Mule Deer Hunts in Idaho

Featured Hunts

We think these three hunts should be at the top of your list.

Unit 66 Archery Elk & Mule Deer Combo Hunt, 5-Days, 2x1, Outfitter Allocated Tags

Experience fantastic elk hunting in Idaho’s Caribou Targhee national forest. Extensive experience with horses is not required, the Saddle Horn stock is made up of well seasoned pack animals, but you must be physically able to ride at least 8 hours on the pack in day and 8 hours on the pack out day.

6500

Saddle Horn Outfitters

Fair Chase

Public

Tent

Yes

Wood Burning Stove

Cot

Meals Provided

Unspecified

6500

Combo Hunt

Unit 66 Archery Elk & Mule Deer Combo Hunt, 5-Days, Semi-Guided

3850

Saddle Horn Outfitters

Fair Chase

Public

Tent

Yes

Wood Burning Stove

Cot

Meals Not Provided

Unspecified

3850

Combo Hunt

Northern Idaho Mule Deer Hunt, Lodge-Based

Mule deer hid in landscape pockets in higher elevation, large hemlock groves, or in clearcuts at higher elevation. They are not found as easily in lower country. You will be glassing, spotting and stalking, and hunting above the tree line or in old clearcuts. You'll need good binoculars to find these trophy mule deer, as they're often visible from long distances. You and your hunting partner will be accompanied by one of our professional guides on this hunt. You'll need good binoculars and your hiking boots to get to these trophy deer, this is the adventure you've been looking for.

5000

Shattuck Creek Outfitters

Fair Chase

Public

Cabin

Yes

Modern Climate Control

Bed

Meals Provided

Unspecified

5000

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About Our Mule Deer Hunts in Idaho

Most important info about these hunts—landscapes, strategies, costs, and comforts.

Summary & Terrain

Idaho mule deer hunts take place across a mix of high-elevation ridges, timbered drainages, and open basins where these iconic Western deer concentrate. Many hunt areas feature rugged terrain—steep hemlock groves, clearcuts above treeline, and rolling sage flats—offering excellent habitat and high deer densities. In some units, you’ll glass expansive benches overlooking valleys, while in others you’ll navigate cutthroat trails high in National Forest backcountry. Whether accessed by vehicle-supported guided camps or by a remote pack-in drop camp, Idaho’s diverse landscapes set the stage for encountering trophy mule deer.

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Difficulty & Strategy

Hunts range from moderate to challenging depending on access and method. Guided spot-and-stalk outings benefit from pre-hunt scouting and professional tracking, making them well suited to both first-time hunters and seasoned veterans. Archery hunters capitalize on dense cover and one-on-one guiding to close distances, while rifle hunters often employ long-range glassing from vantage points. For those seeking a more self-reliant adventure, outfitted drop camps offer backcountry solitude but require hiking or horseback pack-in, gear packing, and personal field dressing. In all cases, sharp optics, solid stalking skills, and good physical conditioning will maximize success.

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Amenities

Mule deer hunts in Idaho typically offer a selection of accommodations ranging from full-service lodges and cozy cabins to remote spike-style tent camps. In lodges and cabins, hunters enjoy standard beds and modern climate-controlled interiors, while tent camps are outfitted with sturdy cots and wood-burning stoves to keep evenings and early mornings warm. This blend of housing and heating options provides a balance of comfort and backcountry atmosphere suitable for both newcomers and experienced hunters.

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Season & Additional Info

Idaho mule deer seasons include an early rifle window in October—ideal for older, high-scoring bucks—and a late November rut period where deer become more vocal and mobile. Archery seasons often run concurrently with rifle dates, providing unlimited tag opportunities and excellent draw odds, particularly for youth hunters in select units. Most guided hunts are two to three days long, including all permits, field dressing, and meat transport; drop camps typically mirror these dates but require hunters to supply food, licenses, and processing. With ample tag availability, high deer numbers, and a variety of hunt formats, Idaho remains a premier destination for trophy mule deer pursuits.

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Pricing

Mule deer hunts in Idaho typically start around $5,500 for a multi-day, fully guided package. The cost reflects one-on-one guiding, meals, field care of trophies and a range of lodging options—from spike-style tents with cots and wood stoves to cozy cabins and full-service lodges with climate control. Lower-priced hunts generally feature shorter durations and simpler camp setups, while mid-range packages include upgraded cabins, more inclusive meal plans and access to productive hunting units. At the premium end, extended trips out of private or lightly pressured public lands are staged from high-comfort lodges, offering extra services such as airport transfers, laundry and more flexible hunt scheduling. In most cases, basic trophy care—skinning, salting and preparation for shipping—is covered, while tag fees and license costs are typically handled separately.

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Mule Deer Hunts in Idaho

Featured Hunts