Bear Hunting
Guided Idaho Spring Black Bear Hunts
One-on-One Guided Hunts Near Salmon, Idaho
Spring bear season in Idaho runs May 1 through June 15 and offers exceptional opportunity. With baiting permitted in our units, we are able to maintain high success rates while remaining selective for size and color phase.
Our bears are known for quality hides, heavy nap, and diverse color phases including black, cinnamon, chocolate, and blonde, often with striking white chest markings.
We offer:
- Spot & Stalk (Glass & Stalk)
- Hunting Over Baits
- Hound Hunts
- Archery or Rifle
- Combination Style Hunts
- We offer a combination of all these methods.
Each hunt is conducted one-on-one with a professional guide.
This is a good hunt for physically challenged hunters as the ability to use bait will cause the bear to come to the hunter, who is set up in advance.
Spring Bear Hunt Details
Season: May 1 – June 15
Duration: 6 Days
Guiding: One-on-One
Style: Archery or Rifle
Hunters may choose between:
• Drive-in camp for mobility
• Pack-in horse camp
• Remote backcountry camps
We maintain and monitor bait stations, build blinds, locate water sources, and scout regularly to ensure productive hunting conditions.
Our Hunting Area
Our hunting units border the Frank Church Wilderness and provide access to expansive canyon systems with minimal pressure. Since outfitting began in 1989, this region has consistently produced quality bear populations and strong seasonal success.
Three established bear camps allow flexibility depending on conditions and hunter preference.
We host no more than two hunters in each camp per week to maintain low pressure, focused guiding, and a quality hunting experience.
| Hunt Type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-on-One Guided Spring Bear Hunt | 6 Days | $6,400.00 |
Price subject to 6% Idaho sales tax. Licenses and tags not included.
| Non-Resident Rates | Price |
|---|---|
| Bear Tag | $231.75 |
| Idaho Hunting License (Includes $10.00 Depredation fee) | $195.00 |
Reservations
Reservations for any hunt may be made by calling us to arrange for available trip dates. We generally only book two hunters per week for bear, elk, and deer (one per hunt for lion and specialty hunts) which we believe is a big contributing factor for effective resource management that provides healthy game availability and success from year to year. We request a 50% deposit at time of booking and then the remaining balance is due 30 days before your hunt.
Deposits
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your hunt and dates and is due at the time of booking along with license and tag fees. Remaining balance of hunt and applicable taxes are due 30 days prior to hunt dates! Deposits are transferable if a replacement can be found before the purchase of hunting tags in depositor’s name.
Gratuities
While gratuities are not mandatory, it is customary to offer a tip to your guide and cook in recognition of exceptional service.
Cancellation Policy
Due to the length of our hunting season and the limited openings available, we are unable to refund advance payments or deposits if you cancel your hunt. However, you have the option to transfer your deposit to another individual pending license and tag availability. If you are concerned about the possibility of having to cancel, we suggest that you consider purchasing trip cancellation insurance from a travel agent.
Spring Bear Hunt Gallery
Action shots, color phase examples, camp scenes, and backcountry terrain
Take a glimpse at the quiet beauty of our smooth scenic floats. From glassy morning water and soaring eagles to laughter drifting between rafts, every trip offers moments worth remembering. This is the slower side of Idaho adventure.
What Hunters Are Saying
“Rawhide Outfitters has provided the best hunting trips of my life. Having hunted both bear and elk, I am amazed at the time and hard work that they put into baiting bear stations, building blinds, finding water springs, locating animals, setting up a comfortable camp and attending to every detail of the hunt. I can honestly say that I have never met a more honest hardworking and pleasant family than theirs!”
Steve Koerner
“Of all the hunts I have ever been on, Rawhide Outfitters is by far the best. They are easy going, hardworking people. They wanted me to get my bear just as much as I did. I don’t know what I enjoyed more: Getting my bear or meeting the Cranneys.”
George Watkins
“Since 2001 my husband, Mark, has hunted with Rawhide Outfitters experiencing some exciting hunting adventures harvesting some beautiful elk, bear, deer and a mountain lion. As we’ve gotten to know the Cranney family, we knew Rawhide could provide the perfect vacation for our family. Seven of our kids experienced an incredible, exciting adventure rafting two days on the Salmon River. Mark’s hunting successes with Rawhide peaked my new found interest in bow hunting, so I booked a hunt of my own! They even accommodated my six month old baby boy. My bear hunt was a thrill! After having a number of bears at point blank range, I shot a beautiful brown cinnamon bear. I know we will be back for more outdoor adventures with Rawhide Outfitters!”
Michelle Grupe
“Cathy and John, just a few words to let you know how much I enjoyed my bear hunt. I had a great time and Justin did a super job. The camps were all great, meals were more than I could ask for, and every stand I hunted was well set up for anyone shooting traditional equipment. I do not think there was a shot over 20 yards. I am checking the calendar for next spring to make sure I can work in another trip up, I had a great time. Thanks”
J Isbell Lubbock Field Service
“I was looking for a spring Idaho bear hunt and I spent many hours researching… I found Rawhide Outfitters who had an excellent reputation, a high success rate and was reasonably priced. I took a nice chocolate colored bear on the second day over a well visited, and well maintained bait station. My taxidermist told me that he hasn’t seen a black bear cape in better condition. I know I’ll be booking more hunts with Rawhide!”
Dennis Billet
Plan Your Hunt
Prepared. Personalized. Ready for the Field.
We’ll help you choose the right hunt, season, and strategy so your time in Idaho’s backcountry is organized, focused, and built for success from arrival to final day in camp.
