IDAHO ELK HUNTS

Elk hunting in Idaho is known to some as “Idaho’s best kept secret”. The rugged, timber-covered terrain provides these amazing animals the perfect habitat for thriving elk populations. Ace Outfitters offers guided elk hunts during archery and rifle seasons, and limits each camp to only four hunters per week. Archery season occurs in September, and the rifle season occurs in October. If you are wondering which week is the best to hunt, we will ask you to flip a coin. We have killed bulls early in the season, late in the season, and every week in between. Your success depends more on the weather, your physical condition, and straight shooting. The same is true for deer hunting. Historically, we usually have a little more snow later in the season to help push the bigger bucks down to lower elevations. Heavier snowfall tends to make mule deer hunting a little better during the last week of the season. However, mule deer season closes October 31st, only allowing the last week of hunters to pursue mule deer for the first three days of their hunt. The last week of the elk/deer combination hunt ends on November 3rd.

Ace Outfitters is the exclusive outfitter to hunt over 500 square miles of permitted USFS land. Our camp sits at 6,300 feet, and we are hunting elevations from approximately 4000 to 7500 feet. You can expect to hunt landscapes from dark timber to old burns, and open hillsides. This country is beautiful; however, it can make some serious demands on your body. We strongly encourage you to physically prepare for your hunt with us. This will increase your chances of killing that trophy bull, and will also make your hunt more enjoyable. You want to arrive in reasonably good condition, and trust us, it will pay off.

Ace Outfitters provides wilderness-style hunts. We hunt from wall tents, outfitted with cots and wood stoves for your comfort. With the use of propane lanterns and wood heat, we believe you will feel right at home. Each morning you can expect a hot breakfast, and plan to be out on the trail before daylight. Our camp cook will provide you with a sack lunch, and you will be out in the mountains all day in search of your trophy bull. When the day’s hunt closes, you will return to camp for a delicious dinner.

Hunting from our camps is mostly done on foot. Gentle mules and horses are kept in camp primarily for packing out your game, and occasionally are used to hunt from. Our guides believe in hunting at a pace that is comfortable to you; they will hunt as hard as you are willing and able to hunt. They take their jobs very seriously, and want to give you the best opportunities that are available.

ARCHERY ELK HUNTS (ELK & BEAR COMBO)

During archery season, you will be hunting during the peak of the rut. There is nothing quite like the sound of bulls screaming in the mountains! This time of the year is addicting…chasing after those bulls gets in your blood and will keep you coming back for more. You will be hunting timber, old burns, and occasionally near wallows. You should plan on covering some ground, and expect to see lots of fresh elk sign. With the right weather conditions, archery elk hunting is one of the most exciting hunts you will ever experience. Ace Outfitter’s guides will use their bugling and cow-calling techniques to locate the bulls, and try to convince them to move in a little closer for your shot opportunity.

While the focus is on elk during archery season, there are also opportunities to hunt color-phase black bear if you have a bear tag. This is a combination elk/bear hunt, and the bears are hunted over bait. Be sure to check out our photo gallery to see pictures of the color-phase bears we have taken over the years.

Ace Outfitters’ guides want you to arrive and prove to them that you have practiced extensively with your bow. Even though most shots are between 20 and 30 yards, you should be able to place your arrows well at 40 yards. Practice shooting under all conditions and angles, both standing up and from your knees. We have had many shots missed because of leaning around trees and brush to shoot. Be sure to shoot with all hunting clothes on. Make sure no articles of clothing are in the way, or the bow is being held different because of heavy clothes and thick sleeves. Please review Idaho’s Equipment Restrictions that we have provided to help you with questions on your archery equipment. We have also provided a suggested gear list to help prepare you for your hunt. Keep in mind that quietness is a crucial factor when archery elk hunting, so do not bring any noisy clothing.

RIFLE ELK HUNTS (ELK & DEER COMBO)

Rifle season always proves to be exciting because the elk herds are residential and do not migrate in or out of the area. Elk are best hunted primarily by the spot and stalk method during rifle season. On average, 90% of our hunters have opportunity, and 60% actually make their kill. Averages have everything to do with shooting skills and capability; some years are better than others based on the experience of our clients. It is highly recommended you bring a rifle that you are comfortable with. We prefer any caliber above a .30-06, sighted in at 200 yards. Average shots range anywhere from 150-400 yards. Please call with any questions regarding your rifle or cartridges; we would be happy to advise you.

The average bulls we harvest score between 250-320 inches. Most of these bulls are 5x5 or 6x6; however, our area carries some unique genetics. We have harvested bulls that have had more than 6 points to a side, and we have picked up sheds to bulls with 7, 8, and 9 points to a side. The elk drop their antlers in the spring, and our guides head into the mountains to find them. Some of the bulls have consistently dropped their antlers in the same places each year. By finding their antlers, it can be impressive to see a young bull grow into a mature bull. Just in case you are wondering, we do not believe in charging you trophy fees.

Ace Outfitters offers an elk and deer combination rifle hunt. While the primary focus is on elk during rifle season, elk and deer are hunted simultaneously because they use the same terrain. We recommend purchasing a deer tag; you won’t want to be caught without it! In our area, 90% of the deer taken are mule deer. They are usually 4x4 or 5x5, and average about 20-24 inches wide. Most of these deer have beautiful black antlers, often with a few kickers and some trash by the eye-guards. While it is not typical to kill a 30 inch buck every year, there certainly are a few bucks of that caliber that live in the drainages we hunt. Our area provides great cover for these monsters to thrive. Remember, arriving in good physical condition will often increase your chances of going where the monster muleys like to hide.

The weather in Idaho can change very quickly. Try to prepare for most situations, and temperatures from 65 degrees F to 10 degrees F. We suggest dressing in layers (light to medium weight) so that you can shed layers if you heat up and add layers if you get cold. This will help you maintain a constant body temperature. Please review our suggested gear list to prepare for your hunt.

RATES AND DATES

Elk (5 1/2 DAY HUNT)

Archery: Elk/Bear Combo	September	$4950
Rifle: Elk/Deer Combo	October	$5950