John Hampey: Idaho Elk Hunt Report

Trip Taken: Idaho Backcountry Elk Hunt
Consultant: Kyle Hanson | Outdoors International

November 12, 2020

This trip was exactly what my dad and I were looking for in an elk hunt.

Three hours drive from the nearest town, Yellowpine sits in some of the last great wilderness areas of the lower 48. Travel to and from the hunting area is done on horseback from a remote camp at 3,700 ft elevation that sits 8 miles from the nearest trailhead.

Depending on your guide and your hunting style, the hunt either consisted mostly of glassing from established areas or if you’re like me and have a guide like Con you are more active and climb and side-hill to different locations spotting and stalking as you go.

For this late hunt if the weather hasn’t been cold enough and the snow hasn’t set in much like our hunt the elk and mule deer will stay at higher elevations over 7,000 ft. If you are fortunate to harvest an elk, mule deer, or wolf in this combo hunt packing out the animal is relatively easy as the outfitter uses sure footed pack mules that can travel to almost any area in the hunting location.

The only complaint we had with the outfitter is there seemed to be a gap in communication between the guide, packer, and the owner. Also the communication between the two guides and the hunters could have been improved. I found myself unsure half the time what was going on.

Having Kyle as a consultant helped my dad and I to find the outfitter that fit what we wanted in a trip. With previous experience with the outfitter and the location Kyle was able to speak very knowledgeably about the trip and what to expect.

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  • Overall, my trip was amazing, I couldn’t have asked for more.
  • My outfitter’s communication before, during and after the trip was fair.
  • My guide was amazing.
  • Physically, the trip was difficult.
  • The food was good.
  • The accommodations were good.
  • Would you book another trip with us in the future? Yes.
  • Can we use your stories and/or photos on our website? Yes.
  • Can we use this in social media? Yes.
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HUNT REPORTS  |  HUNTING GALLERY  |  BOOK A HUNT

My hunt was absolutely top notch.

The outfitter is a fantastic man and incredibly hard working and knowledgeable, there is no doubt he will do everything within his power to make peoples hunts successful and enjoyable. I plan to do it again with him next year for sure.

Wade Zuver

Our hunt was excellent.

We saw bucks every day along with all other sorts of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, and foxes were common sights. Fishing and crabbing was special bonus. The food was excellent, the crew was amazing. Outdoors International did a great job of finding exactly what we were looking for.

Jesse Neveau

What an amazing experience!

The hunting lodge was out of this world!, Rooms, food and the scenery were all A+. Our guide was exceptional and had us on Shiras moose all five days. We saw over 30 total with at least 10 bulls. They had a plan for everything including taxidermy and game processing.

Kayla Redmon

 

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PAST OI DRAW WINNERS

WINNER: To be announced soon…

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Congratulations to OI Draw Winner, Brandon Ball! He won a New Zealand Red Stag Hunt of a Lifetime!

WINNER: Christopher Adams

Congratulations to OI Draw Winner, Christopher Adams! He won a Fully Guided Mexico Coues Deer Hunt.

WINNER: Tyler Kirk

"Thank you Outdoors International! I'm very excited for the trip! I’ll be bringing my dad along with me. If you haven’t put in for the OI draws you should these guys are legit!"

WINNER: Brye Mangum

"I am so grateful for the opportunity! Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PHs and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa to see them again 100%."

WINNER: Dason Lasater

"I won an OI Draw and it turned out to be one of my most memorable and rewarding experiences. This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing! He was able to keep me encouraged and motivated, and he suggested I hold out for true trophies. I would rate him an 11 on a scale from 1-10. I always dreamed about Africa, but never thought it'd be a reality for me."

WINNER: Kim Osborn

Join us in congratulating Kim Osborn, winner of the OI Draw! She's in for an unforgettable hunting experience with a top-notch PH, 5-star lodging, and high trophy quality animals.

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