We use a wide variety of bear hunting techniques including baits with either tree stand or ground blinds and the exciting hound hunt. The bear in our area come in a wide variety of color phases ranging from blond to black. The majority of our bear hunters prefer the spring hunt, but we do take a limited number of hunters during the fall.  Fall hunts can also be combined with Elk and Deer.  The bear population is high and trophy quality excellent.

Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters has the exclusive commercial hunting rights for an area of over 700 square miles for Bear hunting in central Idaho.  We are avid outdoorsmen and have grown up hunting and trapping all types of animals.

Spring hunts are conducted from a drive in base camp.  Camps consist of camp trailers, wall tent, out house, and portable shower.  This enables us to be mobile and utilize the entire area as the snow melts.


Bait Hunting

We have several active baits per hunter throughout the entire bear season and provide tree stands with safety harnesses or ground blinds.  On the average we have 3 baits per hunter.  Most of our tree stands are set for archery and hand gun hunters.  During the day we will be glassing the hillsides and tending bait sites.  After a hearty early evening meal, you will be sitting a bait site.  Although most bear are harvested during the evening, we do use trail timers and often sit baits during the morning hours.  We use a variety of bait and scents to attract the bear in our area.  We have very few biting insects and you will not have to contend with the biting black flies as in other areas.  We have Karelian bear dogs trained to follow a blood trail which enables us to recover wounded bear that normally might not be found while still maintaining your safety.


Hound Hunting

We love the outdoors and the thrill of the hunt, especially when following a pack of well trained hounds.  We have been raising and training hounds for over 35 years. On occasion we also hire qualified, licensed guides to assist in the hunt.  This allows us to cover more country and increases your chances of success.  We use radios for communication and dog tracking equipment.  This allows us to make the most of your time while hunting.  Most hound hunting is done early in the day and you are welcome to sit baits in the evening.


General Information

After your animal is harvested, your guides will skin and prepare the hide for your taxidermist.  If you don't already have one, we can recommend several good taxidermists in the area.

Idaho has very liberal weapon restrictions and bear can be hunted with bow, rifle, muzzleloader or hand gun.

Include in the cost of the hunt is all lodging, meals, transportation including to and from the Boise airport, guide fees and trophy care.  Not included in the cost is license and tag, sales tax and gratuities.

License and tags are sold over the counter and we will assist you in purchasing them.

Youth Hunter Discounts

The State of Idaho encourages youth hunting for both residents and non-residents.  The Idaho Fish and Game has a junior mentor program with greatly reduced license and tag fees.  We at Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters also encourage families with young hunters and offer a 25% discount for juniors ages 12 to 17 the first time they hunt with us.  This is a great opportunity to encourage young hunters and get them started with a good hunting experience.

Dates and Rates

Call now to book your bear hunt!   (208) 462-3416

Booking Information

A 40% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates.  Cashier's check, money order, personal check, Visa or Master Card are all accepted.  The balance is due 30 days before your hunt begins.  In addition to the base price, Idaho also requires a 6% sales tax.  Gratuities are not mandatory, however, it is customary to tip your guide, packer and cook if you feel they did a good job for you.

Sawtooth Wilderness Outfitters is a member of the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association, America Outdoors National Outfitter and Guides Association, bonded and licensed by the State of Idaho and permitted on the Boise National Forest and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.  All of our guides are professionals who are licensed by the State of Idaho and meet current first aid requirements.

Clients are responsible for letting the outfitter know of any special medical and dietary needs prior to trip.  Special dietary needs can easily be accommodated with advance notice.

Please call us for available dates.

Because we spend most of our time in the backcountry away from our computer,
a phone call is the fastest way to contact us.

Call now to book your bear hunt!   (208) 462-3416