly professional…and it just didn’t have any need for improvement. The game was exceptional, outfitter knows his area and total preparation was completed.