Mule Deer Hunting
Guided Idaho Mule Deer Hunts
Archery & Rifle Mule Deer Hunts in Idaho
Mule deer season runs August 30 through November 20, offering archery, general rifle, and controlled permit opportunities across prime Idaho units.
Since 1989, we have guided mule deer hunts in Units 28, 29, 36-B, and 37-A. These areas consistently produce mature bucks and strong seasonal success.
Our approach is quality over quantity. We limit the number of hunters in camp to maintain low pressure and sustainable deer management.
We offer:
- Archery Mule Deer Hunts
- General Rifle Mule Deer Hunts
- Controlled Permit Rifle Hunts
- Combination Elk / Mule Deer Hunts
Each hunt is conducted one-on-one with a professional guide.
Mule Deer Hunt Details
Season: August 30 – November 20
Duration: 6 Days
Guiding: One-on-One
Style: Archery, Rifle, or Controlled Permit
Most mule deer hunts are conducted from established mountain camps accessed by experienced pack strings of horses.
In camp you can expect:
- Wall tent accommodations
- Reliable horses and equipment
- Hearty Dutch oven meals prepared by our camp cook
- Small camp structure for focused attention
We host no more than two hunters in each camp per week to maintain low pressure, focused guiding, and a quality hunting experience.
Idaho Mule Deer Hunts
There is nothing like glassing high sage ridges at first light and spotting a mature buck feeding in open country. Idaho mule deer hunting demands patience, strong optics, and knowledge of the terrain.
Our guides spend extensive time scouting and monitoring buck movement throughout the season. We focus on ethical harvest, mature deer, and providing a complete Western hunting experience.
The units we operate in offer diverse terrain ranging from open sage country to rugged mountain basins, creating excellent opportunity for quality mule deer.
| Hunt Type | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6 Day Archery Mule Deer Hunt | 6 Days | $6,900.00 |
| 6 Day General Rifle Mule Deer Hunt | 6 Days | $6,900.00 |
| 6 Day Controlled Permit Rifle Hunt | 6 Days | $8,400.00 |
| 6 Day Elk / Mule Deer Combo | 6 Days | $8,600.00 |
Price subject to 6% Idaho sales tax. Licenses and tags not included.
| Non-Resident Rates | Price |
|---|---|
| Mule Deer Tag | $351.75 |
| Idaho Hunting License (Includes $10.00 Depredation Fee) | $195.00 |
| Archery Stamp | $81.75 |
| Controlled Hunt Application Fee | $18.00 |
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.
Mule Deer Hunting Photo Gallery
High sage ridges, heavy-antlered bucks, mountain camps, and wide-open Western terrain
Take a look at mature Idaho bucks, high sage country, and mountain camps where Western mule deer hunts unfold. These photos capture the terrain, effort, and reward that define our deer season.
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.
